Hey, everyone. How are you? I've begun to write a novel and a short story a few weeks ago, and I was pretty dedicated to writing a little bit every day. Now I find myself distracted or not feeling like writing at the moment and I haven't gotten anything done in a few days now. I can feel myself slipping away from writing again, but I want to know how do I remedy this situation? Is this a natural cool down period? Should I just strap myself down and write at least a sentence? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks everyone.
Ah, the trials and tribulations of writing a novel. So many people who've never written one think it's simple to produce a novel worth reading. It isn't. Distraction is a b**ch. Do yourself a favour. Grab the TV, modem, phone, and any other items that could potentially distract you, and fire them out the window. Seriously, though, if you can write a page (or even half) on those nights where your enthusiasm is dampened, then that sounds like a good night's work. Just strive to write a little, however "little" it may be.
I have this too, occasionally (although I've never taken on the task of writing a novel). It's not great to force yourself to squeeze out material, because it won't be natural, and probably won't be that great. One of the things that always helps me is to look back at earlier parts of the novel and remember why you first started writing it, why you were so excited about it, and then you'll be inspired to get it finished.
I tend to think alot when I can't/don't feel like writing, or have major writer's block. You know, flesh out he characters, develop the world better... that kind of thing. Aside from getting the whole thing solidated in my head, I usually get inspired by some new concept or idea, or maybe I'll come up with some interesting new element or something to add to the story that seems like I'll be able to do alot with. Those kinds of things get me excited about writing, and doesn't make it feel like a chore. One thing that I think helps, though it may be counter-productive for some people, is to just take some time off from the story; like maybe write a short story, or just focus your attention on something else for a short period of time, and come back to it later. It could help in a few ways: Maybe clear your head and enable you to think better. Some ideas, characters or concepts you see; either in your own story, or even on tv or something, may spur you on with some exciting new ideas. It could help sharpen your writing skills. It could also be counter-productive in a couple ways: You could forget about your novel all together. You might become focused on another story you're writing and decide to expand on it. And probably other ways. So it's a bit risky. If you do try this I highly recommend re-reading your novel, because you will have a fresh perspective on it, and probable notice mistakes and things that could be improved that you missed before. Well I hope I helped =]. ~Ben
A novel is a big project, and your enthusiasm will flag at times. Lets face it, writing a novel is real work. So you have to approach it like any major job/project - set yourself a schedule with measurable milestones, and stick to it. If you indulge yourself in the "I don't really want to work on it right now" moods, you'll only make it that much harder to pick it up again. You'll lose what momentum you had, you'll start to forget the details of where you were and where you were going with story threads, and before you realize it, you're too discouraged to even think of it. Make sure the schedule you set is reasonable, too. If you are too aggressive with it, you'll fall behind and again become discouraged.
When uninspired...I read! I push away from the computer, typewriter or paper and grab a novel by my favorite author. An hour or two of reading always rekindles my desire to write. If it didn't, I'd find another hobby. The other thing that gets me in the mood to write is sex. All these years my wife thought I found her irrestitable...it was only writer's block! LOL
Thanks so much for the help everyone. I'm definitely taking what you say seriously. Unfortunately I'm not in any relationship so sex isn't really an option, but thanks haha.
I have had the same issue, unfortunately my distraction talks (as 8 year old girls tend to do!) I had a schedule in my mind, i wanted to be at chapter 22 by this past Sunday...I am now just starting chapter 15, UGH! I try to at least mute the tv and write during the commercials, sometimes I will get into some rhythm and forget the tv is on which is great. Other times I get to a point where I don't know where to go from there and since I am already on my laptop I start to surf the net (another horrible distraction). I agree with Daedalus, try to write something you may find you get into a groove unexpectedly! Good Luck!
I wholly agree with Daedalus also. I just started to write again and pick up a story I had started a year ago. Thankfully, I had written enough notes to guide me back to the storyline and the whole idea that started it.
I agree with what's already said, but really IMO there's not much to do when you just can't squeeze out something. But when you're not in the creative writing mood, you can use that time to actually think out where your novel is going, develop characters and plots, and fix what you've already written.
