MARGARET D. PAGAN, CHRISTIAN WRITER
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WRITER'S BLOCK 
 
 

Let's tackle topics that concern writers. The first topic is Writer's Block! All writers experience it.  There are times when you just can't figure out what to write. Check out the tips below, and read an article about the author's personal experience.
 
 
 
 

Combating Writer's Block :

 

Experiment -- Try to write in different places, at different times, and with different writing instruments.

 

Freewrite - Choose one sentence in a paragraph and write a paragraph about it. Then choose one sentence from that paragraph and do it again.

 

Cluster - Choose key words and ideas; then write associated ideas and words in clusters around them. This process often forms new ideas.

 

Be flexible -- Be willing to throw out sections of text that are causing problems or just don't work.

 

Follow a routine -- Follow a routine to get into the writing mood. Try activities like wearing comfortable clothing, using a certain pen, or listening to a particular CD or type of music.

 

Move -- Physically move around, stretch, or walk.

 

Take a break -- Get a snack or drink, talk to someone, or just relax for five minutes before starting to write again.

 

Concentrate -- Focus on a different section or aspect of your paper. This sometimes leads to new insights in problem areas, while allowing you to get work done on another section.

 

Re-read -- Read a print draft of the paper and jot down ideas while reading.

 

Relax! -- The more you worry, the harder it gets to think clearly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patience:  Perfect Route to a Good Manuscript

 

I began writing a historical novel set in the state of Georgia during the 1700s, and needed to get a character to New York City.  Despite months of research, I could not find anything about a route north, though I felt that one existed.  Not finding it, I decided to move my character by sea, but somehow it did not feel right. Frustrated, I put the manuscript aside.  I felt that if God wanted me to write this book, He would show me the way.

  

Several months later, I participated in an annual event for writers in which I was presented a book entitled The Island of Lost Maps by Miles Harvey.  Since I had no particular interest in maps, the book lay on my shelf for six months.  I kept it only because I had always enjoyed the books they had given me in previous years.

 

One day I picked up the book and flipped through its pages.  Imagine my surprise when the book referred to an old map valued by collectors that showed a route from Georgia to Virginia.

  

Published by the Scottish cartographer John Ogliby in 1672, the map includes the “Great Indian Trading Path,” one of the oldest travel routes in America.  This is exactly what I needed.  Now that I have the actual name of the path, research has filled in the details.

  

God showed me the way as far as Virginia!  Now it’s up to me to get my character the rest of the way.  How reassuring to know that He is with me on this project!

 

 

This article refers to the author’s manuscript on The Fulani Girls, and was first published in Cross & Quill:  The Christian Writers Newsletter, November/December 2005.

 

 

  

Email Margaret D. Pagan 

   margaretdpaganbooks@verizon.net