This week we’re publishing a series of tips to fight the ‘writer’s block’.  Some people dismiss writer’s block entirely, however many writers do experience at some point a strong sense of anxiety and fear, when having to write something new.

Sounds familiar?

Most writers, however, can come up with solutions and strategies to help, here’s ours.

1.

3.

My tip for ‘writer’s block’

At more times than once, us writers are approached by writer’s block – a complete and total mind blank, but that’s not to say that there aren’t many wonderful ways to help cure it. In saying that, I’ll be talking about one useful tip that *personally* helps ease my ‘writer’s block’.

Like most people, I’ve tried a number of things to help; listening to a podcast, taking a breather in the afternoon air or reading a book- but for me, images seem to help. If (and when) I’m feeling uninspired, I simply turn to my camera roll! Scrolling through my pictures not only provides me with a sense of sentimentality, but it also helps grasp stimuli for my writing; if you’re anything like me, your camera roll is filled with pics of your furry friends, late evening sunsets and aesthetic cafe shops (along with a range of other stuff, too!) – and all of these have the ability to provoke me and my writing.

Pictures have the gift to take you back to a certain place and time. Knowing that allows me to transport myself back to a specific moment no matter my current situation of sitting at my desk in my bedroom – the pictures help influence my writing because they broaden my sense of imagination and creativity. Take for example a photograph I capture of a sunset in the fields back at home – a glance back at it, noticing the different colours of the sky then generates specific feelings which inspire me to write. At first, on looking at the picture, I tend to take a few minutes to jot down a few words that spring to mind. In the case of the sunset: birds, trees, therapeutic, vibrant, overwhelming – after that I feel as though my mind begins to generate a few ideas and so I start writing.

With this, I also think that just writing from the top of your head can sometimes be useful, letting your mind go off on a tangent of its own ideas. One benefit of this in some cases is that if you’re writing for your own personal keepsake, nobody has to read it, and so your freedom is endless.

I know that different techniques work for different individuals, but I would definitely encourage trying this tip to help with writing inspiration if you find yourself stuck in a rut.

Personally, sitting with a hot mug of coffee taking a scroll through my camera roll is my most common way of facing the dreaded ‘writer’s block’.

Check out some of these writer’ block tips: https://goinswriter.com/how-to-overcome-writers-block/

-SG

4.

Treat Yourself!

If I’m honest, I have writer’s block pretty much 24/7.  Time is my enemy. I procrastinate so much, and the day is already over. It’s hard for me to get started on my assignments, let alone write in my spare time. So, in order to get over writer’s block I bribe myself, either with a snack, hot chocolate, Frappuccino (forgive me I’m not a coffee drinker), and music just so I can get through the block. And it’s all about the place I’m in. I can only write at home at my desk, on my laptop and in Starbucks with my tablet.

I’m one of those unusual people who just can’t stand working in silence. To me, it just adds extra dread to tackling the block. You’re reminded that you have to do this and that pressures me. Music makes me so happy, and when I write it keeps me motivated. And hot chocolate is the cherry on top.

My tip is quite, well, strange… I can’t guarantee this tip will help you, but looking back, it’s not exactly bribing yourself, its treating yourself.

What sounds make you happy and motivated?

What’s your favourite drink?

What place do you feel most comfortable in?

Each and every writer is different. And that’s amazing. One person might prefer to write in their notebook in a coffee shop. Another person might prefer to write on their phone, with their PJs on, on their bed. However you feel comfortable, whatever keeps you motivated and happy, that could be the key to fighting the dreaded block we writers all share.

Treat yourself and have great time writing.

5.

Just You-Tube it!

As a creative writer, you will undoubtably come face to face with the infamous writer’s block. It is the metaphorical wall that blocks you from taking another step towards your chosen form of writing.

There are so many types of writer’s block. Some people find it appears when they are trying to write the brilliant first line of dialogue for a screenplay, others find that it appears when they are trying to rewrite the middle part of a poem that disrupts the tone of the entire thing. It even appears when a prose writer is trying to write the ending – which should be nothing less than epic – of their novel.

