Today marks World Storytelling Day, an international celebration of the traditional art of storytelling. The theme for 2014 is “Monsters and Dragons.”
Not all of us are however experienced storytellers and have been lucky enough to bestowed the gift of the gab or the penmanship of the great writers. We’d like to think that at some point or another that even those practised and well versed storytellers have contended writers block.
In keeping with the theme of World Storytelling Day, here are three tips on how to overcome a monster (ahem!) writer’s block.
1. Change your surroundings
It is common for writers and storytellers to have their favourite writing spot, a place of sanctuary and familiarity to focus on task at hand, whether it’s in the library, kitchen table or like the fabulous Roald Dahl, a shed! As the saying goes; a change can do you good. Many writers find that by simply changing their surroundings, it can work wonders and get the creative juices flowing.
2. Limit distractions and disconnect
Slaying writer’s block necessitates disconnection from disruption. If you’re intention is to get a good piece of writing done and are easily distracted, you need to limit the things that divert you away from the main task at hand.
As much as it provides a source of inspiration and entertainment, the internet can a big disturbance. Turn off your phone, close Facebook, Twitter and turn off any alerts. By doing so you’ll be much more productive as you’ll leave the distractions and be well on your way to that elusive best seller!
3. Stop thinking about it and just do it!
As acclaimed write Stephen King said: “The scariest moment is always just before you start.” Sometimes the first sentence is the hardest one to write, but the best thing to go is not to think about it too much and just start writing. The good thing about modern day technology is the back button and our ability to edit. The more you get down, the easier it is to continue, and of course, edit later!
Later this year, Aurion Learning will beta release a new bespoke toolkit for creating short digital stories. The online toolkit; storee, will allow anyone to create and share stories for free using their own narrative, video clips and photos, quickly and easily.
If you are interested in taking part in storee beta can register at holder.tellmystoree.com
So why not join in on the World Storytelling Day celebrations, get creative and tell your story. For the latest storytelling updates, follow @tellmystoree on Twitter.
