Help me welcome Victoria Davies, author of Love at Stake, as she shares with us her secret to beating writer’s block. Then read on to get a look at her new book, available now. (Oh, and don’t forget you can check out my review here!)
*****
How to combat writer’s block
The dreaded writer’s block. You stare at a blank word document, fingers ready to type. In the background your favourite song plays and a half eaten chocolate bar teeters on the edge of your desk. Steam rises gently from the cup of tea beside you and the unmistakable scent of earl grey fills the air. Everything is set. Except you haven’t a single darn word to say.
We’ve all been there. The frustration of knowing you should be reaching your daily word count but simply can’t is a feeling pretty much every writer can relate to. Everyone has their own way to deal with writer’s block and the internet is littered with how-to guides explaining ways to avoid it. Here is my super duper contribution. Ready?
Just write.
Mind blown! No? Well, I find this is a strategy that works for me when I am completely blocked. However, I don’t write anything that connects in anyway to the story I am struggling with. Instead I have a file called “Bits and Bites” that I use as a dumping ground for any lingering idea in my mind. This file is filled with half formed scenes and conversations that I know will never see the light of day. They aren’t meant for anyone’s consumption but my own. They don’t grow into future novels and they won’t ever be the slightest bit polished. The reason I write in this file is to turn my brain off for a little while. I’m not thinking about deadlines or other people’s opinions. I’m just writing for the love of it.
And that, remembering why I love what I do, helps blast through the writer’s block. It reminds me I still have the ability to pen stories even if I feel like I have no words to offer. So often writing is serious work and using this strategy allows me to play with the ideas in my head that will never amount to anything. It’s just simple entertainment.
So next time you get stressed staring at a blank page, take a minute, relax and write something just for you. Your scattered idea might not win any prizes but it should remind you why you love to write and that, in my opinion, is the best motivator of all.
*****
LOVE AT STAKE
by Victoria Davies
Release Date: 1/27/13
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Blurb:
Hunting for love is a pain in the neck…
Abbey is the lone human working for Fated Match, a company that pairs
members of the supernatural community with their eternal mates.
To snag a young vampire socialite as their next client, Abbey journeys to the home of Lucian Redgrave, the oldest vampire on the East Coast. But he’s not willing to allow his vampire daughter to use the agency… unless Abbey can first find his perfect match in a month.
As Abbey coaches Lucian through his dates, she can’t deny the chemistry between them. But humans are toys for vampires, and risking her heart isn’t a part of the plan.
Goodreads Amazon Barnes & Noble
*****
Author Info:
My love for writing started young. Luckily I had a family who encouraged believing in magic and embracing imagination. From stories quickly scribbled in bright pink diaries, my love of storytelling developed. Since then my characters may have evolved and my plots may have grown decidedly more steamy but I never lost my love of the written word. Writing is not only a way to silence the wonderful voices in my head, but it also allows me to share my passions with my readers. I hope you enjoy my titles!
Currently I write from Toronto, Canada. While I have a healthy love for the unknown, this corner of the world will always be my home.
*****
Make sure you enter the great giveaway!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/1cb554245/
*****
Tour Schedule:
1/28: Becky on Books – Spotlight
1/29: Guest post – Lia’s Book Haven
1/30: Spotlight – In Shadows
2/1: Interview – Diane’s Book Blog
2/3: Spotlight – A Little Bit of R & R
2/3: Interview – Lusty Penguin Reviews
2/4: Review – Trips down imagination’s road
2/5: Spotlight/Review – Reading Reality
2/6: Excerpt – The Book Queen’s Palace
2/6: My Erotic Notions – Spotlight
2/7: Guest blog – Romantic Reads and Such
2/7: Spotlight – Books-n-Kisses
2/9: Excerpt/Review – Starry Night Book Reviews
2/10: Spotlight – Books To Get Lost In
2/10: Excerpt – RhiReading
2/11: Excerpt – Bea’s Book Nook
2/12: Spotlight – Laurie’s Thoughts
2/13: Guest post – A Passion for Romance
2/14: Spotlight – You Gotta Read Reviews
2/14: Excerpt – Reviews by Molly
Romantic Reads and Such 