Dear writers of children’s lovely literature,
Sometimes the words are there for the picking. Other times, they’re nowhere to be found. I’m not a fan of the term ‘writer’s block’ because it sounds large and weighty and impossible to move. It feels permanent. But the truth is that there are times when it is difficult to move forwards because blocks of something heavy are stuck to the underside of my shoes.
CLUMP, dra-a-a-g. CLUMP, d-r-a-a-g.
Today, for me, even writing this post is difficult. The words have flown the coop, headed for the hills, taken to the woods, gone on the lam. It’s just one of those days.
What to do?
I’ve found that playing with different forms of writing can often do the job of dissolving the writing blocks on my feet as well as any concrete mortar dissolver, and give me a way in to what it is I’m trying to say.
This doesn’t only apply to poetry, but to prose too. If you’re having trouble writing text for a picture book, middle-grade or YA novel, play around with forms. Perhaps straight prose isn’t what the story needs. Epistolary, hybrid, graphic novel…give them all a try. Perhaps changing the tense or point of view will do the trick? It doesn’t really matter what you try, but the simple act of changing something can spark a new idea or open a door. As the quote goes:
“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
Albert Einstein
I wanted to write a poem about doing nothing, and enjoying it. A good lollygag is something everyone can benefit from. The idea was clear in my head, but I couldn’t find a way to express it. I originally wanted it to be an acrostic poem to draw attention to the word LOLLYGAG which is delightful, but I struggled with it. So, I popped it into free verse. I haven’t quite reached the point where I’m happy with any of them, and I might try triolet or haiku next. But what’s interesting is the way browning skin, cookies and a robin found their way into the free verse when they weren’t lurking behind any words in the original acrostic poem. Ha! The magic of change..
(Draft #12)
(Draft #9)
If you find that trying a different form of what you’re writing still isn’t doing the trick, I’ve written another post of What To Do When You’re Stuck. Keep trying, and that story will eventually find its way onto the paper. It may look nothing like what you originally intended, but it may surprise you by being much better.
Tricia, at The Miss Rumphius Effect, is hosting Poetry Friday this week.
I so agree, Lou. Trial and error is a huge part of my writing projects–pretty much every one of them!
Mine too! I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one.
Wonderful post — appreciate this good advice and enjoyed seeing both drafts of your lollygagging idea. I also don’t like the term “writer’s block.” As you said, it’s really more a problem of finding a way into your subject, of beginning . . . switching things up is definitely helpful. 🙂
It’s simple, but effective. And I think that a lot of people don’t realise that a solution doesn’t have to be complex and difficult.
Great post! I often use acrostics to get ideas flowing–in a way it’s a bit like a list. I was just reading a book by Jack Prelutsky and he talked about how writing lists is one of his favored writing strategies. Thanks for the reminder that trying a different form or entry point can be a powerful way to move forward!
Hi Molly. Yes! It is a list, isn’t it? And lists are really nothing more than a gathering of things which can then be put to good use.
I love. your post, Lou, with examples from your good advice! And I love “water’s liquid lullaby,” though today our ‘lullaby’ happens to be rain, and most of the day, strange weather for this time of year for us in Denver! No baking today!
There’s been no baking here in France either. It’s the weirdest spring. Cold, wet and relentless. My legs have seen shorts twice and my toes are now webbed…
Poetry is one of my morning writing disciplines… and YES! it does help with getting un-stuck! Lou, I love the acrostic LOLLYGAG!
A morning poetry routine is mindfulness at its absolute best and most enjoyable! I’m glad you like the acrostic. Thank you, Patricia!
Trial and error rules my world! And one of my favorite prompts for a student who whined “I don’t have anything to write about!” was “write about not having anything to write about” (or it’s corollary — write about I Hate Writing)!!
Ha! I bet they whined even more about that! So many people think that those who like to write always find it easy, but that’s just not the case. There are days where the words flow and there are days where nothing comes.
Love your lollygags, Lou! Sometimes the best things flow after a logjam. 🙂
Yes, once the debris has been washed away…
Lou, I am so glad that I stopped by your post today. I adore the word lollygagging and found your tips so refreshing. I love your word choices, such as liquid lullaby, flashes red underwear, and yo-yoing. You gave me incentive to write my day away.
Did I? Well then you’ve made my day! Thank you, I’m so happy that my lollygags have inspired you.