Fighting Writer's Block

[rebekah1213]

I don’t know how many of you had ever had writer’s block.  Right now I have insomnia and writer’s block. I have not been able to seriously write for 8 weeks. I feel so stressed and unproductive. All I know at this point is I want to write. I feel like I am losing myself. I feel like myself when I am writing, creating and I am in another world.

I

Comments

[ozma914]

I suffered through writers block, but it was many years ago. Once I got old enough to experience a lot more than what I had up to that point (I was maybe 18-19 and hadn't gotten out much) it went away, and now ideas flow around me like pollen in the spring.

The only thing I really remember is doing exactly what you are: looking for prompts and blogging every day (although it was called keeping a journal back then). Also, I had some success in hopping to different genres and story forms when one froze up on me.

[rebekah1213]

I have so many different journals, blogs and things it is hard sometimes to keep track.

I have my main hand written journal, my spiritual journal, and this LJ is my main blog.

I just feel like I am shut out of my place of imagination. I keep trying to look for another door or window.

[ozma914]

It sounds like you need new surroundings, or some new experience. Boy, ain't *that* easier said than done.

[rebekah1213]

Yes, it is very easier said than done.

[katsuninken]

Back when I was in IT, I came across a CD that had a review where the purchaser claimed it would cure coding block. I bought it, and it not only cured coding block, but writing block as well. And now, whenever I write anything, from homework to an el-jay to fiction, I listen to music and it does grand things. Oh, and if you care, this was the CD.

[rebekah1213]

I appreciate that suggestion, I will have to check it out.

[robertlyon]

I hear ya.

[hierath]

You've had so much stress lately I'm not really surprised your writing has suffered. Trying to write something every day is a very good start. You could also try writing in different ways, in different places, or in different genres. Doesn't matter what you write, but something might kickstart you creativity again. Try not to stress about the block, because that will only make it worse. Good luck!

[rebekah1213]

I swear the more I try to plan, the busier I become.

[hierath]

I know that feeling!

[rebekah1213]

Do you have any suggestions to fight it?

[edieblank]

I know this comment comes a bit late, but I had an idea I thought might help. I know you write a lot of (great!) poetry, so I was wondering if you ever freewrite? I've found that it helps to get the pen moving even if what comes out makes absolutely no sense.
I've also found that writing something different than what originally gave me writer's block helps losen it up a bit. For example, if I'm stuck on a piece of fiction, I'll write haikues or a book review of something I've just read. This kind of ties in to what ozma914 said.
I hope this helps a bit and good luck!

[rebekah1213]

I appreciate your idea. The thing is most of my poetry is free writing. I know this sounds weird, but I feel I am blocked from free-writing as well. I have to be in a certain frame of mind to write poetry, I'm not really sure why, but it has just always been that way.

I have tried to write, but everything feels forced lately. The good news is that I did write one poem last week that I am going to post on LJ in a few minutes.