Hi everyone,
As per usual, I’m not going to write a comprehensive guide on how to overcome the beast that keeps us from finishing (or even starting) that next (or first) novel. I just want to share with you an unexpected way I broke my own dry spell.
No, unfortunately I have not written another novel. Not yet. But I’d managed, after two months of being frozen in limbo, to paint another portrait. It’s not quite finished, but I wanted to share it anyway.
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to finally break a spell that was hanging over me – I just could not finish another painting I started. I was stuck. I’m not sure if it was fear that I don’t know what I’m doing or boredom of having gone just far enough. Maybe both. Maybe that’s why I have not finished the third novel in Isa Maxwell series – I got to a certain stage and just was not sure or interested in going through the polishing up stage. So I decided to move on from the not-quite-finished painting and try something new. Here it is, in case I forget it altogether.
Not only that, the portrait above is a character for a new novel, and in a completely new genre, a blend of a psychological thriller with some knife-to-the chest drama. Fingers crossed, I will get into it soon enough – the characters are starting to talk in my head, which is what I loved so much about writing my first two books.
So if you find yourself stuck or struggling to continue – maybe don’t. Put the draft in a drawer and start something new. Who knows, maybe it will lead you on to a completely new path. I hope mine does.
Wish me luck!
Ana Spoke, author 
Wow, you are so talented. I love the portrait. And good luck with the new book genre.
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Thank you! Hard to think I will be able to pull a tear jerker off, when comedy has been all I’ve done. But this sad portrait says I can do it. Can find the deep and dark somewhere
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Very good advice and a lovely portrait. janet 🙂
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Thank you Janet 🙂
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You are welcome. 🙂
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I LOVE your new painting! So captivating!!! If you’re inspired to try something new…follow your heart. 😀
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Thank you so much Juli!
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So glad to see you painting again. The painting is excellent. Love the hair, eyes and lips. A new genre in writing, ehh? Sounds exciting. Go for it and let the creative juices flow. I can’t wait for the new novel. Have fun!! 🙂
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Thank you Olivia 🙂 was crying over the plot on the way to work. Made me so happy 🙂
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I’m disgusted (tongue-firmly-in-cheek) that you are skilled at multiple disciplines. Somebody took more than their fair share of talent!
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Have you tried painting? Or singing?
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I am not very dexterous, and I don’t appreciate impressionist work. Singing would get me lynched by an angry mob.
But seriously, very good work.
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Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog.
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Thank you for sharing, Kim!
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Your portraits are sensational. I wish you the best!
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Thank you so much! Gotta keep persisting
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I’m not suffering from a block per se. It’s just I can’t find the adequate ending for my story. I created a Man of Destiny, but I had so much fun on his journey that I neglected in creating a Destiny for him to achieve. D’oh. So now I’m struggling to not only find that Destiny but fit into the narrative of the story. Needless to say it’s been a slog.
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Maybe try setting it aside and write something new? Once you’re not fixated on the ending, subconscious may offer you a solution
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