It is aggravating, and stressful, but definitely stumps the best of writers. Does anyone really believe that Shakespeare didn’t have any struggles with writing the ending of Hamlet, in which the majority of the characters die? Or that Charles Dickens found it easy to write the opening scene of Great Expectations in which Pip meets Magwitch, whose off-page actions propel the entire plot forwards? Of course, they didn’t. No writer has ever had it easy. The work is always appreciated but not the struggle behind it. And the way in which the struggle is bypassed is appreciated even less so.

I personally have struggled with writers block quite a bit. When I tried to work on my screenplay for my Forms of Writing module coursework, I just couldn’t produce anything. It was a process that involved me staring at a blank word document on my laptop for half an hour. I couldn’t even narrow it down to a topic. I kept flitting between two ideas; a comedy about a selection of university students and their dysfunctional experiences or a science fiction story about people with inhuman abilities fighting each other. Neither gave me any inspiration to climb over the wall that writers block had built before me.

So, I decided that I needed to do something about the struggle that I was facing. I needed to produce sections of a screenplay, and that I had to pick one of my ideas. I chose to go on YouTube and type in the word ‘multifandom’ and then a specific word that would be the main focus of the video – which is an edit of television shows and films with music and voice overs. In this case, I typed in ‘multifandom comedy’ and then ‘multifandom science fiction’. I wanted to watch videos that were relating to the topics that I could be writing. I wanted to see which video’s vibe gave me the inspiration to write. I find that this is a really helpful technique to use for writer’s block. It gives you the chance to see other writers’ interpretations of that particular theme, and it gives you a feel for what to write. You can type in ‘multifandom’ with any type of theme that you want and usually an edited video comes up on it.

I find it best to put my earphones in, have Youtube on full screen and just watch the video – sometimes a few times over – to get me in the mood to write.

But, be warned – the videos may feature spoilers for television shows and films!

Sad Multifandom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxnsQrq0_T0

Tragic Heroes Multifandom:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CWjT8ot4Wo

Unrequited Love Multifandom:

6. And here is a piece from Veronica Chmelikova, one of our first year students showing how she wrote her story in response to a song:

Waste

Standing in the middle of the street, time has stopped just for me. Nobody is noticing me. It’s just my thoughts. People passing around me, giving me a strange look because I am in their way. Do I care? No. I’m enjoying this moment. I feel like an observer, watching how time is passing, different faces in every second. My brain will save them in my memory, but I won’t remember them ever again. The joy of standing here, still without movement like a statue makes me realise how everything is just temporary. Nothing is staying in its place. Buildings are being destroyed, lives are passing, nobody is just stopping and looking around. Realising the smell of the air, the colours around us. Just phones in our hands are guiding us to the destinations. I’m losing sense of purpose. Making eye contact with a stranger is something so unusual and scary, that we are trying to avoid it. Remember when we socialised and didn’t keep our feelings in a shell?

The ability to find a purpose in this world is not easy and it took me a while to find mine. This endless universe is still a puzzle for me, but the acceptance of not knowing is so freeing. It doesn’t matter what is happening in our solar system, it matters what is happening on Earth, at this moment, in this second. What am I doing right now?

Looking at people who are going to work, their miserable faces couldn’t be clearer. Their purpose is earning money and enjoying their free time differently. It could be interesting if everyone would do what they desire. If their lives would be fulfilled in every part. It makes me wonder how much the present would change if everyone would follow their dream.

A lovely young couple passing me, holding hands, that look of not being here, that nothing around them matters. It must be the beginning of the relationship. Then one of them will get hurt eventually, one of them will love more than the other. Is it the struggle of the youth? We are always looking for the best match, but we don’t accept the work which needs to be done for a better relationship. We are aware that in a job we need to work hard to get a promotion, but in love we expect it automatically. We are looking for some special feeling for the other person but that is only temporary, the permanent part should be what we believe in each other. This world is full of wasted love. We shouldn’t waste it, we should accept it.

I’m standing on this street for a couple more minutes when I realise that I need to go to work as well. This small realisation will be in my mind for the rest of the day. With that feeling, I’m leaving my spot.

This short story was inspired by song Dust from the band called Haelos.

By Luisa María Martínez

LBF19 welcomed publishers, agents, and authors from all over the UK and the world for one of the biggest trade fairs in publishing. Since its first edition in 1971, it has evolved from an exclusive business congress to a celebration of the book industry in which people from all different backgrounds are welcome to participate.

