Just about every book about writing tells you that in order to be a good writer, you must read. I have been a voracious reader my whole life, and whenever I hit a block in my writing, the first place I go is to books.
When I’m stuck or feeling self-pitying about my writing, I go back to books that I know and love. I reread. Since I already know what’s going to happen, I can pay attention to craft as much as story. Inevitably, I am always inspired to get past that block. I find the words again, the flow again, the reminder of what I want to do again.
Yesterday, I went back and read an old category romance that is one of my favorites. It’s not perfect by any means (a lot of head hopping), but I adore the two characters and their story. I devoured it in about two hours, and this morning I woke up and went to work. At work, I realized the words were back and I was feeling less stuck on my WIP.
This process hasn’t failed me yet!
Nicole Helm 