MENTAL BLOCK OR ROAD BLOCK
by Genviev Pannos

From one of my readers came this plea way back, the end of September…

I am an aspiring fiction writer who can't seem to get beyond the plot outline stage. I got an idea (a good one, I think) for a genre novel a couple of years ago, and worked away on it happily until the outline was complete. I've got a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of plot points, plus background notes on characters, setting, motivations, etc.

But then I got STUCK. Those files have been sitting in my hard drive for over a year, and now I don't seem to have the steam or feel motivated to actually WRITE the darned thing.

For a while I thought the problem might be that I don't feel completely comfortable composing at the computer. So, I bought myself one of those little dictation machines, thinking I might enjoy "telling" the story rather than writing it. My intention was to then transcribe my recording in the hopes of kick-starting myself. The problem? I've never used a dictation machine. It just sits in my desk collecting dust. My first question: Is this a common problem? Or should I take this, as a message from my sub-conscious that I'm not cut out to be a fiction writer? My second question: Do you have any suggestions on how I can stop procrastinating, put my insecurities behind me and start writing?
Thanks in advance, Mercedes


Dear Mercedes,

Yours is a common problem for writers trying to get everything perfect the first time through. It doesn't mean you're not cut out to be a fiction writer. I've had the same problem myself for years and have thousands of dated index cards with ideas for plot, theme, characterization, dialogue, etc. to prove it. It's a message from your subconscious that you ARE cut out to be a fiction writer. You can use all the material you've gathered in your stories or novel and what's more, if you get stuck, keep adding to it.

Question number two is best addressed by just sitting down to write for an hour or less without regard to the quality of your writing. All writing is rewriting so just bite the bullet and force yourself to at least begin a tale without worrying about its quality. You can change anything the next time through. Expect to rewrite your novel at least three times before trying to market it and more times to fit your publisher's style guidelines and editor's whims.

They have a job to do and if an editor doesn't suggest changes her employer may consider her unnecessary. Give it at least one shot at writing the opening of your novel without referring to your accumulated background material. Just rely on your memory of it the first time you start actually writing. Double or triple space so you'll be able to go back and insert the plot points or interior monologue you have prepared as background. You're probably just over thinking everything. I've heard back from members who've asked questions similar to yours.