What to do when Writing is hard?

An inspiring visit to the Bronte house in Haworth where I got to write a tiny part of the manuscript of Wuthering Heights being recreated for display.

This is a question I have asked myself plenty of times. In fact, it is often after just being inspired to begin a new story that I suddenly get attacked by a bout of writer's block. Normally I find that I am inspired to begin a new story very soon after I had published a book. Yet after thinking of the new plot and even planning it, I suddenly find that putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, is very hard indeed.

Perhaps it is that motivation from the triumph of another finished book wears off. Perhaps it is that I just need to get my teeth into the meat of the nitty gritty plot, or perhaps it is simply because I am tired. My brain needs a break before working on a new project.

I have learnt to tackle this kind of writer's block in different ways.

Reading.

Reading around the genre or period or theme that I am writing about often helps. Usually this involves a trip to the library, which I never need much persuasion to do! This has two benefits. Working out what kind of style I would like to use in my own story and also for my own research into the period, topic or theme.

Research.

As I set a lot of books in the past, I find that researching into that period helps. Either by reading information books or by searching on the website or even talking to people, research is always helpful to inspire scenes or moments in the manuscript.

Visits.

I try and visit places that inspire me. Perhaps it might be a location that I envisage using in the manuscript. Or perhaps it is a place that will give more information like local tourist centres, town halls or museums.

Writing.

This sounds weird! But it was a tip I learnt from another writer. Sometimes one way of getting over writer's block is just to write...something. Even if it is deleted, even if it sounds rubbish, even if it is not related to the manuscript I want to work on. Writing something, anything to inspire the love of writing again can sometimes work wonders.

And that, my friends, is why I have written this blog. I am currently suffering with a case of writer's block. So I decided to write this! I hope it might help or inspire someone out there!