Writing blues? Read this.

Safe at home. Yeah, sure, but even with all this extra time on your hands, you can’t get in gear to write?  With all the bad news swirling around these days, it’s no surprise. Here are tips to free yourself from the dark clouds of viruses and pandemonium and put the joy back in your writing.

Be kind to yourself and try these strategies to get you back in Writing Wonderland, where time no longer matters, and magic appears on the page.

* Take a walk first thing in the morning. Well, after brushing your hair and taking your vitamins, that is. Savor the trees, bees and butterflies, see patterns in the clouds. Nature inspires, and thinking of your novel when away from the keyboard can provide a more “whole-picture” look at your story.

* Avoid newspapers and news programs. Avoid sordid details in the morning. They’re unsettling and depressing. Instead of spoiling your day, wait until day’s end to get your news, and even then consider reading summary news. Think of how much more fun it is to write stories that inspire your readers!

* Tried and true timer tip.  After you’ve stashed that unread newspaper and turned off the TV news, settle in at your desk, novel notes at hand.  Set a timer for fifteen minutes. Hands on the keyboard, let your protagonist tell you how s/he feels about your neglect, or what he or she is currently worried about at this point in the story.  Record the protagonist’s thoughts, and don’t leave the chair until your fifteen minutes are up. And when good material start flowing, stay there and enjoy!

* Fine-tune your intentions. What will change from the beginning of your next scene to the end? New information to advance the mystery? The appearance of an important ally who will help your protagonist on his or her journey? Have your protagonist tell you how s/he feels at the end of the scene, and why their outlook is better or worse. This will lead you naturally into the sequel that will launch him into the next scene goal and conflict.

* Keep the slate clean. If your mind gets muddled with other projects, tasks or responsibilities, make a to-do list on your Daytimer and record a time you’ll get to them. Then clear your workspace of anything that doesn’t relate to your current WIP.

In this time of fear, violence and change, remember that you have been given the gift of creating amazing characters and fantastic places. In the pages of our fiction, our readers can escape into worlds of their choice, be they peaceful, suspenseful, reflective, educational or filled with romance and historical color.

Now take this time to go forth and write. Your readers are waiting.