As I’ve done with many of my other books, I’m doing the cliche’ writer thing and spending a week in the mountains, with my dog, to concentrate on finishing the first draft of SYLO III. It’s kind of magical. I’m totally secluded with nothing to do but focus on the story and the words. It’s amazing how that helps the flow of ideas and general creativity, not to mention productivity.
Many readers have asked me how to get over writer’s block. My theory is that writer’s block isn’t about not being able to come up with ideas, it’s when you have too many ideas and thoughts competing for valuable brain-time and that keeps you from focusing on your story. Normally at home, when I get stuck I go for a run. It’s remarkable how doing a simple physical exercise washes away all the extraneous thoughts. I often come up with incredible ideas while running, or solve a problem I’ve been wrestling with for days.
That’s what it’s like getting away to the mountains, alone (except for the dog) where all thoughts are focused on only one thing. The story. It’s been an incredible week and right now I’m writing the climax to not only SYLO III, but The SYLO Chronicles.
Not that I want to be a tease, but I’m getting all goose-bumpy while I write. That’s a good sign.
And BTW…I’ve come up with a title too. But I’m not telling anybody yet. Not even my publisher. I don’t want it showing up on Amazon next week.
Dado says:
I agree with you entirely when it comes to writer’s block! I’ve experienced that a number of times myself. It isn’t simply that I cannot think of anything, but that I cannot pick from all of my
complex ideas floating around! Happy writing up there in the mountains. It sounds lovely.
And if that new title is just nagging at you, and you just have to tell someone, you know how to reach me. 😉
Amanda says:
Good luck!!!!!! I can’t wait to read it!!!
Hobey ho,
Your loyal fan from Brazil !
Bulldog13 says:
I can’t wait for book three!!! Book one had me on the edge of my seat for hours into the night. Are you coming to both days of the Anderson’s YA Conference?
Hobey Ho
D.J. MacHale says:
Not sure about Anderson’s yet, I don’t have my schedule.
zaachary says:
Hi dj machale whats the second book of sylo called becuase you are already on the third one and I only read the first one
ethan says:
I love your books. Read thema ll. Pendragon series included when I was only 10 I was reading them. Now i’m 16 almost seventeen. I got Storm two days ago. I finished it in one night cause I couldn’t put it down. HATE the cliff hangers though. They keep me on edge, so kudos to you. I regard you as one of the best and one of my most favorite authors of all time. Keep writing PLEASE.
Abe says:
Any clue as to when it’ll come out???
A fan from the beginning,
Abe
Abe says:
I love your writing and I’ve read every book you’ve written… Any clue as to when SYLO Part III will come out???
Hobey ho,
Abe