"I'M STUCK ON THIS SCENE!" | Writing a Book For the First Time? Bust Your Writer’s Block Part 1

Writing a novel for the first time is HARD. Know what else is hard? Writing a novel for a second time...and a third...okay, you get it. At some point in every first draft I've ever written, I hit a block where I can't even remember why I wanted to write the book to begin with.
In this three part series, I'm going to be talking about writer's block and how to get past it. This week's episode gets into what happens when you get stuck on one particular scene, and what you can do to get unstuck and get to The End of your draft.
Stuff I use as a full time writer/author (that you may have spotted in this video!) (affiliate links are afoot):
WRITING/WORK STUFF
Alphasmart Neo2. Highly highly recommend. amzn.to/3cStKui
Adjustable laptop desk. I LOVE this thing. Typing with my arms at an angle has drastically reduced elbow/wrist pain. amzn.to/2OYh0tX
Clever Fox planner. I’ve used a few planners and this is my fav. Lots of space for mind-mapping and brainstorming, daily to-do lists, space for goal setting. amzn.to/3vNmk3Z
Best writing pens, hands down. I use them every time I revise a book. amzn.to/311nRoP
Acer monitor. I kind of hate the word gamechanger but this really was that kind of purchase. amzn.to/3vH71Kh
Brother laser printer. I won’t lie, this thing is a behemoth. But I’ve had it since 2017 and I think I’ve had maybe one paper jam? It works great, it’s super consistent, A++ for printing manuscripts. amzn.to/3tzIvZE
Macbook Air. Doesn’t really need my recommendation. amzn.to/2OUCaJx
COFFEE STUFF
Ninja coffee maker. I freaking love this thing! It has a “speciality” setting that’ll make...not espresso, but pretty dang close. There’s a milk frother attached if you want to get fancy with your drink. amzn.to/31533Nu
Cold brew pitcher. I have two of these on constant rotation in the fridge. Don’t judge me. amzn.to/3cSKVM9
Zulay milk frother. (Yes, I take my coffee seriously.) amzn.to/3r7DDJu
VIDEO MAKING STUFF
Canon G7X Mark iii camera. The autofocus does tick me off sometimes, but in manual mode it’s perfect, and I love the flip up screen (ie, you can see yourself as you film) and the fact that there’s a mic port. amzn.to/3r9BfCb
Savage studio lights. I mostly use these for ‘talking head’ videos. amzn.to/3r7G6Un
Ubeesize 10” ring light. That’s the little guy sitting on my desk. I mostly use it for vlogging. amzn.to/31hqpzD
JJC mini tripod. amzn.to/3feXxjJ
Rode clip mic. amzn.to/2OSaLb2
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Check out my free Create Dynamic Characters course, a quick writing workshop that'll help you create a protagonist who transforms AND find an organic plot for your novel in just 20-30 minutes! michelleschustermancourses.th...
Plus I've got lots of other freebies for you to download and use on your writing journey, including:
From Premise to Plot: A Guide to Plotting
My FIRST First Draft Checklist
My Revision Game Plan
The Query Formula
Download 'em all here: www.michelleschusterman.com/f...
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BLACK LIVES MATTER. To my fellow white authors: we have to show up every day. We have to speak out. We have to make it clear to the Black authors and creators in our community that we are here for them. Silence is not an option. Please check out this Google Doc for hundreds of resources on how you can support, donate, and learn--not just in February, not just when another senseless tragedy due to racism occurs, but every single day from right now moving forward: docs.google.com/document/u/0/...
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SUPPORT INDIES!
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Looking for your next writing craft book? Check out my Bookshop and support indies! bookshop.org/lists/writing-cr...
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If you're interested in using Reedsy to offer your ghostwriting or editing services, sign up here: reedsy.com/p/michelle-schuste...
*full disclosure: the above link is a referral! If you sign up and get a project, you and I each get $100!*
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MY BOOKS
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Music from www.bensound.com/royalty-free...
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may receive a small commission from purchases. There is no additional charge to you!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Is there a particular type of scene that you just DREAD writing? Or LOVE, for that matter? (Personally, I can't wait to write those big arguments between two characters who've been passive aggressively sniping at each other the whole novel!)

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

Being stuck is so frustrating! Thanks for the advice!

[@chelseawritesbooks8763]

This is one of the most helpful videos I have watched on KZbin.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Wow, thank you, Chelsea! I'm so happy it helped! 😄

[@tbbadwann1999]

this video is very helpful thank you so much i think i will figure out this scene

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@journeywithrosie]

This video was very helpful to me! Something random cracked me up. So, my name is Rosa. I was listening to the vid without watching the screen. I don't know what your dog's name is - but when you called the dog it sounded like you said "ROSA" and it scared the crap out of me 🤣

[@rosamariagarciaguardiola51]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

I'm so glad it was helpful, Rosa!

[@nightlady2001]

Rosa, I liked your comment and couldn't help but notice your name. It's very beautiful. 🌹

[@melodymomper5190]

Ahhhh I love this. I intend to go through my outline and go over these points. Hopefully it will help me find what is filler and what needs to be added so I can continue to drive the plot. Thanks!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Hi Melody! I'm so glad this was helpful. Keep me posted on how your outline is going! :)

[@NicoleWilbur]

This is SO HELPFUL! I got to a scene in my outline that feels emotionally necessary - but I just was not sure what I wanted to do with it (what characters to focus on? what kind of conflict?). These questions are exactly what I was looking for to figure it out! Thank you :)

[@tampagirl7533]

Wow! this is a great video packed with wonderful advice!!! I'm making a scene checklist based on your video and thinking about it each point. I was stuck but that helps! Thank you for sharing!!!

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

That's awesome, Norma!! I'm so happy this was helpful!!

[@nightlady2001]

Thank you for the great video. Was putting off writing a scene yesterday then just did it anyway and it wasn't so bad once I got going. Glad to know these tips in case I really get stuck on one someday

[@foxyfables_bookish]

That’s great advice. I’m incredibly grateful to you. I just had an aha moment.

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

Hooray, so happy to hear that! :)

[@guilhermeroza9504]

Wonderful video! Thank you :)

[@singingsanja167]

Very helpful - as always! Thank you so much, Michelle! 😙🙏

[@MichelleSchustermanAuthor]

You are so welcome! Thanks, Sanja! :)

[@jennglow4647]

😀

[@alwaysapirateroninace443]

I love dangerous scenes, where characters are verbally sparring in some way, often trying to persuade someone, usually an almost-maybe sorta enemy that they need to convince. I'm trying to think of scenes I really don't like to write . . . I might change it, but I think it's less a certain type of scene I don't like, & more me subconsciously knowing something about the scene isn't working.