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| PHOTO PROMPT © Priya Bajpal |
BEATING WRITER'S BLOCK
It was a clever idea.
Jenny meticulously
wrote down storylines on little pieces of paper and dropped them into
a jar.
The ideas were now
there for the taking. She couldn't wait to get started. She was
finally going to beat her writer's block.
Jenny pulled out the
first piece of paper and read the storyline. Oh my – it was good.
She removed another piece of paper. Well, but this idea was brilliant. Or maybe she should consider another? It might be the one
to really get her going. But what if the next idea was even better?
I hope you enjoyed this story and I look forward to your comments.
If you'd like to join in the challenge, you'll find all the information posted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
- her blog is listed on 'My Blog List' on the right hand side of this page.
On a final note - I always try to visit the blogs of everyone who comments on mine. If I haven't commented on yours it's either because I haven't been able to find your blog when I've clicked on your name or because you have a wordpress account that requires me to sign in first.
A modern take on a classic tale. Good one, Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks, Neil. I think most writers have been there.
DeleteDear Susan,
ReplyDeleteWe all go through the pain of writer's block. Only another writer can understand. I think your character has written herself into a new corner. Nicely done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Too clever for her own good perhaps, Rochelle? :)
DeleteAnd once she has decided on the storyline, she'll need a jar for characters, one for sub-plot, one for...
ReplyDeleteHe he - yes, it could be a long process!
DeleteIt clearly seemed a good idea at the time! Guess she'll just have to wait and hope.
ReplyDeleteClick to read my FriFic tale!
Next lesson to learn after combating writer's block is how to be disciplined. :)
DeleteAha! Now the tough choice on what to write! Writer's excess! :)
ReplyDeleteAnother Try - Anita
Indeed, Anita! :)
DeleteAh yes, we have all stared at a blank sheet or screen.
ReplyDeleteIf you have - sorry, if Jenny has - a spare idea or two...
He he, I think Jenny's problem is having such an excess of ideas she can't choose. :)
DeleteMaybe she should combine all into one story !
ReplyDeleteWonderful piece. Thanks for sharing.
Here's mine: https://trailbrooklane.blogspot.com/2019/01/the-jar.html
She might have to, Jaya. :)
DeleteTeehee - very droll! You've come up with a clever idea to illustrate how difficult it can be to outsmart that inner critic!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Penny... it happens. :)
DeleteIn my 20's every story idea was precious. Now it's the time to make the ideas real that is precious.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting. I'm sorry my comment form is so slow to post. You came through twice. :)
Thanks for replying, Alice - and I'm glad to know that my comment did get through.
DeleteHaha...now there's a problem, too MANY ideas!
ReplyDeleteIt's always something.
Cute story.
He he - thanks, Dawn.
DeleteEvery idea is better than the one before. She should pick one and get on with the job.
ReplyDeleteIndeed she should, Abhijit.
DeleteLooks like now she's got the opposite of writer's block :-)
ReplyDeleteYup - think I'd call it procrastination! :)
DeleteI see myself a lot in Jenny. Indecisive, confused, lacking discipline- ah, Jenny is definitely me :)
ReplyDeletePiyali (Wordpress)
Ha ha - think we all probably have a bit of Jenny in us. :)
DeleteI love the idea! Actually this photo didn't prompt me to write straight away, I was baffled, so the idea of a jar with storylines is very attractive :-) By the way your blog is on blogspot from google and mine too so that I can comment easily. I apologize to other writers if they found I haven't commented.The thing is that at the moment I can't comment on WordPress for some reason unknown to me. Rochelle says its a commercial war between Google and WordPress :-(
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, Frankie.
DeleteI have similar problems with the WordPress blogs that require me to sign into my WordPress account in order to leave a comment. But they don't all do that, so think WordPress users need to check their settings. I always feel guilty if I can't reciprocate a comment!
Oddly, whenever I jot down those 'brilliant' ideas, they never seem quite so good when I come back to them the next time. Good story.
ReplyDeleteTell me about it! Thanks for commenting, Sandra.
DeleteThere's always something better than the idea you've got in front of you. Could totally relate to that. And that's why I'm trying the friday fictioneers...
ReplyDeletegramswisewords.blogspot.com
Good for you, Maz. The Friday Fictioneers has helped me come up with stories in double-quick time - something I never thought I could do!
DeleteNow, that IS a good idea! Might try it myself...