Last year I decided to brave the crowds, and leave the comfort of university to get a taste of the industry, but found myself very out of place, not sure of what to do with my time at the fair and how to get the most of it, so when I went back this year, I had a plan.

Here are some tips from my experience after a very stimulating three days of book talks and networking.

BEFORE THE FAIR:

1. Booking your tickets: As students, we can get a free entry ticket for the three days of the fair. Regular visitor tickets are £45, or £100 for priority access, so it definitely is an advantage worth using, and all you have to do is when you’re filling out the form to book your ticket, pick “student” as occupation and put in the name of the university in “institution”.
2. Research: Sounds obvious, but before going to the event make sure you know who the exhibitors are, what the programme is, and familiarise yourself with the layout of the fair. This will save you time and give you the chance to know exactly where to go and what to see so you won’t be disappointed if you miss a talk or find yourself in a panel you didn’t really mean to go to. (There’s even an app of the LBF that can help you do this even easier)
3. Make a list: After you’ve done your research write down all the things you’re interested in. Speakers, events, panels, and stands to visit. Try not to think of it as a checklist. You don’t have to do all of the things you write down, and once you’re in the fair you can prioritise and filter things out depending on how much time and energy you have left.

AT THE FAIR:

1. Wander around: Walking through the booths and familiarising yourself with the layout is the best way to start the day. You may find more booths you’d like to visit later, or even get proof copies of upcoming releases being given out by the publishers. (Free books!)
2. Be early: This point refers to the panels and conferences specifically. Once you have the list of panels you’d like to attend to, make it to the section of the fair in which the panel will take place with enough time so you can get a good seat (make sure you’re either near the front or where the sound comes from. It can get really loud on the fair and you can risk not being able to hear a thing if you don’t!)
3. Talk to people: There are spaces in the programme specifically there for casual networking. You can meet very interesting, like-minded people in them, and make meaningful connections that could make the difference when it’s time to find an internship or a job later in life.

AFTER THE FAIR:

1. Socialise: Many of the exhibitors plan activities after the fair closes for the day. The SYP (Society for Young Publishers) for example, hosted a social at a nearby pub so the attendees could talk to the speakers and other aspirants. Last year I had the chance to go and had a really good time besides being able to meet people with the same interests as me who I’m still in touch with today.
2. Follow up: If you met anyone at the fair don’t forget to follow up! You don’t want to be too pushy but letting the rush die out is not a good idea either. Following them on Twitter or connect on LinkedIn and send a short message along the lines of “It was a pleasure to meet you at X panel, I look forward to talking again!”. If you have an specific question or would like to know more about something they might have mentioned when you met, that’s a good opportunity to bring it up.
3. Share: Engage in social networks and share your experience of the fair. You can find people online that were at the events too, and not only grow your following but also show your online persona aligns with who you are in real life, which can come in handy when you apply for internships and jobs. You want to put your passion for the industry out there and there’s no better way to do it nowadays than through social media.

KLIMT/SCHIELE, RA

For a while Ifound it difficult to re-engage withArt, and despite being surrounded by creatives and their work, Ifound that I was losing interest, fast. After spending months away from my sketchbooks and list of ‘exhibitions to visit’, my sister and I had a quick visit to the Royal Academy of Art where I found a listing for the Klimt/Schiele exhibition- two giants of Viennese Modernism.So, I took that chanceto book a date, as there’s no better way to reconnect with art than revisiting artists you discovered when you enjoyed it the most.

The exhibition gave an insight into the artistic relationship of Klimt and Schiele, the former whois 30 years senior of Schiele. When entering the exhibition, there was a ton of information printed alongside the framed pieces on the walls of the room. The first two rooms were of Klimt’s work, full of quick sketches of nude models to detailed sketches, which both exhibited his personal style. In the 1890s, Klimt made a series of half-length portraits of unnamed females, but despite spending a large amount of his career drawing portraits, he did not create many self-portraits.

Klimt, as a leader of the Vienne Secession movement, already had his own artistic identity. His work is construed as an allusion to sexual liberation and the human psyche, ultimately building his own artistic self-portrait with anatomical studies. It is no surprise that Schiele had a keen interest in his work, even as a supporter.

