The cure for writers block?

Question

All my life I've been a creative writer. I haven't been able to write a single thing worth reading for the past 3 years. Does anyone have a personal remedy for severe writers block? I assume it's a mental thing, obviously, but perhaps you can share some remedies or exercises.

Answer 1

I attended a talk by Margaret Atwood this year and her advice (albeit, this was for minor writer's block) was to take a walk. she claimed it worked on her every time.
Obviously your situation is a bit more extreme...so I would just extrapolate on her advice and say...live your life! try to travel if you can. volunteer in new places; meet new people; try things you've never tried before.
Some claim a hot bath works--but I bet you've tried this plenty of times.
I hope something works--good luck!

Answer 2

As a writer who has produced creative work over a period prior to the last three years, I know you have a creative part to your mind, and your creative part is the place to turn to when you need to work around a block.

There are many reasons why blockages occur, and without talking to you face to face its not possible for me to understand exactly what those reasons are, and actually not necessary, because the person who is best placed to understand what is going on and also provide a fix, is you.

So sit down comfortably in a quiet place, relax, and ask your creative part to consider what's causing the blockage, and as you find yourself relaxing deeper and deeper into a place you've been many times before, which is familiar as the place you always used to go when you were writing really good stuff, and I mean the best stuff you've ever written, because this is your special place, let your creative part work away on what the cause of the blockage is, and when it's ready with an answer, it will let you know. And while its working away, which may take a few minutes or a few days, remember how good it feels to write, and how much you and your special writing place are interconnected, because when you need to be creative, this is the place to be. At the point when you smile with realisation, touch your thumb and index finger together, on the hand of your choice.

When you're ready, open your eyes slowly, and notice how relaxed you feel.

The next time you need to go back to your special writing place, close your eyes and touch your thumb and forefinger together; do this as often as you like, because it's not possible to wear it out, and the more often you go back the place you like, the better you'll begin to feel.

When your creative part lets you know the reason for the blockage, take notice, decide on a plan of action, and implement it.

Have a great day.

Answer 3

The problem I've always found when I have writer's block, is that I have the strong desire to write, but when I sit down I have no idea what to write. This ends up being highly counter-productive. Unfortunately, great ideas rarely come when you've shut yourself off from the outside world. My best suggestion, forget that you want to write anything, and go do something else that you enjoy doing. Have a notepad handy when you're out and about, and as you get ideas, write them in the notepad. Don't try to rush back to write down an epic story based on this idea. Instead, continue not writing until you have several ideas to work with. This will not only give you more ideas to play with, but will relieve some of the anxiety associated with writer's block. If you get stuck on one, you always have some other ideas to fall back on.
That's my two cents for ya.

Answer 4

Smoko el Weedo!

Seriously, that would definately help. But if you not into that kind of stuff, try "automatic writing". If you are right handed, try using your left hand to write for a bit, it will stimulate the other side of your brain.

Right brain (Which thinks creatively) = Left hand
Left brain (Which thinks logically) = Right hand

Some people its switched up. But using your non-dominant hand to write is a good way to get your creative juices flowing.

P.S. If I could remember some of the stuff I think of while smoking, I would make KICK *** script writer or something. I can come up with some crazy-*** detailed conspiracy theories. I usually dont remember because my memory has been bad since FOREVER, and I am too lazy to bother at the time. When I get to film school ill start writing down all the things I think of. But right now my life is too busy.WELL ENOUGH ABOUT ME.

Excercise, Yoga, Meditate..Get the blood flowing to the brain. People nowadays dont exercise anymore or are seriously stuck to their computers all day(myself included). Get the blood flowing, get the brain working.. Try writing with your non-dominant hand, LEARN how to write with it, it will DEFINATELY get your brain working. At first you are gona write like a 3 year old, because your brain has not tried to teach that hand how to write(there are no neurons which contain that data,or watever) but you should try it. im glad you asked this question cause i forgot i had made a commitment to try that as well. i would like to be a creative writer and go to film school...anyways.. GOOD LUCK (sorry i wrote so much about myself,and i still am)

lol.

Answer 5

I did an exercise in a creative writing class where we sat down with a piece of paper and wrote out everything we thought about as fast as we could. Then, after we filled up a page or two, we'd go back and highlight things that would make an interesting piece. Who knows, it may be worth a shot. Good luck!

Answer 6

Maybe you're "blocked" because you're trying to push your imagination as far as possible while you're actually very close to "reality" and your personal situation...
Start writing about a writer who 's trying to write something but is blocked...the things you will see appearing in the page are the enemies of your creativity, but you can use them as part of the story!
Cheers
Forgottenvoice

Answer 7

Stay with what you are. If you are an apple tree, don't try to put out oranges.
I have been writing for three years and put the stories on my website. I basically don't try to write. About once per week something will trigger some memories and I put them on the word pad. I follow the words; I don't push them. Stay with what you know. Write from your own experience and knowledge. http://www.JohnIwaniec.com
One last thing. Give your mind time to do nothing. TV and video hurt your creativity. Let your mind get bored. Also remember that we do not create anything. We copy small aspects of what God has created.

Answer 8

I feel... you need... INSPIRATION :)
That's what every writer needs anyway. That's what makes your writing stand out. You could try this, I know it sounds really simple, but who knows? :)

I was thinking, you should get out more, go places, see people. When your out there, you see all sorts of things, meet all sorts of people. Maybe you'll see something / meet someone to get you inspired all over again.

I needed inspiration at one point of time, in life. That wake up call. I found my inspriation in someone I least expected. That got me to work so hard for him :) It seemed like I had a whole new life. (I know it just sounds weird) but that was exactly how I felt :)

I hope u find yours soon! :))

Answer 9

This works for me. I allow myself enough time to work within my deadlines. There aren't any rules stating that you have to write everything in one sitting. When I develop a block, I put things down and rest. I also jot notes or ideas down throughout the day. I also keep a pad and pencil handy next to my bed. If I think of a good idea, I write it down. If I don't, I tend to forget them.

Answer 10

Sex
Really, it creates endorphins, makes you happy, which stimulates imagination and creativity.