At times, we all get little bouts of writer’s bock. We’re locked out of our own minds, so to speak. It doesn’t happen to me as often as it used to, but at times I’ll just sit before the screen and wonder when the words will come.  I guess artists have the same lulls in their creativity too.

I’ve found that the best way to deal with this in my writing life is to revert to conversation.  No matter what else is happening with me, I can usually speak. Now, I’m not talking about giving a speech before a big crowd of people. That would scare the willies out of me. Instead, I mean try some of your every day babbling. I can do that. I can sit down with you and tell you what’s happening today – this minute – and  I can ask you a question or two to make sure you’re in the conversation as well.

Writing is very similar to this. You’re just having a conversation in a slower medium. But when you face that piece of paper or you face that blank screen, talk to it. Tell it how you’re doing and what you expect to happen. Or tell it what happened to you yesterday. Put all the voices into it with the  he saids and she saids (that’s dialogue).

Writing is just another form of conversation. Don’t be intimidated by trying to make it sound intelligent or overly formal. Some of the most effective literature written is in a plain old every day vernacular.  So, sit down with pen or keyboard in hand and pour out your heart to the paper or screen as if you’re having the most productive conversation ever with your very best friend.