McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft

Burn out?

<< < (4/5) > >>

Starbeam:

--- Quote from: BobForPresident on October 04, 2009, 06:19:50 PM ---For what it's worth, Salvatore would disagree with me. He claims he doesn't really read anymore, as it tends to affect his style. Whoa.

--- End quote ---
At this point, he can kinda say that.  He's been writing and publishing for something like 20 years.  If I'm not confusing him with a different author.

BobForPresident:

--- Quote from: Starbeam on October 04, 2009, 10:53:17 PM ---At this point, he can kinda say that.  He's been writing and publishing for something like 20 years.  If I'm not confusing him with a different author.

--- End quote ---

No, that's him. But I think his issue is also that other writers might point and say "Ooooo! That's my style! He's ripping me off!"

So, as you put it, not having 20 years of successful publishing under my belt, I keep readin'. :)

In particular, if you're a fantasty writer, I can't recommend Paul S Kemp's Erevis Cale Trilogy enough. Reading his stuff gave my characters their literary balls back.

DragonFire:
When I get stuck, I go to the bookstore and just look at titles....often words, phrases or pictures will spark me off, and I get inspired again...can make it a little tricky when I get a NEW idea I just wanna explore, but it really helps to recharge the batteries.

Gritti:
So far when I'm feeling blocked or burnt out I tell myself to first and foremost stay positive.  Don't go getting all bummed out and thinking you're not talented or anything.  We aren't writing machines...well I'm not...and I'm will to be there are very few writers out there that aren't affected by irritating coworkers, etc.

For inspiration I ask myself if I still like the story I'm writing and the answer is almost always yes, but when it's no then I go back and find the spot that changed it for me.

But honestly I think feeling burnt out is your imagination's way of telling you it's still brewing but nothing is ready at the moment.  You've used all of the ideas its come up with so far, but there will be more.  Just relax and wait for something to float to the surface.

Paynesgrey:
Yup.  Most people can't be creative when they have to force it.  I can draw and paint quite well, pieces that are photorealistic in style, morbid, creepifying and bleak for reasons nobody can really point out.  But I can't draw a stick figure if I don't have "inspiration."  I can't just sit down and say "I'm going to paint a '5'." and have anything happen.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page