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2006-07-26 04:12:56 · 23 answers · asked by Laura 2 in Arts & Humanities Books & Authors

23 answers

One tip I've heard is to just write whatever is in your head, not worrying about spelling or grammar, or even the "right" word. Just get it down. You can save all that for later, when you revise.

The other is journalling.

I looked at some of the other answers, and I agree walking is very good. I need to follow that advice. In fact, I'm out of here after another ten minutes. I totally killed my day yesterday, smothered it with the pillow of laziness. Time to put yesterday's memories in the mental compost heap.

I've had difficulty with writers' block, and am acutally experiencing it now. I'd appreciate someone emailing me with a link to this thread, so I can look over the others' answers.

One other idea is to read read read others' writing to keep learning what gets published, learn about style and substance. But if you do nothing but this, you still don't write, so go back to the other two, flow writes and journalling.

Allpoetry.com and Allphilosophy.com have helped me very much, but now it's time for me to strike out on get in print/ textured paper, that is. I publish on line there as cafegroundzero.

I wish you luck, and will pray the Muse come to aid you!

2006-07-26 04:16:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

A lot of people say it's good to take your mind off of things and do something else, but that's easier said than done, at least for me. I think these are the best three ways:

- Research your topic more, or go over the research you've already done. This won't stunt creativity, it will encourage it. No matter what you're writing about, you can always do research, whether it's for the characters, the plot, the setting, etc. The more research you do, the more different points of view you'll be exposed to. And your story will be in less danger of resorting to cliches. Some experts on writing even say there's no such thing as writer's block, and that it's really a lack of material, which can be fixed by doing research

- Start reading another novel, any novel. It doesn't matter if it relates to your story or not. I don't know about you, but sometimes I'll start reading another book and then I'll suddenly get the urge and inspiration to start writing myself. It might not make a difference when i actually start writing, but at least I'll have some kind of motivation.

- Have a couple drinks. I wish I was kidding about this.

Good luck with everything.

2006-07-26 13:18:17 · answer #2 · answered by jps245 2 · 0 0

Ah... the ever frustrating writer's block. I can definitely relate to this. The best thing to do is to "practice" writing daily. Nothing specific. Just write. Let it flow - even if it makes no sense.

Set aside a time each day to write 30 minutes. Nothing planned, just write. In time your creativity will flow. Also, it might be a good idea to carry around a recording device should a great idea pop into your head and you can't write it down you can record it and reply it later for recall.

Good luck and don't give up writing because you experience the occasional writer's block

2006-07-26 11:17:14 · answer #3 · answered by 'Barn 6 · 0 0

Two ways:
1. Stephen King Method: SK says when he has writers block he just keeps writing. However, what he writes is usually really bad leading his critics to say he has writer's block all the time.
2. Avoid Writer's Block: End your writing session while the ideas are still flowing, that way, when you pick up the story again, you'll have a 'running start.'

2006-07-26 11:21:51 · answer #4 · answered by Samuel C 2 · 0 0

Ride a bike, go for a long walk, do jumping jacks. Take a few days off to do energetic fun things and get the blood and juices flowing.

Comversely you could do some meditating and creative visualization. I would recommend just 3-5 mins a couple times a day of sitting quietly and visualizing yourself happy and productive, bubbling with creative ideas. This can be very powerful if you do it faithfully, and really vividly, in just a few days. It's good to incorporate it into your daily routine - like as you get up and go to bed.

Probably a combination of the 2 would be best.

Peace!

2006-07-26 11:18:35 · answer #5 · answered by carole 7 · 0 0

We should write something every day, even if it is just in a journal. Also, it is very important to get out in the world and experience things. Take a ride on a bus or light rail and listen in on people's conversations. Observe how people act and how it corresponds to their appearance. Hang around other writers. I write and do art. I find myself most stimulated when I am around others doing the same thing. I take classes regularly to help keep my interest going.

2006-07-26 11:31:07 · answer #6 · answered by SeraMcKay 3 · 0 0

A simple trick I use is to take my main characters and white down seven events or scenarios that could happen to them or that they could be in further through your story – even if the are wacky or unrealistic (by your current story line).

Then try to image how that character would get into this new scenario and how why would react. Write down all the ideas that come to mind immediately for each – then review.

Look at the scenario in which most ideas came immediately to mind. The result will tell you what your true feelings are for each character and possibly give you idea where to go with the story next.

2006-07-26 11:42:56 · answer #7 · answered by Ralph 7 · 0 0

Walk away from the project. Do something else. Take a walk, catch a sunset, read an unrelated work, anything that gets you thinking along different lines. If you try to force it, your writing will feel forced. Enjoy a break. Good luck!

2006-07-26 11:18:18 · answer #8 · answered by Beardog 7 · 0 0

You may need to find something that truly inspires you to write, it may be your fav tv show, or fav food, or fav thing in the park. You just need to find that nitch, so you can get started with whatever you writing. If you're writing a specific type of book, go in an area that would most likely to have evidence or visuals for your book, so you can take notes and probably write it down for your book.

2006-07-26 11:16:18 · answer #9 · answered by Danyizzle 4 · 0 0

You need some inspiration. Try reading over something you wrote in the past. Are you doing anything different? I always stay up late at night to write, can't get motivated in the daytime.

2006-07-26 11:19:00 · answer #10 · answered by sweet & sour 6 · 0 0

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