Webook is a huge modivation for me. I doubt I would have finished Bending Nature as fast as I did if at all with out people reading each chapter as I posted them. Also, it modivates me to read one of my favorite authors right before I write. I read a few pages and study their style. But some days it is like pulling teeth to get words on the page. There are days that all I can write is a paragraph.
Sometimes all you can do is just make yourself write. It doesn't sound very useful, but it's the truth. If you want something written, what else can you do but write it? There are days when I don't feel like writing and that's the plain truth. I'm not going to use some euphemism like "I'm blocked" or "I have too much else to do" or whatever--if I REALLY wanted to write, I would just sit down and do it. You might try mulling over your story further so you know better how you want it to go, if you find yourself stalling out because you're lost, or you might try finding some ways to work up inspiration (reading about the subjects I like to write about helps me), but the writing itself is something you just have to make yourself do. If you make more of a habit of doing it often, it starts to come more easily, trust me.
Yes. Strap yourself down and write at least one sentence, maybe another one will follow, then maybe it will turn into a paragraph. If you weren't inspired before you strapped in, you might find that can't stop typing after two minutes and then comes the flow. I have a little motto to keep me inspired: Just ******* get on with it. A personal deadline can help too, even if it's months or even years ahead.
I would stick with it! This happens a lot to me too. I tend to just do something that makes me think " I really want to get working on my book!". Another thing that keeps me from losing heart are these forums. If I can't write, I'll head over here and read some stories o r discussions. that normally helps.
Goals are a good way of getting it done. Remember that a goal must be both measurable and achievable, maybe just forcing yourself to write a minimum of 200 words per day would help get you back on course, they don't have to be brilliant words, once the book is finished you're going to rewrite vast chunks of it anyway, the important thing is that the main outline is done. Something I've found helped was planning it all out in advance. There's this thing called the snowflake method which helps you to get an extended plot synopsis written. With that down you at least know what you have to write to get from one section to the next, you may not feel inspired but that's what writing is all about. 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. And try to remember that writing is easy. All you have to do is stare at a blank screen until blood starts coming from your eyes.
Like Cogito said, setting out a schedule is very important. I used to have the same problem as you. My best advice is to write a short outline of the story. After this, you can divide it up into section and set a deadline for each. This way, you'll feel motivated to finish by the deadline at will push yourself onwards. Another tip is to provide yourself with an incentive, a reward at the end of the road.
Many times I look at the computer screen trying to think of what to type next. But I have the cursed mental block and the cursor blinks away as if to say ‘well what are you waiting for, Christmas?’ For me at least the cure for this is predrafting. I have an A4 pad of paper and write I note down rough ideas; plot, character, scenes and so on. Then I work on them, see if and how they connect together. To see if they work. And if not, why not? Etc., etc. After a while I have some ideas to type up. Mental block has been slain. If only for a while. I don’t know why, but I just can’t seem to think up decent ideas to work with when sat in front of the computer. Type them up and develop them yes, but think up the beginnings of a decent idea, no forget it.
If it works for you, great. The main thing is to write, actively. Too many slip into the boggy ground of excuses when something like this happens to them. You're doing the right thing by moving from your 'frozen' zone of the screen to the page where you can get some constructive work achieved. I always write my first drafts longhand anyway, because I find the relationship between the pen and the page more substantial. Good on you, hope you find success with your project.
Yeah, I know what you mean. Having a notebook handy whenever you get an idea is much better than trying to 'force' yourself to write, and it's great that it works for you. Alas, I am not so lucky. Good luck with your writing.
There is something quite intimidating about an empty computer screen. Usually I just don't like the way my writing looks after a while. It's strange because I feel better about it when I change the font. Still, the internet doesn't help my concentration either. The paper technique of planning is helpful for those boggy moments that Cheeno mentioned - mindmaps are usually good with the key areas like setting, characters and events for that scene.
I don't really do either--sit down and plan out/brainstorm a story first, or sit at the computer first. Since I write longer stories for the most part, I just spend a lot of time mulling them over before sitting down at the computer to type them up. Thinking about my stories and characters for a long while before starting work is my best method of getting a story to actually go somewhere. In truth, I can't even imagine the concept of wanting to write a story but having no idea already in mind and so having to brainstorm one up. The idea comes to me, THEN I want to write it. But that's just me. To each his/her own.
