I'm sure this topic has been brought up before I arrived but I am in a serious writing slump. The posts I have been reading here are heartfelt and encouraging. Would any of you be willing to clue me in on your secrets for getting past writers block. I am 5 months past my deadline.

Thanks

The most useful thing I have ever been told is to turn the "internal editor" in your mind OFF and just write what comes out and keep on going. Eventually you will have something that surprises you!

Five months is a long time. Maybe you should colaberate with someone to get your juices flowing...Pass ideas back and forth. I would be willing to try if you want to. My email is on each post. I'm told this has helped many people.

Hi Jersey Girl! I don't know if empathy will really HELP you at this point, but I CAN empathize becasue I've gone through a similar slump. It was right after I finished my first book and needed to get started on the second but just couldn't. I honestly think I was just burned out and needed to rest (!) but I felt like I should be writing. So I just got AWAY from the novel and tried doing a few short stories instead and it seemed to pull me back into writing, but in a different direction from my mystery series.

It seemed to work because after I got those other stories "out of my head and onto paper" I was able to get back to work on the second novel. I've had a few minor slumps since then - but when they hit I just take a rest, write something "fun", then I'm able to return to the novel.

We're all here to help so if we can help you in some way - WE WILL!

I agree with Pam - try writing something different, or do some free writing exercises to see if that brings the flow back.

I've also found that reading helps me when I'm slumped - not reading about writing, though! - but reading a novel, or a book of poetry, or a biography, or something just plain fun. Seems to bring creativity back to me...

I also like chatty's idea of bouncing some ideas off of someone.

How about scheduling an hour each day to put your butt in the chair to write. Put a timer next to you and set it for an hour. Write about whatever comes to mind. Don't think about publishing, editing, or anything other than the habit of putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. Before you know it you'll need more than an hour to write what you want!

JG,

JJ here. These suggestions are great. One problem with slumps is that the more you dwell on the slump itself, the bigger the slump becomes, or the longer it hangs around. Focus on something totally different, even if its writing something different. I get TOTALLY away from writing and guess what? I find myself itching to get back! It's like traveling. Its fun, its nice, but Lord is it good to come home. If you get away from you keyboard, you will feel the same way I bet.

JJ

Jersey Girl,
Slumps happen and they are frustrating and can send you on guilt trips. You feel you should be writing, but just can't. Trouble is, the longer you stay on that guilt trip, the harder it is to get back to the fun writing. Try taking a break and reading something that is fun and thought provoking and sure to get you back into the swing. I always go to Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones-Freeing the Writer Within. A couple of chapters and I guarantee your hand will be itching to grab that pen. Anyway, please know that we're all here pulling for you. You'll find your way out of the slump, never fear.
Alanna

It will happen when you least expect it. You'll be in the shower or driving somewhere and it will hit you. You will come up with the idea that needs to be written down immediately. Just try not to dwell on it so much.

Jersey Girl, this is one of my favorite links. Today is #50; the last tool in the box. I think it will apply.
http://www.poynter.org/content/content_view.asp?id=79244&sid=2
I also have a copy of Overcoming Writer's Block and Other Problems of the Pen by Jenna Glatzer. It sits on my kitchen table. Sometimes it only prys a sentence out of me, sometimes a paragraph, always a chuckle. It's a funny thing, but I've heard many writers say READING is a way to overcome writer's block. I'm not sure if that is true for everyone - I'd rather stop breathing than stop reading...but a new topic in reading might tickle an idea or two. Worth a try.