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Write Your Life Story And Get It Published: Getting help

by Ann Gawthorpe

If you have reached the writer’s equivalent of the doldrums where you can’t find the enthusiasm to go on, or you have come up against the dreaded ‘writers block’ where the words won’t come then it is time to get some help.

There is a lot you can do yourself:

Take a break from writing and do something completely different.

If one chapter is causing a problem leave it for a while and start on another one.
Read other people’s life stories to re-motivate yourself and to give you more ideas about how to write yours.
reassess your writing targets – if they are too high, lower them so that you have the satisfaction of completing your day’s work.

There is also plenty of outside help:

Join a creative writing class to learn new skills and to get feedback on your writing. Writing is a lonely occupation so it’s also good to meet with other writers.

Go on a residential writing course for more concentrated learning.

Do a home correspondence course which will also give you feedback.

Buy self-help books such as the Teach Yourself range.

Join a writing group for mutual support and encouragement.

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