Caffeine and Creativity with JL Wilson

I mentioned last month that I felt blocked in my writing. I believe I've found THE tool that helps me smash through that blockade.

Lists.

I always have the hardest time starting a book. I diddle around, doing anything but start working on it. I research, I work on back story for the characters,

I know, I know -- be careful what you wish for. "The light at the end of the tunnel is the light of the oncoming train" (or words to that effect).

BUT -- there may be a light at the end of February's tunnel. I swear, it's been the longest month. Each week has presented enormous challenges. A funeral, a root canal, unpleasant legal hassles ... will this month never end?

However, there was a bright spot in the month. I reviewed a book I wrote several months ago now that it's fresh again. That's how I do it, I let it sit for months then I re-read it and am always surprised that, hey, I wrote it, and it's not that bad. There are a few tweaks here and there, but overall, yeah, I'm happy with it. I am sending it off to my formatter for prep to be released in March.

In addition to some writing goals (more on that later), some writer friends suggested that we choose a word to be our theme or inspiration or descriptor for our upcoming year.

Mine is flexibility. I have the sneaking suspicion that if I can be more flexible, I'll be less stressed. If an appointment makes me run late, I think, "I'm flexible. I can manage this. No problem." If something unexpected happens, I pause and think, "I'm flexible. This can be dealt with. Stay calm."

Flexible. I'm flexible.

If you're having a holiday where you are, I hope it's a happy one. Use the time to recharge your writing batteries so you're ready for a fresh burst of

I forgot how energizing it can be to hang out with a bunch of writers. Last month I had my annual getaway with a group of writers. We go to a casino, hang out, brainstorm books, gamble, and generally have a great time.

Nothing is off limits in terms of brainstorming. You can toss out the most outrageous idea possible and we are obligated to help you figure out how to make it work. In the process, I find my mind finds new possibilities in my current Work in Progress, or in other ideas that I discarded as being too tricky or tough to do.