writers block

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   outdoorsguyposted 12 years ago

   Recently the last couple of weeks, I just cant seem to find something, anything to really write about.  its not that theres nothing of interest. its just that I cant seem to frame anything about a topic.   how do the rest of you deal with a Block.

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   1. 61

      Lisa HWposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I either come here, go to the "questions" section, or else go to one of the other sites where I do "hobby" writing and kind of browse for things get me interested.  Sometimes it works.  Sometimes I just don't write anything.
      
      I think it has to do with how tired people are.  If I have a heavier "real" (day-job type of thing) workload I'll end up just doing foolishness to "lighten up my head".  Or, if I have personal business to do or some new thing to be worrying about, I'll use the same approach - all as way to kind of break the cycle of feeling either driven or stressed out, depending on whatever the issue is.  If I run into something that captures my enthusiasm I'll either write on here or write somewhere else.  I find that often works (and keeps me feeling like I have some version of "fun" in my day); but sometimes the real answer is to just stop doing anything at all (or at least the stuff you don't have to do) and just take some version of a rest for awhile.  (I think a lot of writer-types use writing the way other people use having a television on or doing crossword puzzles - or whatever.)
      
      It isn't always the wisest thing to be someone who uses writing to "take a break" and then uses writing when the day-job work-load is lighter.  It pretty much amounts to writing yourself into exhaustion.    Then the real killer is when you go out with a friend and re-hash all the work/writing you've been doing, along with all the work/writing you'll be doing soon.
      
      For the last while I've been waiting to start a good-sized project, so I've had some time to do foolishness recently, which amounts to "rest up" before I get busy for real.  As soon as I start on that I'm taking my little laptop somewhere other than my usual PC desk and instead, I'm planning to work outdoors somewhere, mornings, for a good part of the rest of the summer.  In other words (after a long-winded and winding trip to my answer), I forget about trying to write anything other than foolishness and head for somewhere other than my little computer desk to let the sun and fresh air get my brain freshened up again.     (Well, that and go hang out with a friend who isn't interested in any of my work/writing "doings",which means I'm forced to talk about whatever it they ARE interested in.    )
      
      Short answer:  Get away from it if any serious efforts to come up with something don't work.  (Or at least just think up some foolish thing to write to get you moving.  Sometimes the effortless, foolish, writing can actually amount to a form of resting too.)

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      1. 68

         bayouladyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I am not writing for pay, but I want to in the near future. Writing for fun is just one of my many intersts. But I would think it would work about the same.Allow yourself downtime to reflect, and i'll bet "it" will come to you soon.
         
         I would say the same way my sister-in-law does her scrapbooking is a help.. She has a room with all of her supplies ready, and she can leave out the materials until finished with a page as well.You are at your most creative when (1) You have the "want to " as opposed to the need to(2) Time (3) A subject that interests you. However if you are paid to write regularly, I suppose that would be quite different.
         
         I have to have a special  spot to write and have it relatively quiet. I may be right in the middle of watching a good movie that prompts me to add something I saw in the movie to my idea bank.Do you keep a list(idea bank) of what you want to write about? Sometimes my students and their dilemas.gives me good ideas.  I kept a journal for several years, and there are some good story starters there.
         
         I used to ask a cousin who knew me well for a subject. to write about. in school. I also think quality is better than quantity.I have read some hub pages that were short on words and big on pictures. I'd rather read the opposite myself.
         
         Good luck!

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      rasenstars1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Have you tried free writing? I come up with some interesting ideas that way. Or clustering? Or the really good kick in the pants. Take an English Composition course at your local college. That usually helps you get the creative juices flowing.

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   3. 73

      Migoddenposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't believe in writers block. The best way to conquere I think would be to just sit down and start writing. Write about anything, write about nothing. If you can't think of something to write about, write that, i cant think of something to write about i cant think of something to write about. Eventually something will come to you. Best of luck!

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2. 75

   lorlie6posted 12 years ago

   outdoorsguy-have you ever read Anne Lamott's "Bird by Bird?"  She is a master and has many, many tips on this dastardly subject.
   Really, it's awesome!

