The Writer's Block

www.tauheedahmichelle.michelebarard.com
I have been writing books and poetry since I was a child in elementary school. I've even had stories and poems published in books the Atlanta Public Schools used to publish of student's writings. In fourth grade I wrote and put together my very first book, "Smart Frog and Lazy Toad". I wrote the words, drew the pictures, and constructed the book with my own two hands.

In my adulthood I have written several poems. My poem, "Designated Driver" was featured in Nia Magazine last year. I'm planning to do more writing for Nia, and add to them Light Journal and Midnight & Indigo Magazine. Sometimes I get wrapped up in things or people, and I don't write as much as I should. Other times I'm left without a muse or inspiration for writing. My biggest muse and inspiration is my friend/soulmate who has been incarcerated for almost 15 years. He has encouraged me to write and publish. He has also been my inspiration for some of my poems. In my first book, "Tales from My Life, not the Crypt" I dedicated the poem "Dedicated to Hot Chocolate" to him.

Sometimes I get writer's block and just don't have the words to write. I write poetry as the words come to me. When I'm writing a story or self help book, I have to make myself sit down and write. I lay out my points and outline, then proceed from there. It's much easier to write when someone or something is motivating me. I tell interviewers that I really don't have a writing style, I just write what I feel. Writing from experience with heartfelt emotion works best for me!

Peace and Blessings
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Writing Prompts:To Use, or Not To Use? That Is The Question...

Many authors and writing coaches recommend using prompts when writing. When I participated in Tara-Nicholle Nelson's 10 Day Writing Challenge she emailed writing prompts for each day. The goal of the challenge was to write "something" everyday of the challenge. The prompts really came in handy for the challenge. I don't normally use prompts when I write poems, or my books. I usually just write off the cuff; I write what I feel at the moment. As a poet I have to have a muse and inspiration to write. Sometimes words come to me in the middle of the night, while driving, or at anytime. When I sit down to write a book and tell a story I have to plan what I'm going to write; here is where writing prompts may work for me.

All of my writings come from my life experiences. I write about what I know and what I've gone through. Writing prompts are especially helpful for beginning writers, or for those who just don't know where to start when writing about a particular subject. During the 10 Day Writing Challenge I was able to open up and let the words flow after being given a prompt to get me started. If you're a beginning writer, or a veteran in the writing game you can still benefit from using writing prompts. If you journal everyday writing prompts are also beneficial.

Use writing prompts where they are most needed. Happy Writing Kings and Queens!

www.tauheedahmichelle.michelebarard.com