My only real advice is to quit waiting for inspiration. Look at what you have; either start editing or writing new stuff for it. Or stuff it in a drawer and write something else. Write a journal. Write a short story. Write a scene. Write an outline. Write crap good enough only for the trash. But write.
I guess it just comes down to the writer themselves. To me, I prefer to write when I can right well, and bypass the hours of pointless writing. To me, there's no need to right thousands of words with no real purpose.
A completely different option, is to find a fanfiction site that deals with your favorite book, and then look for "challenges" on the forums of that site. Take up a challenge or two and write a drabble or a short story. This way, you don't have to create something from scratch. Then, once your writing is flowing again, branch back out. At least it's an idea!
My study skills high school teacher used to advise us to,when taking a break after studying,avoid thinking about all that we studied to rejuvenate our minds. I recommend the same. shelf your material for later usage and you'll be surprised by how your high school info may look and sound new. In the eyes of an artist nothing is obsolete. All the best
I like to go for a walk and just thing about story ideas. So I'll walk until I come up with "a man who sells driftwood sculptures on the beach kills everybody." OK, so I try to think of why he might be killing everyone and how a,driftwood sculptor might go about doing it. I just let the story play out in my head a little as I walk. No writing, no pressure. I'm basically creating my own TV show in my head. Usually by the time I get home, I am bursting at the seems to write down my new found story.
When I don't want to write, I do other related things. I come here and do reviews. That helps the author, but it helps me more. I'll do character sketches for stuff I'm working on. My characters do change, so I like to keep them up to date. Sometimes, I'll discover something in them that can add to the story, I'll make on the fly revisions. Unlike many others, I have started to do a little more reviewing as I go. It has slowed me down considerably but I feel the quality of my writing has greatly improved. I'll review my scene lists for stuff I"m working on to keep my consistency. Once in a while (more often lately) I get an idea and write a short story. Many of them have given me ideas for follow on novels or longer stories. Aa last resort, I'll read. I try to read a hundred books a year. I read classics, self help books, and a lot of science fiction, the genre where I produce most of my material. Right now, I'm reading Lord of the Flies. I've never read it, believe it or not. I feel it's an important work in character development. Michelle
This is just how I've learned to write over time, so it may not work for you. Originally, I would go to a mall, yes the hated malls, and sit there where people are moving here and there, and have a notebook handy. i wrote several chapters like this. But here's the part that is where the writing comes into play. The crap i wrote was the base of what I would revise and make into a readable series of events, through planning and research. What you write while inspired will be just crap, most of the time, but it will be the base for the whole story, or a story later. Sometimes, i just stare at the screen and have to turn it off. Other times, I have to put on some music and start reading what I've already gone through several times. It will reacquaint your mind with your story and allow you to keep writing. In other words, the stuff I plan to keep and hope to get published is the material that I planned by using the inspired words as a base. I hope sometime breaks through that wall in your mind soon. It can be a frustrating thing to know that your a writer and can not look at the screen, or your work and get busy doing what you like to do. I think its almost painful.
I met a high profile novelist (who will rename nameless) at a wedding once and she told me she didn't believe in writer's block. She said, "Those people who say they have writer's block really just have nothing to say." It kind of made sense at the time. But it's been a few years since then and these days I completely disagree. I now believe that, not only can good writing mechanics, form and structure be taught, but the actual process of generating the backbone ideas (concepts, characters, plots, twists, etc.) is actually a skill that can be learned. How to summon "the muse" at will can be taught. And I'm currently working on a couple of projects that aim to prove my thesis. But I'm new to this forum so I probably shouldn't go into the specifics for the time being. But, going back to that blunt novelist, do you agree or disagree with her opinion?
I agree that there's no such thing as writer's block. But I also don't believe in muses, inspiration, or being passionate as necessary for writing. One needs imagination, curiosity, discipline, and knowledge of the technical aspects of writing (grammar, structure, etc). If you want to be a writer, you have to write. You can't wait around for anyone or anything other than yourself, sitting butt in chair and writing.
Great points. Discipline is something I'm especially trying to work on. So many distractions out there. However a lot of my former "butt in chair" time has been replaced with "feet on moving rubber" time, thanks to my cobbled together treadmill desk. I never thought I could do actual writing in this set-up but so far it's been semi-feasible. Of course, that's another topic entirely.
