I adore musicals, there is something about them that makes me happy. I suppose its because the combination of amazing music, glorious sets, and awe-inspiring dancing, is a combination I never grow tired of. This next song for my soundtrack comes from one of my all time favorites (there are too many to count by the way, favorites that is), “Singin’ In The Rain.” The cast is perfect, and while I will watch pretty much anything that Gene Kelly is in (yes even Xanadu), this is one of his movies that I never grow tired of.
Even on my worst day, this song can bring a smile to my face. Debbie Reynolds has a way of doing that with her perky attitude and cherub face. The message I get from this isn’t necessarily “stay up all night gabbing”(although there has been a bit of that lately with some of my characters), but more that “things will look different in the morning.” I can’t tell you the number of times I have gone to bed with things weighing me down, only to wake up the next day and have a solution present itself. Your mind has a funny way of doing that when you allow it to do its thing. Never underestimate a good night’s sleep!
Anyway, I use this a lot in my writing. When I am stuck in a scene, or am not sure where I am heading, I stop dwelling on it and put it aside. Often I “write” mentally (this is when family and friends worry because I am gesturing and chatting to myself) and puzzle over my plot for days, sometimes weeks. In essence, I “sleep” on it. It is pretty common for me to stew over something in one project, while I am working on something entirely different. As a matter of fact, most of my “writing” ends up being observing, making mental notes, and incorporating the world around me into my word choices as I go. I especially love when the piece of the puzzle slides into the place and I have an avalanche of ideas come to me at just the right time. There is just no feeling like it!
Often when I am super stuck, I pull out one of my “happy place” movies and watch it, giving my mind time to rest and work out whatever issue I have going on. In a way, I suppose its an escape, a mini vacation if you will, but it usually does the trick. Once dose of Gene Kelly tapping his way across a room, and I am usually energized enough to find my way into a scene.
I’m interested to know, if you are a creative, how do you handle a “block” in your artistic flow? Do you use music, media, or perhaps reading to navigate your way through? I would for you to share some of your techniques in the comments! In the meantime, happy writing everyone, and Good Morning! XO
D.A. Henneman - Romance Author 