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Writer's block

writer's block graphic Like dyslexia, this is something of a modern myth; the idea that one moment you're sitting there merrily thumping your keyboard or happily scribbling away on a sheet of paper, and then—KAPOW!—some mystical force explodes in your head and all that wonderful prose grinds to a halt right in the middle of a sentence.

I've heard people describe it that way. It's as if they were cruising down the fast lane of the literary highway, minding their own business, and unexpectedly ran smack into a fifty thousand word pile up.

Honestly, Officer, there was nowhere to swerve. It all just ... just ... just happened around me ...

But usually, this fabled writers block creeps up more stealthily over a period of weeks or months. The first you know of it is when you're X thousand words into that great British/American/Russian novel, chain smoking and knocking back the bourbon/vodka and vaguely contemplating suicide or something, and then you notice from the corner of your mind that the world has slowed down. No, it's worse than that. It's barely moving out there.

You check your watch to make sure and notice that over the past two hours and twenty minutes you've written—what?—six and a half words.

Remember to get milk, coffee and biscu-

Sheez.

Want to read more?

There are over 25,000 words of writing tips and advice on my website. I've spent months writing these pages, and years refining them. I'm happy to share my professional knowledge with you. But like everyone else, I need to capitalise on my skills and efforts.

For just £1.99 I'll send you my entire MR EDIT'S WRITING ADVICE FOR AUTHORS as a .pdf file. Just follow the link below, or above, and you'll be taken to PayPal. You don't need an account; just a credit card or a debit card.

You'll generally receive my writing guide within an hour. But occasionally technical glitches from PayPal delay this for up to 24 hours.

Either way, you'll receive 25,000 very helpful words that will make you a better writer, will give you fresh insight into your work, and will improve the chances of a literary agent or publisher accepting your manuscript.

Want to read one of my books?

Try THE VALHALLA QUANTUM which is available now on Kindle as a digital download. It's fun and exciting and has something to say about human nature. Expect Viking warriors, a wayward UFO, a political intrigue that goes straight to Downing Street, and an unusual paranormal investigator and his interesting assistant. £2.99

EXCLUSION ZONE. You don't have to be travelling on the London Underground—or any other international subway system—to enjoy this tale of madness and retribution. But you might want to give it a try and see if it adds to the thrill.

£2.99

GROUNDSPEED. Two young and daring microlight pilots rescue two kidnapped children—only to watch the plan unravel in the worst way. This is a high-flying British gangster tale with great characters, sudden twists, colourful language and a great payoff.

£2.99

Mr Edit YouTube videos

Meanwhile, here are some of my You Tube videos that might be of interest to you. Hope you enjoy them.

Mr Edit. Let's talk about dialogue

https://youtu.be/KG0CLm1S9Rs

Mr Edit. Pitching fiction to a literary agent.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yy698w2Ooc8

Mr Edit. 5 Minute Fiction Fix.

https://youtu.be/y6OPUfcDH90

Mr Edit. Let's talk about tautology.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zhoBLImV6U

Links for writers

Preditors & Editors. Here's where you can check out the credentials of literary agents and publishers. A must for any writer.

http://pred-ed.com

Creative Helps. Helpful resource for the creative community. Articles, links and tips.

http://www.creativehelps.com/products.htm

Nick Daws' Writing Blog. Lots of useful posts on all aspects of writing, both for print and online, plus a guest post for anyone who wants to make a contribution. Check it out.

http://www.mywritingblog.com

Creative writing

● Writing tips

● Plotting a novel

● Finding a literary agent

● Choosing a literary agent

● Agent query letters

● Inspiration for writers

● Rejection letters

● Manuscript critique

● 5 minute fiction fix

● Proof reading

● Writer's block

● How to get published

● Active & passive voice

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TOUGH GUY

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