Attention all writers!?

Question

I'm a writer and have a great idea for my latest book that I've recently started, but just can't seem to figure out what comes next in the book! What do you do when you get writer's block?

Answer 1

If you have a general plot outline, you might find it helpful to write your chapters out of order. You can write about the events/situations in your plot that interest you the most at the time. You might be able to get rid of your writer's block this way.

I know a lot of writers, such as Margaret Mitchell, wrote chapters out of order. For example, the end chapter of Gone With The wind came first, and she worked backwards. Stephenie Meyer, author of Twilight, also writes her books out of order according to her website.

Answer 2

It sounds like you have plot block, not writer's block. Even if you have plotted your story correctly, you do sometimes get these moments. Go back to your story framework and write the scene for your next great idea. Move your characters into the scene and get them to react. You should then be able to see a way to move forward from where you are.

I go forward a few chapters, write a chapter and then go back to where I stopped and write towards the forthcoming chapter.

I'm incredibly lazy and write in spurts. One day I do 5000 words and then nothing for the next three weeks. I thought of hiring someone to whip me until I had produced 2000 words each day. Then I was scared off the idea, by the thought of someone who would enjoy whipping me.

Yahoo answers is a terrible distraction - the only thing in it's favor is that it keeps the daily typing habit going. Even if it is not constructive.

Answer 3

I suggest not calling it writers block. It adds unnecessary pressure. Consider it recharging. In the back of your head, your mind is silently working its way through the story, sorting things out and preparing you to get going again. I am currently experiencing it myself. I went three and a half days without writing a single word toward my book, then last night I wrote 118 words. I laughed at the small number and then remembered that this entire process is done one word at a time. Maybe if you think of it that way, if you could just write two words during this writing drought, then maybe those two words could turn into 5 words, or 118 words. Mainly though, focus on not being so hard on yourself. It's hard, I know. I'm worried myself, but I admit that I was less worried after hearing my therapist tell me to allow myself to NOT write. Not only that, but I had heard a lot about this happening to many writers when they reach the middle of their book. Guess where I am? Yup, smack dab in the middle.
Good Luck

Answer 4

I always do this: take a day off and go somewhere completely different from the subject of your book. visit a museum, go for a day in the countryside, go shopping, make a small trip... essentially take a day only to do things you normally would do if you were out of the country or on holidays. Not only you come back refreshed but also have new ideas popping out every minute.
It workd for me :)
Good luck with your book!

Answer 5

I do all sorts of things. Sometimes I re-read my story to a part that can get me going again. Other times I read it to my daughter because I get a great perpective on it. Even watching other people or watching other movies helps me. I sometimes write things that are completely different and see how the others might flow with it. I do so many different things that its musical to me. Don't worry, if you are meant to say something you'll get the idea across. Happy Writing!!

Answer 6

Usually I go back to something that inspired me somewhere in a previous chapter, or revisit a place that had inspired me, and had cast a good "writing mood". I've had writer's block since about 2000, and I need to shed it! When you find out how, let me know?

Answer 7

I sit outside in a quiet place and envision the events as they happen in the book and try to decide what the characters will do next. This is particularly helpful if your writing about the outdoors, or have something going on outside.

Answer 8

Research. Most of my writer's block comes from not having done my homework.

Answer 9

I take a walk and think about the direction I want the story to take. Sometimes my walks are long! I just take something to write on when I go though. Don't want to lose any ideas.

Answer 10

I look at pictures related to whatever I'm writing about. That always seems to help.