What do you do to get over writer's block?

Question

Suggestions please...
I have been working on an epic fantasy novel for several years, have over 32 chapters or over 450 pages invested in this work.
There are parts of it I have skipped over a bit and need to fill in and it is not yet done either.
I work full time and have a family so I don't have the opportunity to just go at it only.
How can I reenergize myself during this lengthy process?
Any people out there who have written novels have any ideas for keeping on through it?

Answer 1

I'm sending you a response even though I am not published. I have things compiled in boxes and stacks and, even though I am not a machine person, on this computer I fight with daily.
The way I get over writer's block is this.
If it's for a story idea and I simply can't come up with one, I pick a book or mag at random, open to any page and stick my finger on the spot where I will find, at the least, my new avenue for research.
If I'm stuck in an existing piece, I find this technique helpful.
Put yourself into the sequence as a 'shade'.
Look around. Mentally catalog all the sensory input.
Checkout your emotional response.
Pick up a pen and blank sheet of paper [it's best to do this the 'old fashioned ' way] and begin open writing... something along the lines of automatic writing. Put down whatever comes to mind. Even if it seems preposterous, scribble it down...along with any doodles you get. This should not take more than a few minutes. Jot it down and walk away. No push, no shove. Come back to it later and analyze what you've communicated with yourself. It may not be what you expected, but I'll bet you'll find the line you can explore for what you need.
As I say, I'm not published....maybe through laziness or cowardice, or a combination of both. But that's what I do when I get stuck.

Answer 2

By no means is there a single methodology. My suggestion for the problem you are experiencing is to allot a specific time of the day or evening to parking your fanny in front of your work. It does not matter how much time it is, even if it's only an hour or two. Also, do not specify a word count or anything like that. Simply set aside the time and you will get the work done. If you are lacking in motivation, take a walk first every day before you sit down to it. Getting out of your regular surroundings can get the juices flowing.

Good luck.

Answer 3

When I have writer's block and really WANT to write but can't think of anything I dont force myself to come up with an idea. I watch a movie or read a book that can inspire me or wait until the block is over and I have ideas.

Answer 4

I write myself through. It's a first draft right. Just write through it. Don't worry about using your normally brilliant writing style.. get yourself through it as simply as you can .. you can always go back and edit it to add your style later.

If you can't do that, maybe skip ahead to something that really sparks your interest.

Or grab a spare piece of paper and write about ANYTHINg. write about a fly on a window or how the light bounces off your paper and pen. Once you get the words to flow, it should be easier to go back to your book.

Good LUck.

Answer 5

Take a break from the project. Write something else for a while, even if it's just practice. The book will always be there when you are ready to finish it.

Answer 6

Why not go for a walk in a pretty park, get away from everyone if only for a bit.

Answer 7

well there is something to be said for allowing yourself just to veg and ponder and let your brain come up with something, and there is something also to be said for just writing, just write even if you don't feel like it or you don't have the perfect thing, just write until you work it out.