Procrastination & Writer's Block

Welcome to the first meeting of Procrastinators Anonymous.

Just kidding. Though if that was a real group, pretty much all of us would have to join.

Procrastination. Just combining that word with "writing" makes me want to cringe, since I'm guilty of neglecting my writing and watching it slowly descend to the bottom of my priorities list. I procrastinate on things I enjoy and the thing I hate wind up being at the top of my to-do list. But that's life, isn't it? School, work, sports, clubs. They fill up our lives, defining them, but not allowing us to do what we love most.

Many claim that writer's block has prevented them from writing. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I don't think writer's block should stop you from writing at all. If I get stuck on a story and can't think of what to do next, I simply move on to something else. I have so many ideas floating around in my head, so when I am stuck with one idea, I pluck the next one out. The theory of writer's block shouldn't keep you from something you enjoy. Laryngitis can keep a singer from singing, but writer's block can't keep a writer from writing. You will not get worse if you write with writer's block. In fact, for me, writing when I have writer's block helps me get rid of it. Sometimes, if you're procrastinating writing or just have writer's block, try a small prompt to get your juices flowing.

Writing prompts to wake your muse:

1) Put on a song you like. Really listen to the lyrics and mood of the song. Then begin to write. Don't be distracted with grammar. Just write. You can stop when the song is over and choose another one to put on, or you can continue on. Sometimes putting the song that really inspires you on replay helps.

2) Pick an object, any at all. If you are at a loss, pick something around the room. Now write a short story (not long, as long as you want to make it) and make that object central to the story line.

3) Write about something that has happened to you and either write about your experience in depth or alter it and make it a work of fiction. It could be from a heated argument to a first kiss. Make it as long as you want.

4) Go onto a quote site such as Quoteland and pick any quote that appeals to you. Then write about whatever comes to your mind.

I hope this helped awake your muse! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them here or email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...

Question: How do you awake your muse? If you use a prompt, which ones do you enjoy most?

Stick to It!

Ever have trouble sticking to your writing? Every writer does. It's human nature; we get distracted easily. We all have undiagnosed A.D.D. It's just how we are.

One of the most popular ways to stay on track is to make goals, both large and small. Many authors try to have a minimum word count per day. As well as a daily work count minimum, many writers make long-term goals, either for a month, a season, or until a set date. Sometimes people like to make a time line of their progress so they know how far along they are and how much more time they need to reach their goals.

The old "rewards and punishments" comes into play as well. I've met people (such as on the lovely Quill and Ink forums I moderate) who punish themselves for not reaching their goals. People cut away their favorite snacks or hobbies.

There are always small time slots for you to fit in a couple hundred words here and there. Free period in school? Definitely. Fifteen minutes before leaving the house? Can do! If you can compile the few minutes we waste in between activities, you could have a thousand words without even trying!

Well that's all for this week. You are feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com if you have any questions or comments. I'll respond as soon as I can. I would love to hear what you think about this topic! Now it's time to go sharpen that pencil...

Question: Ever feel like you just can't write anymore? How did you overcome it?

Welcome to Intent Forgotten!

Hello! I have created this blog as a way to help young aspiring authors like myself to improve their writing. Many of us only dream of having a novel published and I hope to teach all of you what I have learned so far about writing and perhaps we could reach our dreams of publication together.

I came up with the name of my blog because, as usual, I was distracted from my writing. As much as I love to write, I get distracted so easily. I always forget what it was that I had to do, why I was in such a place, etc. So, if you ever lose your muse or intentions, feel free to stop by and leave a comment or simply read my newest post.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. You can also leave a comment if you so wish to. Time to go sharpen that pencil...