Maybe Yes ... maybe No. I believe it is possible that a writer may feel a "need" to write but not have anything to say. However, what we commonly refer to as "writer's block" is usually a desire to write coupled with an inability to get started. In such cases, though the causes may vary, I believe the disability is self-inflicted. Certainly, there are days when, due to allergies or lack of sleep or some distraction, a writer may find it impossible to focus on the task. Distractions and physical ailments aside, a writer's worst enemy is prejudgment, especially when it comes as self-judgment. Many journeys end at the starting gate because the participant fears failure or conflict or loss of interest. It takes only one word for a writer to get moving and an openness to the unexpected twists and turns of the journey to keep going.
I think that writers block is something that you have to train yourself to stop.. In my opinion it's not the lack of ideas, it's the inability to put your ideas to paper... For me I found that I have to turn off the TV and I can't have a phone or anything with me. Once I get rid of all abstractions I write a lot more/better. I also tend to write a lot between classes for this reason. Also creating a regular schedule for your writing tends to help with this... I read an article once that was on creativity and (according to the article) everyone has it, the difference between creative people and non-creative people is that creative people just stretch their creative muscles more than normal. When I was in my Creative Writing class I had to write about 200 words a day to keep on track. Setting a goal is also very helpful to avoiding writers block. Of course this is all theory and doesn't always work... I still have it quite often. Hope this was helpful
Its all about insecurity. We're so afraid of our works being complete garbage that we decide it's easier just not to write at all, subconsciously building our own barriers that we've named Writer's Block, like it's some black cloud that drifts from writer to writer, spreading its evil throughout the world. As a kid I never had Writer's Block. Not because I was a prodigy at stories, but because I never worried myself with the 'proper' mechanics and concepts of storytelling. Who would at age 7? One day I put up a sticky note by my workspace that said 'YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO BE AS BAD AS YOU WANT'. Though its not up there right now, sometimes when I feel that insecurity creeping up, I just repeat those words in my head. It's oddly freeing. I'd recommend it for anyone else who's ever felt the same.
I'll second the above sentiments, and back them up paraphrasing Bradbury. He says writers have to know themselves before they can write, and in my own opinion, at least be willing to explore themselves. When was the last time you wrote about something you hate? something you love? When was the last time you wrote about something embarrassing that happened to you, or re-created a situation you would have liked see come to fruition? All these passions, these ideas, these manic emotions regarding our experience in life exist inside us, and some of them are buried deep within the subconscious. Creativity is a fiery beast that burns within, and we've locked him up inside a cold cage. He scrapes and scrapes and scrapes at the metallic netting surrounding him, wanting out, wanting to explore, wanting to show the world his fire. The writer who tames this beast, coming to him as an equal, breathing as he breathes, seeing as he sees, hearing as he hears, tasting as he tastes, soon discovers the cage barring the beast unlocks, and out comes all the things you thought you couldn't write about, things that define who you are, the raging fire inside. Discipline, and doing things that help tap into the subconscious is the only route to defeat the blank page. Take long walks, I mean long walks, or drives, or just simply skateboard around town, late at night, alone, like I do sometimes. Put yourself in weird experiences and make note of what's going on around you. Keep a dream journal, and maybe start a memory box if you haven't already, whatever allows you to trigger things, old experiences, memories, words, phrases, interactions, conversations, people, places, trips, things carrying emotions that have touched you along the way you suppressed for whatever reason. You'll discover things about yourself you never thought were there, each taking you on a mysterious journey through the blowing winds, the strangers, the rains, the blazing rays of sun, the starry nights, the laughs, the smiles, the tears, of life. Bradbury often talked about this idea of conformity, and how young writers sometimes keep an eye to the market, or tailor their stories for submission based on the content of the recipient's magazine. When you boil down all the preparation, you're left with a layer, dark, murky, filled with everything but yourself. It stifles creativity, and, in his opinion, takes the fun out of writing. I am guilty of this, for sure, and it was not until recently that I cast away all thoughts of what I hoped would be achieved in the final product and instead just simply started writing, removing myself from the picture, and allowing that internal beast a chance to roar. The result? Sheer, unvarnished, happiness, and joy, and many laughs, many broad smiles, and even frowns, many, many frowns. But, I hold the latter feelings dear to my heart, for the mistakes and the struggles and the conflict between this beast and I, and the progress of my prose are what will define, mold, and shape me into the writer I am slowly becoming, good, bad, or ugly. In the end, the only thing that matters is that we are writing something, for when when no words are released, the blank page wins. I don't know about you, but I'm not willing to subject myself to such defeat. I'm a fighter, through and through, and if I give up, the beast inside dies.
