Let's Ask the Big Question: WHY?

Let's Ask the Big Question: WHY?

Put down your pen and set your sheet of paper aside. Turn off your computer. Don't touch that typewriter. It's time to think.

Whether you're in the throes of a writing frenzy or sinking deep into the mire of Writer's Block, you have to stop and think for a minute.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL?

Is it for money? Is it for fame? Is it for revenge? Is it for personal fulfillment? There are thousands of reasons that anyone on the planet can think of for doing something. So what's your reason for writing a novel?

Don't write the answer down. Talk it out: you can be in answering the call of Nature in the toilet; you can be washing off the day's dirt in the bathroom; or you can simply be at home. Find yourself a private spot where no one can hear you, and where no one will think that you're insane.

Next, talk to yourself, but make sure that you start with the following words: “I want to write a novel because...”

Talk to yourself for as long as you like. You can think of this as a personal brainstorming session that can allow you to clear out the cobwebs and get yourself motivated. You can also think of this as an unblocker that doesn't involve any writing. You need to get the words out. You need to talk. Gesture and gesticulate to yourself. Look at yourself in the mirror. Pretend that you're talking to an audience of thousands. Pretend that you're on a big talk show, telling your story. Talk and talk. Talk for as long as you need to.

When the therapy is done, you can pick up your writing tools again, turn on your PC, or get back to your typewriter. Or you can sleep and rest, and perhaps wake up refreshed.

So, what's your story?