Comments | hd_writers: Writer's Block || 1

kitty_fic in hd_writers

Writer's Block || 1

Jul 03, 2012 08:39

I've been planning to do a discussion or essay on writer's block for a very long time, but I actually found this topic completely overwhelming and nervewracking. I'm certainly no expert and I'm sure that many people have written many more inspired things on the topic than I ever will. However, it's something I suffer from and is often on my mind. ( Read more... )

this works for me, discussion, writer's block

Comments 8

exx_cecilegr July 3 2012, 15:24:48 UTC

Some of my causes are definitely: distraction, too many ideas, and not finding the right words/emotions. Growing unhappy with my ideas happens too, especially with fiction, but less so with poetry. I love your solution ideas! Ones I already employ are: going for walks/connecting with nature (& sometimes writing outside with a notepad, even though I usually don't get much done, it's my favorite way to relax) and shifting creative energy ( ... )

mab July 3 2012, 15:59:34 UTC

I get huge mental blocks that overwhelm me to the point I hide under my covers and don't come out. I've found that they mostly happen when something is stressing me out in RL.

I've found that getting restful sleep is essential to beating the block. I frequently ask myself.... whenever the words aren't coming, what is bothering me? How am I not satisfied? Sometimes it's enough to break the block if I can work out my RL issues by writing about them. Weird? Yeah, maybe... Sometimes turning RL stress into story fodder is exactly what I need to give my plots a boost.

The other thing I've found, is that if a story idea is just not working for me.... it's time to change it up. I've cut 7k words from a fic before and rewritten... I've started over again and again and again... and it's the only way I've made my deadline and avoided falling into the trap of writer's block.

celestlyn July 3 2012, 23:42:11 UTC

Yes to all of those. I'm one of those people who pretty much only writes when the muse is hitting her over the head with a 2x4. I seem to have all sorts of ideas when I'm in the car or somewhere without a laptop or pen and paper handy. I can create one helluva story in my head when there's no place to put it. Here's a few blocks that come to mind ( ... )