Writer's Block - Writers Forum

kaybee · 06-05-2008, 07:51 AM

Hey all

So, I've got Writer's Block. I've never mastered the art of removing myself from this painful state of mind, so I'm asking for your help. What do you do when you've got "the block"? I find that my Writer's Block comes when I know what I want to write, I just can't think of the right way to start it; none of my ideas seem to work.

This is the advice I have already recieved:
1) Imagine yourself as a character in the story, and pretend you don't already know how the story ends.
2) Put away the story for now, and start it up again when the idea comes. (I'm not a fan of this idea).
3) Don't think about making the story sound "good" right away; just write, and edit for quality, etc. later.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks!
KB

velo · 06-05-2008, 10:14 AM

Definitely number 2. Just take a day and don't write a bloody thing. Go have fun, relax, do something with someone who doesn't annoy the crap out of you. Very often I find that writer's block isn't at all about the story I'm writing, it's about what's going on in the rest of my life and the stresses/concerns associated with it. Get back to a more settled mental state, and perhaps the words will again flow trippingly from your fingers.

flashgordon · 06-05-2008, 12:33 PM

I agree, use technique #2. Also, having several projects going at once helps me. When I get sick of one or hit a stopping point, I can still feel productive by working on another project. Plus, working on the other project often jogs me out of whatever funk I'm in and I can go back to the original project I was working on fresh again.

ZeeC_ames · 06-05-2008, 12:46 PM

Kaybee,

When I get struck writing I start with a sort outline of all the things that first pop into my head and write them down as fast as I can. In the times that didn't even work I would hit a journal and just rant as fast as my little fingers could type. The last thing that has helped me is to write down the purpose of what you want the reader to get from your story.

Over all it's good to take a break like Velo has said. And then come back and just write anything and everything that comes to mind. I find that clears up my mind fairly quickly.

CaptainFreedom · 06-05-2008, 06:46 PM

I suggest not being such a big baby.

CF

Mike · 06-05-2008, 07:03 PM

I suggest breaking a finger or two so you know what it's like not being able to write.

The Backward OX · 06-05-2008, 07:41 PM

And I suggest you define exactly what you mean by "writer's block", if you want any in-depth answers relevant to your particular problem. From what I've seen, "writer's block" appears to have about four or five different meanings depending on who's using it.

starseed · 06-05-2008, 08:04 PM

There is no such thing as writers block.
The cure for writers block is to stop believing in it.

I have the opposite disease. I cannot stop writing. I could write for days and weeks straight and never take a shower, barely eat, live off of tea with honey, neglect all my relationships, etc.

Hehe. I don't actually do those things but I could if I didn't force myself to stop!

Seriously just stop believing its "a thing" and just force yourself to do it.

Zyphial · 06-05-2008, 08:50 PM

Perhaps there's nothing stopping me from writing, but writers block is a very real thing for me. At times when I'm inspired, I write tolerable passages that don't make me cringe and question what I was even trying to say. When I'm under the block, however, I am able to write, but what I write gets off topic, uses an inconsistent voice, breaks the character's personalities, and derails the story. Forcing myself to write when I have the block is the worst thing I can do, because it extends the block and frustrates me as an author.

Personal usage may vary, however, so ask your doctor before use.

JosephB · 06-05-2008, 08:59 PM

I've seen this topic before, and someone always says it doesn't exist. I imagine it's very real for the the person who's struggling to write.

kaybee · 06-05-2008, 10:56 PM

Clearly your idea of a baby is way off, CaptainFreedom. If you don't have any real advice, I suggest you move on to another question.

kaybee · 06-05-2008, 11:01 PM

Thanks to those who gave actual advice.

And for many writers, Writer's Block is a very real thing. Sometimes it's an over-abundance of ideas, and other times it's the lack thereof. Or sometimes it's the matter of finding the right words.

Zyphial, what happens to you when you force yourself to write happens to me too, so thank you for your input.

The Backward OX · 06-05-2008, 11:02 PM

HarryG · 06-06-2008, 03:08 AM

I've always maintained that there's no such thing as writers block for writers, and have put forward many arguments to support my case.

Well, here I am, on my knees and full of so many apologies, I don't know where to start.

I have it for the first time in my life and I've had it for months. Sure, I can still write, I force myself to, but I'm only writing rubbish, inane nonsense that should never see the light of day. I'm reading more than ever, the latest and the classics, I've stopped completely for days, my fingers are sore from gardening, the dogs have flopped down at my feet after over-long walks, I've read the internet dry on the topic, and nothing works.

I've even hidden my 'writing laptop' in the sock drawer because I'm so disgusted with myself. If I ever find the answer, I'll post it here, but I'm less and less hopeful.

The Backward OX · 06-06-2008, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryG

I've always maintained that there's no such thing as writers block for writers, and have put forward many arguments to support my case.

Well, here I am, on my knees and full of so many apologies, I don't know where to start.

I have it for the first time in my life and I've had it for months. Sure, I can still write, I force myself to, but I'm only writing rubbish, inane nonsense that should never see the light of day. I'm reading more than ever, the latest and the classics, I've stopped completely for days, my fingers are sore from gardening, the dogs have flopped down at my feet after over-long walks, I've read the internet dry on the topic, and nothing works.

I've even hidden my 'writing laptop' in the sock drawer because I'm so disgusted with myself. If I ever find the answer, I'll post it here, but I'm less and less hopeful.

Perhaps your mind needs a new challenge. By new I mean different. Do something out of character for a bit. I dunno, you see some pretty weird suggestions here from time to time . . . . how about writing your next chapter in Spanish or something? See if you can get all the meaning as clear?