VS Grenier ~ Award-Winning Author, Speaker & Podcaster

In my most recent class with James Patterson, he addressed writer's block and the things keeping those who want to write from writing. I find I don't get writer's block, and even Patterson made the comment he is immune to it. Those who tend to get writer's block in my opinion (which isn't too far from Patterson's) focus on getting one thing completed and, therefore, find themselves stressing about what isn't happening instead of moving on to something else. For example: focusing on writing an individual chapter, scene, character sketch, blog post, book blurb. The problem is most writers don't move on and come back to whatever it was holding them up. Instead, they stare at the black screen, page or whatever hoping the words will come. If you can't relax the mind, how can your muse honestly come forward? It can't. So move on. Write something else, go for a walk, get some chores done around the house, call a friend, get something to eat or drink...

James Patterson said, "Once you have your original plot condensed, call a friend and share the pitch. Pause for a moment and see if they ask for more. If they do, you might be onto something." Raw ideas may come to you all the time. I know I come across new ideas all the time and daily sometimes. However, not all those raw ideas are worth turning into stories and this is why it is important to take those ideas and work them into a plot or as James Patterson suggests, "Use your favorite raw idea and write a plot down in 3 to 5 concise sentences." This sounds a bit easier than it is and so I'm here to share two of my raw ideas written down into a 3 to 5 concise sentence plot. Let me know what you think and if you're brave, I'd love for you to share a raw idea written down into a 3 to 5 concise sentence plot. Raw Idea #1 Coming of age, paranormal, mystery about a young girl, Kayla, who starts seeing things after the stabbing of her best friend during...

Finding time to write can always be a challenge. We have families and interruptions, jobs and children. Lives take over and, I can honestly say, I can get so busy that I can’t remember what day it is. But, in the early morning or late evening is when I can write for long periods of time without interruption.  It is my time for myself to do what I need to do. It is peaceful. During the day with so much activity, it is hard to function. We must all find time for ourselves to write, but we also must find time for ourselves to take breaks as well. Believe it or not, for me, it brings more clarity.  As writers, we can get so close to our writing that we miss some of our own mistakes because we are so close to it, so by stepping away for a little bit, we are able to see those mistakes. Now, I will also fit in a half hour here and there during the day. My boys and I have read time as well as quiet time for all of us to recharge our batteries. These times are great to get a few pa...