Yes, I have to concur to this. Writer's block is something people get...there are many reason people say why they have it but to the bottom line you can get over it. It's not the end of the world, write what comes to you. You always have the chance to go back and edit it. If you have lack of ideas or a plot line. Sit you're happy rump back and brain storm.
I cant remember who did this orignally, but i keep a notepad by my bed and when i wake up i write down several general ideas. I believe the method originally used was to hold a glass of water and allow yourself to fall asleep which ive never tried but i dont see why it wouldnt work.
I think the theory was the water would spill when you began to dream, so you would awaken wet but with the dream memory fresh in your thoughts. Seems a bit silly to me, but I suppose if you're trying to tap into your dreaming mind, and you sleep alone... After all, the person beside you might distract you from writing down your thoughts, screaming at you about soaking him/her with your %*%^ water again.
HAHA! That really is the 12 Steps of Writers Block. I particularly like number 8, I keep doing that this week. I have notebooks where I've just written words. Eventually an idea comes. Also lots of doodles. Mainly hearts. I have no idea why hearts. I also like writing challenges, such as you get a word and a word limit (no more, no less). Those sometimes help get me going.
I disagree. It's not that they have nothing to say, it's that they're afraid to say it. I think that writer's block begins and ends with perfectionist fear, with the belief that you can't write unless what you're writing is _good_, a belief so deep that you really believe that you can't write, when instead the problem is that there's a level of your brain that is refusing to write. That part of your brain could write "I'm looking at my shoes. They're brown. The laces look dirty. Why do they put those little rivet things for the laces to go through? I'm looking at my shoes. Did I say that the laces look dirty? The floor is made of wood. There are knots in the wood. I don't like knotty wood. It makes me think of the seventies." That's nonsense, but it's writing. But your brain refuses, and you may not have access to the part that's refusing, so in that sense, writer's block is real, even if I earlier joined in the argument that it's not. But it's not about inspiration or ideas. People who are afraid to speak in public or who are shy in social situations aren't silent because they can't think of anything to say, they're silent because they're afraid to say it and a level of their brain is refusing to speak. The same is true of writer's block. The cure to writer's block is not finding inspiration or ideas, it's letting go of the fear. You "can't" write in the sense that you "can't" pet a dog if you have a phobia of dogs. It's not that you don't have the inspiration or the knowledge of exactly how to extend your hand and touch the dog's fur. It's that you're afraid to, so afraid that your brain won't obey your orders.
I am currently writing a novel. I usually start around 6PM and work until 10ish. I find my energy levels are very low and that I'm not enthusiastic about writing. I get tired, unsure what to write next, frustrated and then I stop. Inspiration is also lacking. I very much want to be excited and having fun while writing but it just isn't there. How does one circumvent this? Oh lol title typo
there's no way to circumvent it, sorry to say. I'd advise either putting your work aside for a day or two, letting your creative juices simmer, re-gain strength, OR just plowing through it no matter how much you don't want to. Another thing to try is to spice up what you're writing, or switch up to a whole new story, something fresh and outside of your usual comfort zone.
You may want to try writing at a different time of day. Writing in the evening, after a full day of work or school or whatever, means you're starting out at a low energy level. Try going to bed early and getting up early to write. As far as the rest - it's entirely up to you. If you wait for inspiration, expect writing to always be 'fun' - you'll never finish anything. You should enjoy writing overall - but there's a lot of hard, frustrating work involved in getting to the finished product.
I agree with getting up earlier to do some writing. When I worked full time this is what I used to do. Come evening, I'm done and the creative juices just aren't flowing at that time of night, especially now that I have two young children.
I would try setting word goals instead of going by time. A word goal makes you write a certain amount. If you write between a certain amount of hours then you are likely to just sit there and not type anything. If your creativity is dead with a word goal you are then forced to complete that word goal, which means you might hurry up and get to the business of writing instead of just sitting there. Furthermore, a writing goal will make you feel like you accomplished something. You always want to start slow. Your writing goal should be achievable fairly easily. The other advice that I can give is to try creative exercises. Try to write about what interests you. Where your passion is. That means you might want to change the novel a bit. Are you bored because of the all the work or the actual piece you are writing? If it's the piece, tweak it so you are more interested.
