How do you defeat writer's block?

Question

I write all the time. The problem is all I write these days are posts for forum rpgs, and the quality of my writing is going kaput. My last story (book, rather) came to a standstill because I got to a point where I couldn't think of anywhere to take it. I can't seem to get inspired or motivated to start on my own new story, even though I have an idea for one. How do you get past writer's block when it attacks?

Answer 1

Howdy,

Defeating writer's block can be a challenge. There's no simple solution (stand on one foot, recite the alphabet backwards, etc.), but there is plenty of sage advice on how to get back on track.

The Poynter Institute, which specializes in teaching the craft of journalism, hosts an excellent article written by Roy Peter Clark. I've included the link below, but I'll write out some of the highlights.

1. "Trust your hands." In other words, shut off your brain, and just let your hands write. Don't over think it.

2. Establish a routine where you write in the morning. If you plan to write in the afternoon or evening, you delay it.

3. Reward yourself for writing. A nice cup of coffee or cookie can serve as powerful motivation.

4. Watch your language. Get rid of defeatist words like "writer's block" and "procrastination." "Turn your little quirks into something productive." Call them “rehearsal” or “preparation” instead.

To sum it up, write early, write often, believe in yourself, and don't be afraid to treat yourself to a well-deserved muffin.

good luck!

Mike

Answer 2

Well, writer's block despite many naysayers is very much a reality for many people that write.

After all the advice of how to get over it, it's said and done, you have to look into the reasons of why you are getting a mental block.

This is different for each writer, as we are after all individuals and unique in how we live our lives, and how we deal with day to day situations.

You can collect all the best tips from the answers received in your YA question and ponder why you are blocked at the moment.

Personally I get writer's block when my level of stress reaches new heights :) and everyday issues distract me from my writing.

I do walk away from it for a few days, but I do something else that is creative as well, creativity is the blood that runs thru my veins :0 ) so what I do is make candles, this is my second creative outlet- this relaxes me and takes me away from the frustation of not being able to write even if in my head I have a zillion ideas for several books.

Why don't you try to focus your already creative self into something else that you might enjoy? This does work, as it relaxes your mind, but not taking it away from the creative source, you are just utilizing that creativiness somewhere else, while your mind gets settled from all the stress of the "mental block", and of course enjoy whatever is it that you are doing, who knows it might just be the thing you need :) and you might be surprised at finding a new talent in you.
Best wishes!

Answer 3

I have to treat my writing like any other job - I have to set aside an amount of time per day to do it, or else I will just put it off.

And, like any other job, you have to work through it even if it isn't going the way you want it to.

The luxury you have is that you can always go back and rewrite it later if you are writing a book.

The deadlines I have to work to mean I have to churn the words out irrespective of whether I have writer's block or not - I have to produce copy - sometimes the stuff I write for this is right old tosh.

Answer 4

Remember that your first draft is just to get your ideas out and that revisions come later. Write, write, write almost like you're being sick... get it all out. Then you can go back later and keep what you like and get rid of what you don't so much. Even if all you're writing is "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" at least something is coming out. Bye bye block!

Answer 5

Keep answering questions and posting on blogs until you get sick of it. You know, as every writer does, that you're doing it to put off working on the book. When you get really tired of Y!A, the book will look a lot better to you.

Answer 6

write random descriptions about random stuff, and spend a lot of time thinking about how to structure a begginging sentence.

Answer 7

Keep writing anything you want and don't think about what you are writing.

CHeeRioS

Answer 8

Just keep writing, even if it makes no sense, and sort through it later.