Writer's Block?

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   DzyMsLizzyposted 7 years ago

   Ever get stuck with a form of writer's block--smack dab in the middle of a piece you've already begun??
   
   The usual tips for coming up with ideas won't work here, as those are too generic; they are for just thinking of something, anything, to write.

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      kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      @DzyMsLizzy I would go with simplehappylife
      in this obstacle. I find that many times I can over-think
      a topic or text within. Just do something completely
      different and then in a day or two, like simplehappy life
      said, your piece could go in a different direction.

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         vocalcoachposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I have found that when this happens to me (and it does) I simply start writing my thoughts.  Even if what I'm thinking has nothing to do with the topic I'm writing on.  By taking action and writing soon I'm led to the topic and ideas begin to form.  I also find that writing on two different projects helps.  If I come up blank with one topic, I switch to the other.  I also ask myself "why?"  Why have I started this hub in the first place?
         
         Hope this helps MsLizzy.

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            kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            what vocalcoach and simplehappylife said.

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      sallybeaposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I love listening to the radio and often think that if the subject is very interesting and current, then you have your topic!   My thought is that if the radio station finds the subject worthy of discussion and people phone in then it must be one worth writing about.

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      theraggededgeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I always start with an outline: a list of possible sub-headings. Once that's done, you always know what the next section is about. It's like a roadmap.

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      MarleneBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Whenever I have a writing assignment that has to be done and all of a sudden my brain stops working, I go to a family member or friend and ask them to ask me a question about whatever my writing assignment is. I tell them nothing is out of bounds... just ask me a question. They ask their question and since my goal is to answer their question, it stimulates my mind and kicks me back into gear. I am able to finish the assignment with ease.

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         simplehappylifeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Oh, that's a great trick!

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            MarleneBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you, simplehappylife. It works every time.

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            vocalcoachposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            I like this!

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         Jodahposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I like this suggestion, Marlene.

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            MarleneBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            Thank you, Jodah! It is my favorite tool for unlocking my brain.

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            CatherineGiordanoposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            A very good idea to have someone ask you a question.
            
            I sometimes find that it helps to writet things out of order. If you get stuck in the middle, write the end. The ideas for the middle will then flow.
            
            Also, let the piece go where it wants. Many times I find I have written something very different from what I set out to write. Perhaps you are getting stuck because you are trying to keep to your predetermined idea.
            
            You might also try google. Search on your topic. See what comes up. It might spark an idea. 
            
            Not exactly in response to your topic, but as I am writing, I sometimes jot down notes at the bottom because I get an idea for something I want to include in a later paragraph or capsule.

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               vocalcoachposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks for these helpful suggestions Catherine.

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         DzyMsLizzyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         That's a great idea!

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      grand old ladyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      The book, Writing The Natural Way helped me a lot in getting over blocks. Here's the link: http://www.gabrielerico.com/index.php?o … p;Itemid=1

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      peachpurpleposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      yeah, i always get stuck after having the titles, too lazy to do the research and end up tons of titles but empty contents

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         kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         @peachpurple . . .with me, along with writer's block, I also find myself second and third guessing myself even after writing a couple of paragraphs.
         Internally, I ask myself how will my followers perceive this thought? Is this "really" my best effort," and so forth.
         So when this happens, the same prognosis works as it does with writer's block. I walk away and intentionally think of other people and things--even to the point of letting my laptop go blank to screen saver and in a few days (sometimes) I think of what I have written one last time and if no questions arise . . .I go with it.

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   simplehappylifeposted 7 years ago

   I just step away for a day and then revisit it.  A lot of times, I find myself taking a whole different direction.

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      vocalcoachposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I like this approach.

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         simplehappylifeposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         It usually works   Thanks Audrey

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   Marisa Wrightposted 7 years ago

   I've got a bad case of writer's block right now.
   
   I've decided to challenge myself to finish my novel, which I originally wrote over ten years ago.   It's been a lot of hard work, but I've been having a blast on Critique Circle, having people read through the early chapters and provide feedback.  Some of it has been hard to swallow, but the result is that the book looks heaps better than it did at the start.
   
   Problem is, I'm now at the 45,000 word mark, the hero and heroine need to confront and capture the villain somehow so they can get to the HEA. And I have no idea how to do it.  Aargh!

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      kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      @Marisa, a passive suggestion: Let these characters rely
      upon their wit, intelligence, and shrewd thinking.

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         Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Oh gosh, Kenneth, I wish I could, but they seem to have got themselves into a situation where they are at an impasse.  I am hoping they will come up with something!

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            kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            @Marisa, okay. How about this "Plan B?"
            Let your characters find strength in their weaknesses.
            That is most unusual in today's heroes win with strength plotlines.
            But I know for sure that YOU will hit on just the right answer.

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               DzyMsLizzyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               Marisa:  Maybe think "McGuyver."

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                  Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                  Well, at this point the most likely solution is that the heroine (who's a performer in a Cirque Du Soleil type show) will drop on the villain from her trapeze.  But I've been told it would be a much better ending if the hero overcomes him rather than the heroine.

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                     kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                     @Marisa, I am not "going gently into that dark space" off of this forum until I give you this last plea idea:
                     Let the hero and heroine both CON the villain into trapping himself as a victim  of his own ego and pride.
                     This has to work!

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                        Marisa Wrightposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                        Hmm.  That is a novel idea and one that deserves consideration.

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                           kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

                           With me, the old saying about a "blind pig finding an acorn once in a while," fits, Marisa. Don't you agree? It's okay. I won't mind you agreeing. After all, I am here to help.

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   DzyMsLizzyposted 7 years ago

   Thanks, everyone!  I'll be sure to take your advice.  Sounds like a sensible option.  Well, I'm busy all day Tue., and have a meeting to get ready for on Wed., so I guess that will be 'stepping away' alright!

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   Laurie Bennettposted 7 years ago

   Yes! I'm writing my second ever article and although I know the information, I'm struggling to put it together in the best way

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      kenneth averyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Laurie, just relax. Breathe deeply and do not over-think what you are doing. This helps me a lot. Success to you!

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      DzyMsLizzyposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      @ Laurie:
      
      What I usually do is just write.  Get all the thoughts down, nevermind the order, the spelling or grammar.  Just get down what you want to say.
      
      Then do the fixes later.  The approach that works for me (usually) is to print out a hard copy for proofreading.  It's easier to see, and go back and forth, and make notes, draw arrows for shifting placement, etc.  than trying to scroll back and forth on the computer screen.
      
      I've got the fix going for the solution to my original post, here, as well.  What I did was to drop the article I was working on, and start writing new ones on totally different topics. Then, as Kenneth said, go back to it a few days or a week later.
      
      Best wishes to you!

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   firstcookbookladyposted 7 years ago

   Here's an idea: get a piece of paper....crumple it into a ball, put it in a bowl of water and describe it. Does it cure writer's block? Probably not. But, it will get you thinking about how stupid of an idea that I have... and you'll discover that your opinions are intact, etc, and your writers block will disappear.... [ You can paypal me later.... smile]

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