Writing block and tendency to procrastinate while writing my novel, any writers out there with suggestions?

Question

I am going into chapter 16 of my novel but have spent the last week basically cruising the web and watching satellite television. I am drawn to movies about writers but have lost momentum. Has this happened to you? How have you combatted it?

I already have the novel outline (basic ideas and character development) but just feel lethargic and resist writing. I've read portions of it to my husband and he thinks that it is good and he is a tough critic but now he's asking for pages everyday and I don't have them. Any tricks of the trade that I should know? Serious answers only please. I know I should get off of my **** and just write but I need clues as to what other writers do when facing this dillema.

Answer 1

Personally for me reading makes me want to write. When I read the work of somebody that I consider to be great author I am reminded of why I want to do it. Usually what happens is I read a chapter or paragraph or even just a single sentence and the picture that my mind paints invokes me to create my own thought provoking work. I have certain books, chapters, or paragraphs which I refer to several times a week so that I can remember what it is that I am trying to do.

Answer 2

Just Write, write about watching tv or sitting on the couch even if its irrelevant it might turn into something. Keep a notebook near your bed in case u wake up in the middle of the night with an idea. Read books, one sentance might trigger an emotion which can lead to an idea. Dont give up and just keep writting.

Answer 3

This is the method I teach to students

1) Put the book aside and read - at least two books - Classics. Preferably in your genre

2) Brainstorm on paper - anything no matter how silly it sounds. Fill a notebook with ideas if you want - just come up with lots.

3) Write the ideas on file cards one per card. Sit down at a table and start shuffling them around trying to create a story from them. Keep moving them - dont be afraid for it to sound silly.

4) Make an outline from those cards when you find something interesting.

5) Try to write a very very short story from that outline. Then write several more very very short stories from the cards. See which one lends itself to a longer work

6) Start doing character studies and analysis - back to the file cards. Write down anything you know about your characters - adjectives, habits, appearance, likes and dislikes, occupation, age, anything. Look in magazines and catalogs and cut out pics that resemble the character as you see them in your mind.

7) Back to the table. Start pushing the character cards around - see who rubs who and how -- Who likes who? Who hates who? Main character to main character - then main character to secondary character - then secondary character to secondary character. This will help you come up with subplots

8) Back to your outline. Plug in the subplots.

9) Come up with a kick tail first sentece that will draw your readers into the story.

10) Start writing. Set yourself specific "office hours" - the same time every day if possible when you will write. Write for that length of time and stop. Gradually increase that length of time. That is learning to discipline yourself to writing.

It works for my students. Just make sure you dont skip the two classics - that is the inspiration that unblocks and inspires you. If you are still blocked, move onto something else. I have about 4 books on disks - started but it just wasnt the right time to write them for me. One goes back to when my 20 yr old son was a baby. Maybe I will finish it one day, maybe not. So far the mood hasnt struck me. And it is a great idea - never been done. Im just not ready for it yet. No shame in leaving something aside.

Good luck. Pax - C.

Answer 4

stephen king takes a walk to wake himself up. david morrell (the man who created rambo) has a written conversation w/ himself.