I’m pleased to welcome John Coons here on this special edition blog for day three of his tour. I’ve added “Under A Fallen Sun” to my TBR list because I enjoyed his first book so much.
Day #3
Breaking Down Writer’s Block
Writer’s block.
Those are the two most dreaded words in the English language if you’re an author. You can’t avoid falling into this pit either. If writer’s block were a pandemic, the infection rate would be 100 percent among authors.
The good news is that a case of writer’s block doesn’t need to be a death sentence to your story. If you use the right tools, you can blast through any bout of writer’s block and continue bringing your story to life.
Panster vs Plotter
No two writers approach crafting a story in the same way. This is reflected in the ongoing debate between plotters versus pantsers.
Plotters are writers who map out a story before ever writing a sentence on the first draft. A plotter will create complete character backstories, histories, and intricate plot outlines to guide their progress. A pantser basically flies by the seat of their pants. They just start writing and put whatever pops into their head onto paper.
There are pros and cons to both approaches.
Plotters are able to keep their narrative consistent and have a deeper backstory to infuse into the plot. Taken too far, plotting can stifle creativity if the characters and plot aren’t allowed to establish from the predestined road map.
Pantsers have more creative freedom in exploring unexpected twists and turns in character and plot. They are also more prone to running into a dead end or ending up with a chaotic mess.
Be Prepared
One simple solution is to take a middle ground approach as a plantser. Writers who are plantsers combine elements from both plotters and pantsers. They are more organized in forming a story, but they allow themselves enough room to take plot and characters in new creative directions as needed.
I tend to take a plantser approach to my fiction. With both Pandora Reborn and Under a Fallen Sun, I put together extensive character sketches and composed chapter by chapter outlines. I even jotted down a few scenes and snippets of dialogue I wanted to include. When it came time to write the actual rough drafts, and subsequent drafts, I deviated from the original plans in portions of the story. I wrote new chapters and new scenes through the beta reading and editing process. In the case of Pandora Reborn, I even introduced a new character to help forward the plot.
Along the way, I beat writer’s block. Having a plan in place guided my creativity and also kept me from hitting a dead end when the pressures and deadlines of my day job as a sports journalist got in the way.
Writer’s block is easier to deal with when you immerse yourself in thought and create just enough of a working blueprint to guide your story. Going back to those notes can spark new ideas or help you discover resolutions to problems in the narrative that didn’t occur to you before. There’s no reason to let writer’s block ever come out on top.
Author bio:
John Coon has possessed a love for writing since age 12 when he typed out his first stories on an old typewriter belonging to his parents. For 15 years, John has worked as a sports journalist. His byline has appeared in multiple publications and on multiple websites nationwide. John currently writes for the Associated Press and Athlon Sports. He is a graduate of the University of Utah and currently resides in the Salt Lake City metro area. John published his debut novel Pandora Reborn in 2018. Under a Fallen Sun is his second novel.
To purchase Under a Fallen Sun:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Links:
Author website and blog
To follow along with the rest of the tour, please visit the author’s tour page on the 4WillsPublishing site. If you’d like to book your own blog tour and have your book promoted in similar grand fashion, please click HERE.
No better praise for an author than someone buying his new book based on how good his last book was. Wishing John much success. Thanks for hosting, Denise.
So true, Staci! It’s something we all strive for.
I like your hybrid approach to pantsers-planners, John.
It is good to be open to all approaches when writing, Jacqui, I agree.
Thanks, Jacqui. 🙂
Thanks for hosting John, today, Denise. Sounds like a good book.
I was happy to, John:) Yes, it does sound like a fun read.
An excellent post by John. I, too, fall into the planter category. I’ve always been a panster, but have been doing more plotting and character development recently prior to beginning my books. So far, so good, LOL.
Wishing John much success with Under a Fallen sun!
It definitely works for you, Mae:) i am a panster, but find myself needing to plan more as my stories grow in detail. A blend is needed in some cases. This is always a good discussion.
A lovely share, Denise. I am always interested in reading about other authors writing processes and writers block.
Thanks, Robbie! I find other authors process fascinating, too.
Hello, Denise! It’s lovely to learn about John and his work process. I’m a plantser too! I draw sketches of my characters and maps of my worlds . . . It’s part of the fun for me. Thanks for hosting, my friend! 😀 xo
I would love to be able to draw my characters, but I don’t have that wonderful talent you do;) I love when you share that! It’s fun to let the story take us to where it wants to go.
Yes it is. It’s one of the reasons I love to write. <3
Nice to meet you John Coon. I’m looking at your book blurb and it sounds like a good read. Congratulations! I will be watching you.
Thanks, Shirley. 🙂
It does sound like a great read, Shirley:)
It’s fabulous to learn about John’s book, writing style, and writing process. What a great way to recommend his book, Denise! Thanks for sharing!
Happy to, Miriam:) It does sound like a fabulous read.
🙂 🙂
Great advice, John. I find myself doing a bit of both too, though I tend to do a more extensive background of the main characters and panster some of my secondary. Thanks for sharing, Denise.
It was good advice, Mark. Sounds like most do a mixture of both.
I am so sorry I am very late to this party. I love what John said about being a Plantser. That’s a new word I will embrace! Thank you for hosting, Denise!
I’m always happy to host, Jan! I agree plantser is a great word.
Plantsers unite! Good luck with the new release, John!
Lol! I agree, Julie:)