What do you do when you get writer's block? Am I the only one that has trouble

1. 61

   Speedi78posted 14 years ago

   What do you do when you get writer's block?
   
   Am I the only one that has trouble getting...
   
   myself in the mood to write? Or, am I the only one that has trouble getting ideas "out" of me onto the computer (or paper)? I constantly run into this problem. I have so many novels in the works, and when I sit in front of my computer, I either run into a "blank" wall, or so many ideas come to me that it's hard to get them out.
   
   There has to be a way to get out of this writing rut. What I was considering was putting either putting a layout together or, just try and start writing on paper instead. Then, transferring the writing onto my computer. But, what if these ideas don't work? Then what

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2. 60

   oogaboogaposted 14 years ago

   You definitely are not the only person.  If it was just you, you wouldn't have a convenient term to call it.  For me I try to do something sorta mindless.  Find some completely silly (but fun) casual PC game.  Leave your writing in the back ground. Play for about 10 minutes, then switch your writing back up to the front.  Give it another try, see if something pops out. If nothing new starts within a couple of minutes repeat as needed. If you do this about 5 times and get nothing, then perhaps this isn't the trick for you.  For me it works like a reset switch.  Things are always more clear when I get back to them.  Hope it helps.

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3. 61

   Virhinio Netoposted 14 years ago

   I would advise two completely different approaches:
   1 – You write anyway. It’s a cool thing to do as you will, at first, write nonsense until you actually engage in a theme in which you have something to say. It’s like doing the task backyards. First you start writing then you realize about what you are writing.
   
   2 – Forget about it and go for a walk or watch a movie or something else besides writing. This will allow your mind to set aside from writing and thereby getting some freedom. In this solution I recommend you not to run into your house as soon you find some idea to write about. I mean, if you decide to go for a walk, at some point you will remember something to write about. Still push that idea out of your mind and keep enjoying the walk. You’ll find that after the activity you choose to do your mind will be boiling of fresh ideas.
   
   Ps. I’ll pay attention to your hubs to see if any of these have worked with you:) I hope they do!

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4. 60

   Marturionposted 14 years ago

   My answer for this may be a bit unorthodox, but it works.  I am always writing at least three different projects at once:
   1st, my main project: whatever has most gripped my attention.
   2nd, my ongoing short story collection.  Going on three years now, it's getting pretty substantial.
   3rd, my throw-away.  This is always something fun, silly, and thoroughly unpublishible.  Topics have ranged from Zombie love stories to the fictional and totally incorrect biography of famous dog catchers.
   
   Whenever I get blocked, I try one of the other projects.  If all else fails, I start what I lovingly call "vomitting on the page."  Just start with a blank sheet and write whatever nonsensical meanders that cross your mind.  Usually within 5 lines, you'll pick up on a thought that you can work with.

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5. 69

   home witchposted 13 years ago

   I think you need to just write anyway. Don't worry about whether it is good, or worth keeping in the long-term. Just force yourself to write. Use writing exercises, like think about a minor character who you've not touched on much, and work them and their thoughts into the story in some way, force yourself to keep going no matter what.

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6. 60

   lilian1posted 12 years ago

   I m exactly the same too many subjects to write about but which one ??? also I am never satisfied about my work but a famous author said the same thing which gives me confidendence so we must be on the right track ... choose your favourite story the one you like best of all I actually write on notepaper before it goes on the computer ... Good luck....

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