I’m tired of it all. Being at home, feeling bored (even though I always seem to have a million things to do somehow), and watching the world freak out perpetually without an end in sight. Regardless, it’s really freaking hard to keep working on my book (my current WIP in a sequel to my last release, which is extra challenging for me since I have to carry the cadence and themes from book one while still introducing new twists and ideas). My previous release was a time travel coming of age romance which you can find on Amazon HERE if that might interest you.
Regardless, the sequel has been tough for me to sit down and write, so here’s some stuff I’ve been trying in order to get myself back on track (and I’m literally doing these now because ya girl be struggling).
#1: Write something that’s not your WIP
A random journal entry, a song, or in my case, lots of music articles. I’ve been interning and freelancing for a few years now, writing music and concert reviews for Boston Sports Desk and more recently, Rhode-Island based Motif Magazine. Since I’m a musician as much as I am a writer, I genuinely enjoy writing about music in a professional setting. And lately, my articles have been getting literally thousands of views, which is pretty awesome even if I have no real idea how it happened, LOL. But regardless, using your brain for something besides your story is a great way to get the wheels turning in a new way that should free up the ideas again (hopefully).
If you’re a music nerd like me, you can read my Boston Sports Desk Articles and my Motif Magazine debut online with these embedded hyperlinks 🙂
#2: Write something that IS your WIP
What I mean by this is, don’t be afraid to skip ahead to that scene you’ve been so excited to write but couldn’t get to yet. Indulge that passion and let your mind roam free. After all, no one said you had to write your scenes chronologically! Besides, I’ve found that by getting that exciting scene out of your head and onto your computer (or notebook, if that’s your vibe) lets your brain recharge itself and refocus on the sightly more taxing scenes. Overall, just be nice to yourself! It’s a tall order building a story and a world out of nothing. Don’t force it, just let it flow.
#3: Watch / Read something you like
Easiest trick in the book – step away and hang out with Netflix for a bit. It could also be helpful to pick shows that fit the genre you’re hoping to write in – that way you can visualize your ideas better while observing how the pros build characters and plot lines that keep even the pickiest viewers engaged and eating out of the palm of their hands. I’m about to dive into the second season of Umbrella Academy, and even though it’s not super relevant to my YA/NA contemporary romance style, it does have the time travel going for it, so at least I can use it for that. In reality, I’d say Outer Banks was maybe closer to my writing style (which I absolutely recommend, by the way).
Regardless, just roll with wherever your mind takes you. You can’t build something new until you let your mind rest, and this usually helps me a lot (I say “usually” because nothing is guaranteed of course, but these tips certainly can’t hurt to try).
Thank you for being here, and supporting this little blog. I hope these thoughts are helpful! Leave comments below and tell me what you’ve been working on – let’s support each other as writers from wherever we are 🙂
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Angelina Singer Author Updates 