Posted by Holly Gunner on 28th July 2015
I enjoy writing series books but sometimes, like all writers; I get stuck in a rut. As much as I love the world I’ve created, there are times when writing about it feels stale and routine. Since that’s the last thing I want in a book, lest the reader might feel the same way, I know at that point it’s time to mix things up. Here’s a look into my writing routine to show how I strive to keep things fresh, and avoid the dreaded writer’s block.
I don’t read much when I’m writing a book because every spare moment I have, whether it’s drifting off to sleep or brushing my teeth, my thoughts are full with plotting the next scene. Understandably, then, when I finish that book I have a hard time leaving the world. When I’m in between manuscripts I take a few days to read a novel or a couple novellas to get my mind into a different space and ease the transition from one story line to another.
Once I’ve done that, I take another day or two to mull ideas around in my mind and see what calls to me next. I have a writing schedule penciled in on my calendar so I always know what’s ‘supposed’ to be next. But if a particular story doesn’t jump out at me I juggle ideas to see if something else does. I’ve tried writing a story that just wasn’t flowing and it was as painful as pulling teeth. It sucks the life and the creativity right out of me.
Recently I was trying to decide the old ‘what’s next’ question and I spotted a photo on Facebook (my research–okay, make that my ‘procrastination’ go-to spot.)
Anyway, I spotted a lovely photo of a yummy tattooed fellow and inspiration struck. A story line unfolded in my head, and it went on to become a full blown series. I wrote the first book in record time because I was so excited to get to my computer each day, and the story almost felt like it wrote itself. I was thrilled to submit it and receive an acceptance that same week.
Better yet, when I went back to the next book on my schedule, I had renewed enthusiasm and a fresh storyline popped into my head. That story flowed as well, and when all was said and done I had two books in the amount of time I normally would have written one. Taking a break from my schedule was just what I needed.
The bottom line for me is to be disciplined with myself, but not too strict. I try to write a set amount of words each day but that number changes with my real-world schedule. If there’s a day when the words just aren’t flowing I don’t push it. I might write and schedule some blogs or do some promotion. I don’t want to write when it feels like pulling teeth. Thankfully, most of the time it’s much more fun than that.
Jenna Byrnes could use more cabinet space and more hours in a day. She’d fill the kitchen with gadgets her husband purchases off TV and let him cook for her to his heart’s content. She’d breeze through the days adding hours of sleep, and more time for writing the hot, erotic romance she loves to read.
Jenna thinks everyone deserves a happy ending, and loves to provide as many of those as possible to her gay, lesbian and hetero characters. Her favorite quote, from a pro-gay billboard, is “Be careful who you hate. It may be someone you love.”
Website: http://www.jennabyrnes.com/
Pride Publishing: https://www.pride-publishing.com/author/jenna-byrnes#about
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjennabyrnes
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