As a young teen, Schiele had already gained attention for his work- constantly being reminded of his artistic talent by people around him. Though Klimt was equipped with skills, Schiele and his modern movement of art styles had greatly influenced Klimt’s work when he arrived at Vienna’s foremost Art school. Whilst Schiele did not create many self portraits, Klimt had crafted multiple self-portraits, exaggerating his limbs to create abstract work like Schiele. He had also painted serveral nude portraits with his signature black lines, reflecting how both artists had intertwining interests for intimate imagery and erotic expressionism, making their curiosities very clear.

After walking around the exhibition twice, I left with a postcard of Schiele’s work and wanting to know more about their relationship which I had no knowledge of before. Their distinctive styles had a great impact on each other than I expected. Though it felt short, it was a great way to revisit artists that I enjoyed, and slowly overcome my creative block.

Lady with Cape and Hat, 1897-98.

KLIMT Studies for the “Shakespeare’s Theater”
at the Burgtheater, 1887.

SCHIELE Female Nude 1910.

SCHIELE Self-portrait in White Garment, 1911.

UPCOMING ART EXHIBITIONS

Royal Academy, Summer Exhibition

Bill Viola, Michelangelo

Van Gogh Exhibition

 By Fahima Chowdhury

by Krystyna Grodzicka

The image of the writer is very easy to romanticise. Writing is almost always a solitary act, most often accompanied by many cups of either scalding hot or ‘left for too long’ cold tea or coffee, and committed under the deep dark cover of the night—because that’s when inspiration strikes, apparently. In reality, most writers probably avoid burning the midnight oil as much as they can in order to be able to function properly and consciously during the day (which is not to say ideas never come at two or three in the morning—and those which do are very often pretty darn good ones).

Ideally, a writer should have some time during the day set aside just to sit down and write; it doesn’t have to be to work on their main project, it could be just writing for the sake of writing, if the muse just isn’t there. Dedicating even half an hour a day to writing keeps the writer in practice—as with any other skill, returning to it after a period of stagnation is more difficult than doing it regularly, even if it’s only small amounts of time inbetween other, often more pressing things.

[ image from: https://kel1ipa2sman2bdg.wordpress.com/2016/09/15/bahasaku-bahasa-indonesia/ ]

Many writers feel the pressure of making the most of the time they devote to their craft, especially if they don’t have a lot of it. They feel like any time not used to develop what they’re working on, especially if it was difficult for them to find it, is wasted—which very often leads to frustration and unproductiveness, not to mention unnecessary stress. In a situation where there are no time limits (because working on a deadline requires another style of time management), it’s important to realise that it’s okay to step away from working on one thing all the time, if not from writing in general. It’s okay to take a break, breathe for a minute, and regroup—a change in strategy is often what leads to victory.

It’s difficult to tell what exactly will do it, what will bring the errant muse back to the writer’s mind—with how deeply personal the entire writing process is, coping with lack of inspiration or simple overworkedness is an equally individual matter. Sometimes it’s best to literally step away from the computer, or from the pen and paper (for the more traditional folks out there), take a walk, or have a little snack and a glass of water. After all, being creative requires massive amounts of mental capacity, which, unfortunately, isn’t infinite for most of us, and it’s important to replenish our physical resources in order to get it back.

Another important thing is to remember that writing shouldn’t feel like a chore—once it does, and the excitement and fun of stringing words together are not there, they become replaced with frustration, stress, and often lead to the most painful writer’s block. Forcing yourself to write doesn’t bring joy; and, adapting Marie Kondo’s great decluttering method to the space of our minds, if it doesn’t bring joy, it’s not something we need, or should, keep doing.

That’s not to say that once there is a block, we should just completely stop writing, treat our foray into the craft as a lost endeavour, or—heavens forbid—a failure. However, there is something many writers, especially many young writers forget—it’s okay not to be writing all the time. It’s okay to take a moment away from the page and put yourself first.

Who knows, perhaps all you need to come up with the best idea of your life is just a breath of fresh air?

It’s 1859. Penny-farthings are everything. Big Ben is ringing out with British pride for the very first time and housewife Mary Ann is the new ‘Son’ of God… Mary Ann Girling isn’t your everyday Victorian lady, she’s a booze-hocking, hat-making sinner… that is, until a fabulous man in an impressive pair of wings makes an appearance at the pub… a man by the name of… GOD!

