I can't seem to transcribe ideas I have into words on paper. Is there something I can do to help me?

Question

It isn't a matter of vocabulary or grammar. Its more or less about not being able to formulate the pictures and ideas I have in my head into words.

I'm an extremely visual person. Thoughts come to me as pictures without internal narrative. I just 'see' it. So, whenever I try to write about what I see for various reasons (novel, game design document, script, etc.) the words fail to come. I can see the image vividly but whenever I DO make an attempt at describing it, it seems shallow and boring, nothing as epic as it comes to me.

I'd greatly appreciate any tips or sources that assist writers. I don't think its writer's block because its not a lack of idea, but just an inability to formulate the ideas to words.

Thanks in advance to anyone whom offers help!

Everyone has been wonderful and I love each and every response, so I'm unable to pick a best answer. Thus, I'm putting it up to a vote. But no matter who gets the best answer, I've taken all answers to consideration and am now working on a method derived from all the input so that I can spill those creative ideas into something tangible. Thank you all again!

Answer 1

Try drawing it and ask a friend to help you write about it. Perhaps you can get work as an illustrator for children's books.

Answer 2

I find this problem in myself occasionally as well. I would advise you to keep a tape recorder and/or a journal with you at all times. Even if you're unsure of what to write, just get those ideas down on paper so that you can go back and tweak them or add/take away from them.
I'll get a great idea right before i go to sleep, and I get up, turn on the light and try to get as much of it on paper as possible. I am very visual, as well. I see things more as a movie, but just the more I write it helps me progress.
Other ideas would be to go to the library or search on the internet for writing help books. Or, as some others said, try drawing your ideas. That could always help. Just quick sketches is all you need.
And always keep reading-in all genres. You can pick up little things that other writers do and it never hurts to increase your vocabulary. So, I hope that was helpful.

Answer 3

This is just an idea I have, and it looks like it might take a lot of work, but it can be done. I was thinking that maybe you could describe the mental pictures surrounding the idea on tape, even if you are afraid it might sound weird and bizarre to the kind of people who like to make fun of everything. Secondly, transcribe the tape. Third, just make a stab at trying vocally to tell the MAIN IDEA you are trying to express WITHOUT going into details at this stage. If you can get the main idea down clearly, briefly and concisely, you could add a few clarifying details if needed. These just some ideas. I can't guarantee that they'll work, but maybe they'll help.

Answer 4

Sketch your scenes as they appear in your head; add color as needed to get the mood right. Then see if it's easier to put it into words when it's out of your head. Use a thesaurus and go way over the top describing things with multiple adjectives and metaphors if you're worried about being boring. You can go back later and pare it down if needed. Eventually you may decide you're more of a graphic novelist or screenwriter and open a whole new world.

Answer 5

Lots of people seem to be helped by writing on the computer, rather than with pencil or pen & paper.

Another idea is to dictate & then transcribe what you spoke.

Answer 6

You could be trying too hard in an attempt to be specific. Keep a journal of things around you. Start out simple in your descriptions to gain confidence and work your way up. Get Roget's Thesaurus to help with new descriptive words.

That;s what I did while in college because we had so many papers to write., It was hard at first but eventually I caught on. I didn't become a Tolstoy, but more of a Hemingway. Nice and simple,.

Answer 7

Try a tape recorder. I keep one in the car with me so I can record ideas. I transcribe them later. Or perhaps your forte isn't writing but art. Have you tried drawing them? Artists like Norman Rockwell told amazing stories through art. Pax - C

Answer 8

If you have the picture in your head, all that you need is the tools to describe it. Go to your library and see if they have any books on writing (not grammar books, but books more focused on style). Anything by Karen Elizabeth Gordon might help.

Reading more fictional books could probably help too, particularly ones with vivid descriptions.

Answer 9

Try drawing it out visually--OR try talking about it. Describe what you are seeing and do it on tape and transcribe it later.

Answer 10

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