Happy Friday! I’m SO excited to have a very special lady on my blog today. Isabella Louise Anderson. I’ve known her for many years although we’ve never met in person. She’s sweet and bubbly, and just launched her first novel, THE RIGHT DESIGN. But first, she’s going to share her tips for getting past writer’s block. Take it away, Isabella!
FOUR TIPS FOR OVERCOMEING WRITER’S BLOCK
At some point, every author has had writer’s block. It’s not something we can control, and it’s definitely not something we like, but it’s all part of being an author.
Here are my favorite four tips to overcoming writer’s block:
1. Give it thirty-five minutes: Buy an egg timer (I do this so that I’m not distracted by other apps on my iPhone), set it for thirty-five minutes, and write anything. Whether it’s good or bad, that doesn’t matter, but what does is that you’re writing. Go back to it a few days later when you’re feeling refreshed, and add to and/or cut out what you don’t like. Once you’ve looked over and changed things, set the timer for another thirty-five minutes, and keep writing.
2. Read books and watch TV: Take a break and read a book or watch TV, but here’s the kicker—watch something that you’d never watch, and use it for inspiration. If I hadn’t have listened to my husband telling me over and over how great of a show “Doctor Who” is, I would have never written a line in my next release, Cards from Khloe’s Flower Shop, which refers to a TARDIS (time and relative dimensions in space).
Reading is also a great way to get the juices in your mind flowing. When I get writer’s block, I re-read the first two chapters of a book I loved (Ladies Night, by Mary Kay Andrews, for example). Doing this helps me remember that even bestselling authors have their struggles, too, and that stressing over writer’s block isn’t going to help. Just let the writing come naturally.
3. Workout: During writer’s block, I will often get on my treadmill, hoping that an idea will spark my imagination. While walking, I let my mind go, and try my best to not think about anything. Often after picking up the pace, to my surprise, a light bulb goes off, and I’ve suddenly been inspired to write. However, I don’t let my sudden burst of creativeness stop my workout, I wait until my time is up, and then I head directly to my laptop.
4. Socialize: Go out and socialize with your friends. Go have drinks (ones with umbrellas in them), gossip about celebrities over cappuccinos, or pop a cork on a bottle of champagne just because you can. While it’s fun to take part in conversations, try to listen to what people are saying and how they say it, along with actions, too. I guarantee that you will come home with more inspiration than you imagined.
Author Bio:
Isabella grew up with a book in her hand, and to this day nothing has changed. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and has been featured on several blogs. While Isabella doesn’t blog a lot, she focuses her time on featuring other writers, along with writing and editing. Isabella Louise Anderson created Chick Lit Goddess to share the love of the following genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Romance, and Romantic Comedies! She loves featuring authors and their books. She lives in Dallas with her husband and cat. She enjoys spicy Mexican food and drinking margaritas, and can be found spending time with family and friends, cheering on the Texas Rangers, and reading. Isabella’s short story, Meet Me Under the Mistletoe, was featured in Simon & Fig’s Christmas anthology, Merry & Bright, in November 2013. The Right Design is her first novel.
Author Links:
Author Website: http://www.isabellalouiseanderson.com
Author Facebook “Like” page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabella-Louise-Anderson-Author/253277964716883
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7382151.Isabella_Louise_Anderson
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/chicklitgoddess/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ILA121209
**Get THE RIGHT DESIGN for just 99 cents during the tour!**
Purchase links:
Amazon (Kindle and paperback): http://www.amazon.com/Right-Design-Isabella-Louise-Anderson-ebook/dp/B00IW8UFTS/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=8-1&qid=1401508824
Amazon – Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/Right-Design-Isabella-Louise-Anderson-ebook/dp/B00IW8UFTS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1401508868&sr=8-2&keywords=the+right+design
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-right-design-isabella-louise-anderson/1118887877?ean=2940149305407
Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/the-right-design
Join the tour for a chance to win!
**Everyone who leaves a comment on the tour page will be entered to win a The Right Design prize pack! Prizes include an eBook of The Right Design, plus a mug and pen! Please note this is open to US/CA residents only!**
Thanks for hosting!
My pleasure, Samantha!
Thank you for featuring me today!!!
My pleasure, sweetie! So happy for you. Congrats again on your release!