Writers: have you ever gone through some form of "writers block"?

Question

I started writing a fiction novel and it seemed so easy to write, I would write every chance I got the "feeling" and the words would just flow. I didn't even need to think about what would happen next because I already knew it would almost just write itself. All of a sudden, it just stopped. I don't know what it is exactly but my "flow" isn't there anymore. Now I will just sit in front of the computer with the cursor blinking. Lost. Anybody else gone through this? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to get oner this hump?

Answer 1

I have been reading the book Write to Learn by Donald M Murray.

He gives you step by step advice and examples of how he puts his material together to form his ideas for his books.

writers block I am told is just due to a few pieces of material that are crammed together.

take a few moments and just write what you think, not trying to connect with the book you are writing. you might find out you have another book in the making.

Answer 2

Lately I've been finding it easier to write in a notebook that I keep on hand. That way when I think of an idea I can just write it down, and a blank page isn't so intimidating as a blinking cursor.

There have a couple books that I have started and just couldn't take very far. Right now I'm writing one that seems to have a good plot that I can carry into a novel. :-D

Answer 3

I think most writers have experienced a block at one time or another. They do pass, but sometimes the writer (me, anyway) has to just reread what was written, prob'ly rewrite some... and go on from there. Looking carefully over what you already have will often help.

If not, you'll just have to take a break and do something else for a while. Another writing project or, better yet, a trip or shopping or whatever you do to relax.

Good luck with working or waiting this one out; don't worry too much about it!

Answer 4

This is the method I teach to students. It sounds like you are having writers block because you haven't done your homework and the prep work for your novel.

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.

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 5

Yes. All writers go through writer's block from time to time. They say to try and write something everyday, but sometimes that is hard. I think if you just relax and try not to push it, then something will come. Sometimes you have to put the work away for some time to free your mind. You might want to step away from your project and start a new one, or just enjoy the day, get out, exercise or do something. Good luck!

Answer 6

Yes I have most definitly gone through this I've been working on a book and I'll have a brain storm and then it's like i want to put something down but i don't know how to word it or i get stuck and there's no words coming from my pencil it's almost like my brain froze up like it took so much effort to write what i just did down that i can't think. one thing that helps me is taking a break or even listening to music while i'm writing. sometimes even reading will help me and give me ideas. i hope i helped you and good luck on her story

Answer 7

I always find it hard to write after the ideas stop comming to me, but I find it helpful to leave it alone for a few days, then you can read over what you've written and change anything you don't like, thats when i find i can write again. Hope this helps and that you get back on track.