GIRL(ING), an exciting new play written by former Creative Writing student at Westminster Mich Sandersons and Florian Saturley, will be premiered on March 3rd 2019 in King’s Head Theatre. This play is directed by Sarah-Mitchell Paterson and will be portrayed by the company Run Like Stags. Join them on this experience and enjoy this tale about British feminist history where its protagonist explores religion, rebellion and martyrdom from a melodious and comic perspective. All the information can be found on the poster below. Make sure to book your tickets now!

https://system.spektrix.com/kingsheadtheatre/website/eventdetails.aspx?WebEventId=girling

When writing fiction have you ever wondered about where you place yourself within your own writing? Amita Murray, winner of the SI Leeds Literary Prize in 2016 for her short story collection, Marmite and Mango Chutney, suggests the necessity of finding your voice to drive your stories in any pieces of creative writing.

Murray knew she had to pursue fiction writing when she found her “unique voice.” She reiterates the idea of experimenting with your voice when it comes to writing fiction. “There are so many stylistic ways of writing and many voices to explore.” She suggests that whatever voice you choose to write with, it should never feel forced; your writing should just flow. And if you are finding it difficult to find one that “clicks”, just keep on writing until you do so;                                                               almost like trial and error.

Murray finds that humour comes naturally to her when writing. Having lived in and around London, Delhi and California, her works often explore the idea of cultural barriers and the stereotypes that come with it, doing so in a comedic tone. Amita Murray’s novel The Trouble with Rose beautifully explores the clash between western culture and South Asian culture. I personally believe that what drives her story is the honesty in her narrator’s voice. She explores the pressures of an Asian woman trying to please her traditional family whilst simultaneously trying to follow her own dreams, and she does so in a light-hearted tone. When writing the “I” in our own writing, she advises us to think about any misconceptions that we might have faced, whether it’s about race, intellectuality or even gender. In doing so, she believes that blending in experiences in our writing will enable us to have an “original and unique” voice.

When writing the “I,” although it is a great idea to draw upon one’s experiences, Murray suggests that sometimes there should be a limit on how much we should focus on it. Often when writing the “I”, works might get a little too personal, distancing us from a great story. Rather than writing on characters directly based on people that we know or have met, Murray recommends building characters “based” off people around us. This will ultimately allow you to adopt a unique voice as your characters are going to have a realistic touch and an element of creativity.

What I take away most from this meeting is that “writing generates writing.” It’s all about persevering; figuring out what elements make your stories interesting. It’s about writing and writing and writing, until you know when you’ve found “the voice” that will tell your stories.

Amita Murray’s The Trouble with Rose now available: https://www.harpercollins.co.uk/9780008291242/the-trouble-with-rose/

Khadijah J. 

This Friday, the Reflective Writing groups from both level 5 and 6 met with short-story writer, blogger, and lecturer Amita Murray. She has written several short stories including ‘Marmite and Mango Chutney’, and has recently published a novel: ‘The Trouble with Rose’. She is known for writing wonderfully about complex family situations, and really aims to add some truth into her work.

As she opens up the discussion, she mentions that she is recovering from a slight cold. She proceeds to tell us that despite previously being a dance teacher at a university, over the last couple of years, she’s realised that she really wants focus on writing fiction. After spending some time in India, the US and the UK, she became curious about the way in which voices meet, and often misunderstand each other; her objective is to write from a unique voice.

‘Feeling othered’ is also a main theme across her work, and she asked each of us whether we feel isolated in London because of our physical appearance, or perhaps the way we carry ourselves in the city. She highlighted that London is an extremely diverse city which is an obvious advantage, but this can often make each of us feel overwhelmingly lonely at times. I think every student in the room could relate to this statement.

On request, Murray read out the opening extract from her novel involving two families at a wedding. I liked the way she captured a comical situation between a cliché Indian family and an English family, integrating a good balance of narrative description and dialogue which drew me in immediately. Race is one of the main themes in her writing, and she effectively uses multiples references which depict a typical situation between a an Indian family and an upper-class white family: the grumpy grandmas with hairy top lips, sat scowling in the corner (something we can all relate to). Murray explains that she tries not to base her characters on her real family as she knows they are likely to read it.

