writers block?

Question

what are your methods of getting past it in journalism or creative writing? im stuck

Answer 1

There is a book out there called "what if. . .". It has wonderful starting points for writing and jumping off points for new ideas. It was written by Anne Bernays and Pamela Painter.

Answer 2

Two different worlds.

In Journalism I look for a topic or a create a topic.

I'm working on a Holiday issue now and we've done Diwalli, Christams, Foreign Chrstmas, Chuanuka, Kwanza

I'm stumped, so I'm going to look for a new Angle or turn over a lot of stones and write up 15,000 words by tomorrow

I'll do some Yahoo searches. I read some things and maybe SERENDIPTY will strike and I'll come out with something genius, if it doesn't, I'll come out with a B side entry for this year!

It will be lack luster and unbrilliant.

Creative writing comes in spurts. I wait for it to come.

In some instance I live with an idea for years.

The problem is an idea is an idea. A story has to be fully developed with a resolution, a moral, a plot and just enough characters to follow.

When things come to me I write all night and bang off a chapter. I come bck to it and nothing happens for chapter 2.

YOu let it cool and go off and write something that comes easier.

Write 10 things at once and switch between them!

Answer 3

Dear Writers block,
I know exactly how you feel. I'm a writer myself. I have written three books and i have gone through writers block several times. Its very difficult when you know what you want to write, you have an idea in mind, but you don't know how to follow through! My best advice that i can give to you is to sit somewhere where its quiet and brainstorm. Think deeply about what line your story wants to follow and list possibilities that can bring your story to that particular event. Who knows? You might find out that you come up with something completly unexpected! And you never know, the story may change from a cool new idea. I know mine did! Writers block totally sucks, but sometimes they can turn out to be very helpful. I hope that this helped you in some way and I wish you good luck on your writing.
Sincerely,
arwenlotr2

Answer 4

I get writer's block all the time too, so what I do is that I re-focus. I try to think about what inspired the story from the very beginning. Also, keep a pencil and small notebook handy, just in case the ideas start to flow unexpectedly, like in the car or while eating out. Good luck!

Answer 5

I use exercises that help me get to the brass tacks of writing. I'll write a description of a character or describe some scene that isn't part of what I am working on. On of my favorite exercises is to open a book to any page at random and copy the first sentence I read, no matter what it is. I use that as the first line of a 10 minute free writing exercise. Try it, you'll be surprised what comes out. (Free writing is just writing the first thing that comes to your mind and continue from there. Don't worry about spelling, grammar and if you get stuck, repeat the last word. the important thing is not to stop until the timer sounds.)

Answer 6

this is probably a VERY bad piece of advice, but I usually look towards unnatural elements for a little bit of a jumpstart. Sometimes, you just get stressed and your mind doesn't flow at the rate of speed that it normally does.

You've got to first solve your issues, whether they be unnecessary worry about that psychology test, or the party on Friday night and that cute guy that was there, and not let those things boggle your mind down. That's usually the culprit. And worry about your writer's block is usually a factor of these stressors, too.

Just relax, have fun, and the inspiration will come back to you, often in mundance places, too, like at work, or in the shower.

Answer 7

This happens to me more than I'd like to admit. If I find I have been sitting there staring at the screen, I will walk away for 1 hour and do something else. Then, when I get back, I write a descriptive blog of what I did for that hour. It seems to put me back on track

Answer 8

I joined a writing site (www.writing.com) and use the prompts and interaction with other writers to get past the dreaded block. Usually changing my focus helps. Good luck!

Answer 9

I usually give it some time or even if its a couple sentences, I add them, you never know where your story is going to go. And I've started some stories and just lost the momentum, but that happens to every writer.

Answer 10

I usually listen to some music, or do something that is less stressing. Listening to music has really given my own stories something that I can really relate to. I also talk to my friends for advice and have them review my story and tell me what I need to change and what i can add. I love when my friends give me constructive criticism and it really helps. Also read other books and they might give you advice or inspiration.