How do you defeat the dreaded Writers Block?
What are some circumstances that HAVE TO be in place to get your Write On?
I do need a quiet place so I can concentrate without a lot of distractions, so that's number one. Subject matter is another must. I have to be writing about something that interests me or I feel strongly about before I can come up with anything readable. Having a deadline is another good motivator. This forces me to "get 'er done" when I'd rather be goofing off doing something else. The best way, however, to beat writers block is to sit down and just start writing. Sooner or later something worthwhile will come out. I hope this helps.
I prefer writing at night, when everyone is asleep and it's really quiet, or in a place I can make as much noise as I want; in this case I blast whatever type of music I think will help me concentrate. A stiff glass of whiskey and Coke always helps, if only for something to keep my senses awake.
Irish whiskey has given me some inspiration; it has also caused me some grief. All things in moderation.
Very true. Everything in moderation is a good standard to live by. A lot of the time, I drink black coffee instead, but sometimes coffee makes my mind wander too much.
I prefer night writing, too. Peace and quiet = less distraction!
Isn't it interesting how we all need different circumstances and situations in which to do our best work? I can't write much at night, can't write anything when music is playing, and can't write a word if I've had even the smallest sniff of alcohol.
Yes, it is very interesting how differently people approach writing. I'm glad everyone approaches it a different way; otherwise we would be missing some of the best authors of all time.
I have to have quiet, so I cannot ever write when my children are around. I also prefer to write in the mornings when I am wide awake and fresh. After I've taken the boys to school is my favourite time to write.
If I find I'm having a bit of a block I usually have two very simple choices, either of which work:
1) Write absolutely anything at all, nonsense, a diary entry, a list, a hub, a blog entry, and eventually my mind starts to focus on what I actually want to write and I find my way back to the real project.
2) Write absolutely nothing and go and do something else for a while. Ideas often come to me when I'm just relaxing or out walking or cycling.
Some writers don't believe in writer's block. That's nice for them! It does exist, but it's in the writer's mind, and it's nothing to panic about (and nothing to dread - if you dread it you'll likely induce a big case of the stuff!) - panic is always counter-productive (unless you're writing about panic, in which case it's probably quite useful!).
Write a list of ideas when you're on a roll. When a stumbling block pops up go back to the list. Try a new approach to something you already wrote about. A new slant may bring interest to the audience you had from your previous work. Read about things that interest you and reflect your own thoughts on the subject. Write when you have full control of your thoughts.
I rarely get block because my head works like 20 televisions going off at one time, all on different channels. I will find something on one of those channels to write about or something is definitely wrong.
But on those occasions when something is wrong, I light candles and incense and it works for me. Watching the flicker of the flame puts me in writing mood and it doesn't have to be night time for this, any time of the day is fine as long as it is completely quiet with little to no distractions.
I take a break. Sometimes,I read some articles that are trending in different websites. Sometimes, I see TV and I'll get inspired and other times, I pray. It works!
I struggle with writers block all the time. The easiest way for me to get through it is to walk away for a little while and do something that is completely unrelated. Watch TV or a movie, read a book, play a video game, etc. Sometimes I just needed to find a little bit of inspiration and others time I was just so burnt that I needed time away for a mental break. Never panic about it though, even if you need to meet a deadline, because panic will almost always make it worse. Even a short 10 minute break can help clear your mind.
i play relaxing music sometimes... and incense for inspiration......sometimes.... I just look at my notes and write what comes to mind without worrying about polishing it up.....that comes later
I must say I don't have anything to contribute to the answer, but I've had writer's block for about three months and can't overcome it. All these answers are helpful, but the greatest help I gather here comes from not feeling like it's just happening to me.
After a year of participation in hubpages this writing lull is awful, but the answer and forum sections kept me active within the community.
Don't put pressure on yourself, and don't feel like a failure. The writing will come back when it's ready, and until then just gather ideas by getting on with a full and active life That usually brings back my muse!
Thank you, Lady Wordsmith. I gather that patience is the key.
I pick up a book and read a page or two then sit and rewrite a paragraph or a page in my own style. It usually gives me some ideas and then I can return to my own work.
Wow! That's an excellent idea! I love it!
My motto is even if you aren't feeling it - do it. Sometimes we have to build motivation by just writing - even if we aren't particularly inspired. There are also exercises and techniques I use.
Here is my hub about this very thing:
Beat Writer's Block and Improve the Quality and Speed of Your Writing
http://christins.hubpages.com/hub/improve_writing
Before I can write, I have to have an interesting character in my mind. I think about who this person is and why they behave the way they do. People watching can generate a lot of inspiration in this area. I know I'm ready to write when my character's opinions begin to bleed into my own. That's my character's way of begging to be let out, and the best way to free a character is to write about him/her. As I write about my character in his or her natural environment, I begin to see possible conflicts. I choose a good conflict, and before I know it, I have a rough draft.
Believe yourself. You were a writer yesterday, so you are a writer forever.
I hop onto HubPages and browse through the newest Hubs related to my interests. This re-ignites my creativity...that and two cups of coffee.
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