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Live Chat Today: How Do I Jump-Start My Writing?

By Roy Peter Clark

All writers feel the need at one time or another to jump-start their writing. The question becomes: what does a set of literary jumper cables look like? Let's keep the metaphor going. You only need a jump if you are out of battery power -- or in human terms, out of physical and creative energy. So you need the help of another source of power.

What sources are available to the struggling writer? Perhaps it's reading something that moves you. Or doing some unconventional reporting. Or seeking the help of another writer or editor. Or finding a test reader to help you understand the effects of your writing.

What we are talking about here goes beyond simple writer's block or procrastination. In these chats, we've tackled those two bullies. Here we are talking about something more essential: a basic depletion of the writer's spirit and energy. It happens to me, and it can happen after a period in which the writing has been going well. Too much praise or too much success can be discouraging if the writer comes to feel he or she is an impostor whose weaknesses are ready to be exposed.

		RELATED
		Take Roy's new "Help for Writers!" News University course. Watch a replay of Roy's "Help for Writers!" Webinar on conquering writer's block.

Chat with us on Thursday, Sept. 23, at 3 p.m. about your own experiences of creative energy loss and where you have discovered your own jumper cables.

Twitterers can tweet questions to #poynterchats before or during the chat.

You can revisit this link at any time to replay the chat after it has ended.

Full post as published by Writing Tools on September 23, 2010 (boomark / email).