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3. 61

   outdoorsguyposted 12 years ago

   thanks for the replys...
   
   Lisa it might be exhaustion.   I dont know Im too tired to think about it LOL.  seriously though.. I find something interesting and  its like zip, zero nada comes to mind to say about it.
   
   Bayou lady..Im not writing for pay either.   I dont figure im good enough to try that at this point.  thanks for your suggestions.  I just got back from a couple of days of camping and four wheeling.  so Im feeling some what better about the whole thing.
   
   Lorlie.  No I havent but Ill definetly give it a shot.

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4. 61

   Petra Vlahposted 12 years ago

   When it comes to writing, different thing will work for different people.
   What works best for me is just to chose a subject and than let it sit until it matures on its own; it will always be present in my mind, but never put on paper until I am ready.
   
   As I drive or sit in traffic, iron or cook, I am writing in my head (with plenty of details); one day I just get in front of the computer and start “typing” – really, that’s all I do and the first draft is ready (in whatever time it takes me to type). Once I have the first draft is always easier to do the re-writing, correct grammar, spelling, etc.
   
   I have done that all my life and this is the only way I know how to write. I do not believe in staying in front of the computer and getting frustrated and I believe even less in schedules or writing a certain number of pages each day.
   
   Writing is a creative process and should not be forced

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      manlypoetrymanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Deff...Agree! Don't force it...use the downtime to explore creative outlets and ideas. If they don't work out or develop into anything. That is a sign to move onto something that will inspire you out of the doldrums of writer's block!

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5. 61

   bsscorpio8posted 12 years ago

   I go into a meditation,not as to achieve "anything",but as to let it come to me.In the meditation,I allow unedited thoughts and ideas to surface themselves,I may even call upon a muse to see what the muse has to offer.Ideas are born out of this emptiness.Oh yea,and ten minutes of straight,unedited free writing is also a great tool,if you have nothing to say at times within that ten minutes,write that down too...I have nothing to write...I have nothing to say....
   
   Don't try to control the free writing,just let it flow.

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6. 61

   outdoorsguyposted 12 years ago

   thanks folks.  I really appreciate the responses. Im dragging myself out now.

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7. 69

   Pearldiverposted 12 years ago

   "Writer's Block" as you call it is BS
   
   It is based on your personal attitude towards feeding your mind and maintaining a positive balance.
   
   If you are serious about writing.... then write!
   
   If you need to motivate yourself to write... then do it this way:
   
   Step outside and Shut your eyes. Tell yourself that when you open your eyes, you will be seeing your surroundings as if you were an alien seeing them for the first time!
   When you open your eyes.... Mentally STUDY WHAT YOU SEE.
   
   In this way.. you will never be short of subject material... weather you write about it or not will then depend on weather or not you still beieve that you have writer's block! If you do... then you probably should give writing a miss.

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8. 67

   travelespressoposted 12 years ago

   Maybe you'd like to check out this very helpful hub by Jane@cm.
   
   http://hubpages.com/hub/Writing-in-Your-Niche

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9. 61

   outdoorsguyposted 12 years ago

   Pearl diver.. youve obviously never had writers block then.  Ive sat for hours looking at notes and couldnt even make a coherent sentence.  and this is on subjects I actually enjoy.  nothing sounded right and nothing sounded good. 
   
   but thanks for the advice, it does help sometimes to throw on my backpack and take a hike out in Greenworld and just soak in the scenery.
   
   Thanks Travelespresso Ill check it out.
   
   thanks Migodden, Tried that..
   
   Let me say this.  when I dont have this frustrating thing going.  I can sit down with one short idea and write for hours.  if its a technical piece or history. I roll thru the research writing as I go.   the words flow, and its like watching a movie in my mind. 
   
   when it doesnt. its like staring at a movie screen that has pause printed on it. and I have to hunt for the remote to get it playing again.
   
   I usually describe it as my brain being in nuetral.

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