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?