Overcoming Writer's Block: Doing This Inspired Me to Write Again
One year ago in June 2017, I published my first novel followed by an anthology a month later. In May 2018, I published another anthology and continued to maintain my blog, “Overcoming and Becoming One With God.” Writing has always been an outlet for me. Things I didn't feel safe in verbalizing I wrote down as a way to relieve internal pain and mental anguish. My writing overtime has become more inspirational, but where does the person who writes to inspire go for inspiration?
Before I went to local coffee shops or restaurants and would type away on my laptop without the fear of grammatical errors or punctuation mistakes. Other times, I would read a book similar to how I felt in order to gain inspiration. This time though I decided to completely change my environment and immerse myself in literary greatness.
I found out that my city had recently opened a museum dedicated to the art of writing. Poets, playwrights, authors, speakers and everyone who used their words to transform lives were honored and recognized there. Even better, I found a good discount and planned an entire adult field trip (which my driver believed was an oxymoron lol). In order to create art, you must become one with it.
I learned so much in the span of two hours and had I planned it out more, I could have easily spent the entire day there. Artists such as Maya Angelou, Stephen King, Prince, Tupac Shakur and more were celebrated for their great works. There was a space for children to enjoy, filled with books from Dr. Seuss, Louisa May Alcott, Langston Hughes and the list goes on! The city of Chicago's literary history was chronicled from the 1800’s to present day. Incredible doesn't even begin to describe it.
If you are looking for inspiration to write your book, I encourage you to get outside of the norm. Study your craft. Go to environments that motivate you to be creative. Surround yourself with others who also share your passion of writing. If you still struggle with preparing to write, read my blog post "Overcoming Procrastination: How I Wrote Over 50K Words in 30 Days + Free Writer's Guide So You Can Too!" There is a free writer's guide awaiting you there and if you need accountability or a writing coach, book a Discovery Call today!
The book that is inside of you is needed to inspire, motivate, encourage, deliver and set the captive free. Will you be obedient and finally write it? Some of my favorite author tips came from an exhibit with quotes from Octavia E. Butler and Henry Miller. "You don't start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it's good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That's why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence. It's just so easy to give up!" - Octavia Butler. "Work on one thing at a time until finished. Don't be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand. Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it. Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all these come afterwards." - Henry Miller
If you visit the American Writers Museum, send me a message or comment below and let me know!
“That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence. ”
“Write first and always.”