Towards the end of the discussion, a couple of students asked Murray how she structures her writing. She told us that for her, it is important that the protagonist has an objective, but also an underlying conflict/internal problem. The rest of the novel will follow his/her journey through this, hopefully leading to a conclusive ending; an answer to their distress. When it comes to re-drafting, and deciding what should and shouldn’t stay, she recommended that we look at a ‘raw draft’, and decide what is overstated, and perhaps causing us too much despair.

We were rapidly running out of time, but some of the students really wanted to know how she got hold of an agent, and how she managed to get published. She gave us a bit of guidance on writing a cover letter, and ensuring that we say only relevant things about the book, and why we want to work for this particular agency. It was a satisfying end to the talk, and left me feeling hopeful about entering the publishing world once I graduate.

The Trouble with Rose is now available as an eBook: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/amita-murray/trouble-with-rose.htm

Jasmine Ridgley 

Research By Rosie Lewingdon Post by Busra Almis

Waterstones, Tottenham Court Road:

• https://www.waterstones.com/events/search/shop/waterstones-tottenham-court-road

Adam Foulds and Elanor Dymott In Conversation with Sarah Moss.

An evening spent celebrating the brilliant new novels from Adam Foulds and Elanor Dymott, hosted by Sarah Moss.

Monday 4th February 18:30.

An Evening with Patricia Bright.

An evening with YouTube and Instagram star Patricia Bright, she chats about the inspiration behind her new book, Heart and Hustle.

Thursday 7th February 18:30 – 20:30.

Harry Potter Night 2019.

A Harry Potter Night with themed cocktails.

Friday 8th February 18:00 – 21:00.

An Evening with David Wallace-Wells.

Environmental journalist David Wallace-Wells talks about his new book, ‘The Uninhabitable Earth.

Tuesday 12th February 18:30 – 20:30.

February Boozy Book Club – Her Body and Other Parties.

An instalment of their Boozy Book Club as where they will discuss Carmen Maria Machado’s book, Her Body and Other Parties. 

Tuesday 19th February 18:30 – 20:30.

Diary of a Drag Queen – An Evening with Crystal Rasmussen.

A very special evening with drag queen Crystal Rasmussen.

Thursday 28th February 18:30 – 20:30.

An Evening With V. E. Schwab.

An evening to celebrate the release of two new books from internationally bestselling novelist V.E. Schwab.

Saturday 9th March 19:00 – 21:00.

Meet Frank Turner at Tottenham Court Road.

Meet folk-rock icon and Sunday Times bestselling author Frank Turner, and get a signed copy of his new memoir, Try This At Home: Adventures in Songwriting.

Friday 22nd March 17:00.

Seasonal Feasts from Fiction Supperclub Vol. 4: Spring – A Room With A View.

The last in their four-part, seasonal series of literary-inspired supper clubs: Seasonal Feasts From Fiction. Vol: 4 Spring brings sun-dappled Italy to the TCR basement with a Florentine feast inspired by E. M. Forster’s much-loved classic, A Room With A View.

Thursday 25th April 19:00.

The National Gallery, London:

• https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/get-creative

Talk and draw Sessions.

Join an artist and lecturer to explore a painting in two different ways.

Multiple dates, 13:00 – 14:00.

Sketchbook tour.

Meet an artist at the Sainsbury Wing Guided Tour Meeting Point, collect a stool and set off into the galleries for 90 minutes of looking at paintings and working in your own sketchbook.

Multiple dates, 13:00 – 14:30.

Daily guided tour.

Experience a 60-minute taster tour of the collection.

Monday – Friday, 14:00 – 15:00.

The Tate Modern, London:

• https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on?daterange=fromnow&event_type=exhibition&gallery_group=tate_modern

The C C Land Exhibition, Pierre Bonnard, The Colour of Memory.

This is the first major exhibition of Pierre Bonnard’s work in the UK since the much-loved show at Tate 20 years ago. It will allow new generations to discover Bonnard’s unconventional use of colour, while surprising those who think they already know him.

23 January – 6 May 2019, £18 entry. 

Magic Realism, Art In Weimar, Germany 1919 – 1933.

Tate Modern will explore German art from between the wars in a year-long, free exhibition, drawing upon the rich holdings of The George Economou Collection.

30 July 2018 – 14 July.