Need some encouragement

[queeberquabbler]

So ever since I failed to get my rough draft done in time for this year's Big Bang, I have been unable to write. Well, I did get a tiny amount of long-hand done, but have I transcribed it yet? Nope. I have not sat down at my computer for over a month. The very idea of even going in that ROOM fills me with dread. I've had what I call Writer's Fear

Comments

[a_phoenixdragon]

Oh honey...I've been here. It's not been as crippling, I'm sure, but I've totally been here.

Here is what I want you to do: go into the Room. Sit down. Write me a letter about whatever pops into your head. You want to tell me about your fiction? Do so. You aren't writing a fiction, but you can TELL me about it. Maybe it will unblock you. If you can't, just write me anything. Get used to the feel of the room, of the keyboard under your fingers, the joy of writing for the words only. Do this for me.

*Loves you*

[zannes]

Stop writing for something. It seems when you don't meet a goal you disappoint yourself so much that you stop writing altogether. So, stop writing for something/someone else and write for yourself. Don't write for a book, don't write for a challenge, don't write for any reason but you've got an idea you want to get down. Once writing seems less like a chore you need to get done and becomes fun again, you'll do more of it. I hit a wall not long ago, so I told myself that it didn't matter what I wrote as long as I wrote 500 words a day. Have they all been gold? No. Have I been writing? Yes. It was just something that worked to get me going.

[starrcat]

Just sit down and write anything. Don't try and edit it or worry if it is good. Describe the room you are in. Yell at the computer for taking away your muse. But write straight through for at least 10 minutes.

Good luck because it truly sucks!

[ferrous_wheeler]

I can totally understand what it's like to have writers block. If you're stuck on trying to decide what happens next in a story, oddly enough, what has worked for me is to just try and clear my head, get comfortable, relax, and just let my mind drift while thinking about the story. Don't force it, just let your mind play with it and explore storylines without any pressure - don't start out by seeking an answer, but treat it like a daydream as to what could happen next: what would make you happy, what would you like to read. In a way, it's kind of like meditating. The key is to not fall asleep and have some paper to write down any ideas that pop to mind :)

If you ever need somebody to bounce ideas off of or to just rant at, go ahead and p.m. me, I have plenty of pompoms to spare to cheer you on! *hugs*

[kalliel]

Aw, bb. <33 /rough writing times solidarity hug!

I guess whenever this question comes up, I offer three potential avenues:

Neil Gaiman Ave.: There is no such thing as writer's block--just write a thing, anything.

Sera Gamble Ave.: Similar to Neil Gaiman Ave., just write--and accept that some days you're gonna suck, and some days you're gonna be awesome. Either way, you'll be back for more.

Kiki's Delivery Service Ave.: Do anything but write--don't seek inspiration, or creativity, but let it find you. Do whatever you want, so long as it doesn't have a deadline, or any preconceived ends. You will find your way back. <3