Writer's Block Solutions

When people set out to become writers, they're often stumped when asked about their activities. This is a problem that pops up regularly in forums and online chats. What do you say? You're a writer, so why won't the words come? Last month I mentioned Kristi Holl's Writer's First Aid. Another cause of writer's block that she mentions is:

Personality style: passive or aggressive, outgoing or shy, rigid or flexible, courageous or fearful. An outgoing person may be great a book signings and marketing his work, yet block when it's time to sit down--alone--and write for three hours. The flexible person may have numerous ideas that flow effortlessly and may be able to juggle a number of different projects, yet he may block when it's time to choose just one idea and get to work. The insecure person may write fluently and happily alone, yet block when nearing the end of her story because she's too afraid of rejection to submit a finished product.

This reminded me of C. Hope Clark's well-known The Shy Writer. On her eponymous website, Hope offers hope for shy writers on a page titled What You Can Do. The very first tip from her book states, "Clearly define the type writer you are." Another is, "Learn that "People Like Positive" and how that phrase can help you." The last piece of advice that I think can help most all beginners is: Create your basic essential statements so you do not have to think when asked question like "What do you do?" "What do you write?" "What is your book about?"

This is where elevator speeches and loglines (one sentence summaries) of your works come in very handy. How can you say something when you have nothing to say? Be a Girl Scout, be prepared!