ReplyDeleteJust have to make a rule that you have to write a story on the first outline you pull out of the jar! :)
ReplyDeleteI know this sounds silly, but I thought I sent a comment earlier (not sure where it went ... haha). Anyway, I think she is the author of her own despair. The idea jar is amazing, I might try something like it and include my family. As they have ideas to write them down and place inside. I can also see where it might end up being torture too. =) Enjoyable story!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind comments, Brenda. (I wonder what happened to your first comment?)
Deletewhat a brilliant way to come up with something out of nothing. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, Plaridel. :)
DeleteI like it, procrastination to the max! Anything to avoid the writing! Did you used to teach Music at a school in Northampton? Your name is familiar.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting. Before I answer any questions, I'd prefer you to identify yourself. :)
DeleteI've actually had that problem. Several topics to write a blog post about, but I can't decide between them, so I don't work on any of them!
ReplyDeleteOnly a writer would write a story about writer's block! But then again, I suppose that only a writer would have to, if that makes any sense.
'Only a writer would write a story about writer's block!'
DeleteHa ha - too true!
Maybe if she had popped the idea notes inside cookie dough and then baked up a batch for the jar. Not sure if that would help with the writer's block but the cookies might help. Hmm suddenly I feel like raiding the pantry.
ReplyDeleteTaking it to another level, Subroto! :)
DeleteThat was a fun take on the classic writer's block, Susan!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dale. Glad you enjoyed reading it. :)
DeleteThat's a genius idea to beat writer's block. I hope, I don't have to try it ever. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Priya. At least you now know what to do if the muse deserts you. :)
DeleteToo much on the platter creates confusion...
ReplyDeleteLoved reading it and would definitely keep it as aback up plan; just in case...
:)
Yes, I think it's easy to get overwhelmed. Thanks for commenting, Ira.
DeleteThat's a clever idea to use chits as writing prompts. But looks she didn't couldn't get around her block! Too many choices. Nice piece of writing!
ReplyDeleteYes, she outdid herself! :)
DeleteHa! Procrastination is the thief of time. I'm wondering whether to start on the next book in my series or a sequel to a different book.
ReplyDeleteI'm the world's worst. I function best when I have deadlines. Good luck with making your decision, Liz.
DeleteWhen I was younger this was me. Now the ideas come a wee bit slower! Great take.
ReplyDeleteSlow and steady, eh Lisa? Thanks for your comment. :)
DeleteGoodness! this made me laugh. We, as writers, have all been there! You captured that "what if" thing just right.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm glad I made you laugh, Alicia. :)
DeleteOh, this is brilliant. And so true. I have so many ideas. But the details, the details... all these tasks about plot, character, consistency... they can ruin the best ideas, no? :D
ReplyDeleteHe he - yes, it's all too easy to overthink things.
DeleteOh yes, down the rabbit hole she goes. Very good one
ReplyDeleteIndeed! Thanks for commenting, Kelley.
Deleteoh boy. For an indecisive person, this plan probably would cause more stress than it's worth :)
ReplyDeleteHe he - you might be right, Linda - but it was worth a try. :)
DeleteToo many ideas, too many stories, too many thoughts. Problems aplenty? But I feel that every writer goes through writer's block and probably this is one of the ways to beat it.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree, Rohan. Perhaps discipline and sheer will power is the key? That's one of the biggest reasons why I like the Friday Fictioneers - it encourages me to be disciplined! :)
DeleteThis made me smile, ruefully. Displacement activity is a nightmare which is why I open up at least three things I'm working on and write according to how the mood takes me and if one thing dries up, I switch to another rather than stop altogether.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael. Your strategy sounds very workable too. :)
DeleteThe system only works if it is actually followed ;) Totally relatable story.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Fatima! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHa! I know that feeling! Have a lot of ideas in notebooks that I think might make decent novels or novellas. But where to find the time to write them? Great story Susan
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn. I think this might be a common problem for writers. :)
DeleteI think it's a great idea. There are times when one can be lost on what to write.
ReplyDeleteI did something similar with gratitude pieces of paper one New Year eve. It was amazing
the amount of blessings I had. Nicely written ...
Isadora 😎
Thanks for commenting, Isadora. I think writers are always looking for usable strategies. :)
DeleteFirst, I have to tell you that I read the title and considered it in a more physical manner. There are sometimes when I'd love to BEAT writer's block. Ha.
ReplyDeleteI loved your story. She becomes spoiled for choice, which, unfortunately does not beat writer's block probably but adds to it. Well done!
He he - I never thought of taking 'beating' literally! Thanks for your comments, Sascha.
Delete