20 June 2012

NYWM: Day Twenty

We’re on the downward slope, with only 1o days remaining in National Young Writers’ Month. Considering this, perhaps it is time to bring up two of the most dreaded words for writers… writer’s block. Is it a problem you’ve had before? Have you tackled it during NYWM? Check out some of these links for some ideas on relieving writer’s block.

There is an old, but still fascinating piece from the Sydney Morning Herald about writer’s block here. Author Khyiah Angel reveals how she beat her writer’s block, while Max Barry (author of Machine Man) discusses his writer’s block in this blog entry for The Wheeler Centre blog. Visit websites such as Prompted to Write for daily inspiration that will help you to get the ink flowing again, or check out this great post (including a great video) on unblocking writer’s block from Samuel Webster’s website. Speaking of video, check out this one featuring Kate Grenville unveiling how she uses visual art and music to overcome writer’s block. Finally, these three tricks for sidestepping writer’s block aren’t just advice, they’re a set of practical activities you can undertake.

Tonight at Shearer’s Bookstore NSW Writers’ Centre tutors are put out of their comfort zone and asked to pitch a book idea not in their genre. Head along to enjoy wine, cheese and some entertaining genre mash-ups. The writers’ centre will also be launching their July-Dec 2012 Course Program. Book at events@nswwc.org.au

Tomorrow kicks of The Art of Words, Victoria’s Bayside Literary Festival. There are too many events to mention so check out the full program for all the information. The festival closes on July 15. The Bayside Writing Competition runs in conjunction with the festival, with student and open-age sections. See the website for more information.

Here’s on for the South Australian writers. The Emerging Writers Forum is on at the South Australian Writers’ Centre next week (June 27). It’s free, but make sure you book. There is also a survey to fill out before you attend. Check out all the details on their website.

Writers in Townsville meet tonight at Aitkenvale City Council Library from 7-10pm for a night of writing. Bring pens, paper, computers or your trusty typewriter and settle in to get some words on the page.

Today the NYWM Travelling Story is in Western Australia. Our daily writer is Brittany Carson, 24, from Perth.