Writer's Block - Again

There have been several instances of writer's block over the last sixteen years. My way to deal with it is to write around the spot I'm stuck on. I'll get back to that scene in the next draft.

My latest writer's block issue is book five of The Nikki Page Mysteries. Rather than write around the problems, I put the book aside after my publicist suggested I might be over Nikki Page. While I love the character, the purpose she served in my life is no longer needed.

I am ready for something new. I figured out that I enjoy writing fantasy over mystery because I like creating something that doesn't exist. Mystery, no magic, requires more research, and I'm constantly looking up information because, in the real world, you can't do that.

My list of ideas grows, yet my time shrinks. I want to explore ancient civilizations and the demons they fought. I want to explore the history of Chicago, filled with amazing ghost stories and interesting people.

I have an idea. It's at the very beginning, and even starting something new, I've been experiencing writer's block. I couldn't connect with the character or the story. I started over twice. I know the third attempt is something to keep because I refined the story, took out a piece that didn't fit, and found the start. I couldn't get past page three, now I'm on page eight, and that was one sitting. I'm on to something.

Writer's Block is a real affliction for writers. It happens for a host of reasons. For me, it has to do with not selling books, not needing characters any longer, I have too many ideas floating around in my head, and I needed to take time to figure out the real direction of the books.

For my next series, think fantasy, think mystery, think novellas. I have a lot of ideas I want to put on paper, but not much time.

I truly miss sitting and writing. I miss creating new worlds. I miss that sense of accomplishment of finishing a full story. I feel like myself when I write. It's fulfilling when I take time to create something worth spending time with.

For now, it's this new project. I'll put away Nikki until I'm ready to finish her story, and I'll put away Annie as I realize the last book probably wasn't necessary in the scheme of Annie's life. This next project will allow me to expand my fantasy universe and explore new, interesting people and places. I can't wait to share.

And that's how you put a stop to Writer's Block. You write around it.