It
sounds contradictory, but the best way to handle pressure is to relax.
I’ve been reading articles and books on how you can be more creative
when you’re in a relaxed state. When you’re overwhelmed, you have a
tendency to freeze up and become unproductive.
If
you’re stressing over writing deadlines, the best—albeit hardest—thing
to do is to lie down, consciously relax your muscles, and tell yourself
to relax. If you’re unable to relax in this way, hit the gym. A workout
on the treadmill or the elliptical trainer will get your heart pumping
and flood your system with endorphins.
Some
writers claim that their best ideas hit them when they’re washing
dishes, taking a shower, walking, or driving. This is because even
though you aren’t consciously thinking about your book and your writing
at that moment, your subconscious is still working on those plot points
that you were trying to figure out during your last writing session.
Many
writers—especially when deadlines are looming—stick to a strict daily
minimum word count. I asked one such writer how she dealt with writers’
block. She said she doesn’t have it that often, but that when she does,
she simply writes through it. “Even if it’s total garbage, I write anything in
order to keep my writing flowing,” she said. “I know I can always come
back and fix it when I get my story going back in the right direction.”
Another
writer cautioned me against editing as I write. As a perfectionist, I
find it difficult not to get my facts straight as I’m writing. For
example, the new Fontaine book is set in Las Vegas. I couldn’t write the
first draft saying to myself that I’d go back and fill in the details
later. For me personally, I have to have the descriptions and
facts in place as I write. I have come to realize, however, that the
books don’t have to be written in a linear form. If I’m writing a
relaxed restaurant scene and something dramatic is supposed to happen
next, I can insert [ARGUMENT WITH COWORKER] or whatever scene that might
be upcoming and then write something else if I’m not ready to write the
heavier scene.
However
you choose to do it, relaxation is key when writing under pressure: hug
your dog, take a walk, watch cute animal videos, workout, take a nap….
And remember, in a true emergency, you can always request an extension
for your writing deadline.
Embroidery shop owner Marcy Singer is about to have the rug pulled out from under her….
Marcy can’t wait to see the new exhibit at the Tallulah Falls museum on antique tapestries and textiles, including beautiful kilim rugs. But her enthusiasm quickly turns to terror when, the day after the exhibition opens, she discovers a dead body behind her store, the Seven-Year Stitch, wrapped up in a most unusual fashion.
The victim appears to be a visiting art professor in town for the exhibit. Did someone decide to teach the professor a lesson, then attempt to sweep the evidence under the rug? Along with her boyfriend, Detective Ted Nash, Marcy must unravel an intricate tapestry of deception to find a desperate killer.
Marcy can’t wait to see the new exhibit at the Tallulah Falls museum on antique tapestries and textiles, including beautiful kilim rugs. But her enthusiasm quickly turns to terror when, the day after the exhibition opens, she discovers a dead body behind her store, the Seven-Year Stitch, wrapped up in a most unusual fashion.
The victim appears to be a visiting art professor in town for the exhibit. Did someone decide to teach the professor a lesson, then attempt to sweep the evidence under the rug? Along with her boyfriend, Detective Ted Nash, Marcy must unravel an intricate tapestry of deception to find a desperate killer.
Buy Now @ Amazon
Genre – Cozy Mystery
Rating – PG
More details about the author
Website http://www.gayletrent.com
