5 Tips from an Editor for Meeting Your Deadline When Your Story is Stuck

I pitched a story to a blog where I'm previously published shortly after my grandmother died. The story is on bodies and matrilineage. I pitched it because the story is sitting inside me, I know what I want to say, but I just can't seem to get started.

In this scenario, I'm a writer with an editor waiting on my piece. Often, it is the reverse. I frequently receive and accept pitches from writers who, either due to the overwhelmed feeling from being accepted or the stress of writing the actual story, find themselves writing nothing or everything but not the thing they pitched.

To date, I can only recall becoming upset with one writer about this scenario. It was me.

Here's the deal: Sometimes stories are hard to tell. Getting stuck is so common it's a writing trope. All writers experience blocks or dry periods. All writers start telling one story only to find they are telling another. If this is you, don't beat yourself up about it. You may need to tell one story before you can tell another. I know that seems irresponsible when you are on a deadline, but what if you could get that writing out and still make your deadline?

Here are a few tips for when you feel stuck.

• If another story is getting in the way, write it.

Let it out. Clear the path. No need to pay attention to craft or grammar. Write it expressively. Blurt it on the page. We need not all be as put together as Elsa (or Channing Tatum) when she releases the story she was holding onto all those years. Still, you might find yourself transformed, and that can be a great experience.

• Instead of writing the story, write the problem of writing the story.

I can't tell you how many deadlines I met by beginning with, "I keep trying to write about ____, but I can't figure it out. I think what I'm trying to say is ______." Go ahead. Get meta.

• Talk it out.

Writing friends are the best kind of friends. Find someone (really, anyone) and tell them out loud what you are trying to accomplish. Bonus points if they ask you questions. More bonus points if you ask them questions because then you can feel out if what you're saying is what you want to be saying. If they're confused, you'll know you have some work to do clarifying your writing objective.

• Forgive yourself.

Hey, you're not alone in this. Feeling stressed and guilty isn't going to make the words come out faster. Free yourself from self-judgment and let that story come loose.

• Ask for an extension.

It's happened to me. I have given extensions and received them. If the editor wants your piece, they will help you if at all possible. Be prepared that there may be other pieces under consideration and you could lose your spot. Really, this is a last resort. If it's granted, say thank you, then try to get your piece in earlier than the extension date. You may need a TARDIS, but it will show your editor you are serious about their publication.

I hope these tips help you stay unstuck. If you have any for me, I'd be delighted to receive them. Please comment below!

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