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Writer's Block Help Thread

Flaze

Flaze

Don't Look Away
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Don't mix the name of the thread with the name of of the section please.

I'm mostly winging this idea but I thought, since every writer is bound to get writer's block at some point what do other writers do to get over it. True writer's block isn't something that one can get over easily but there's usually something that gets people to get over it and even come back with a vengeance.

So if this thread is useful or not depends on people but if someone has writer's block it might serve as a good way to get out of it.

I for example seem to be getting into this quiet a lot but mostly because I plan ahead and when it's time to get to a point you've wanted to get to it gets boring. However I usually get out of it pretty quickly and when I don't what I do is simple.

I normally think of memories, events on my life that are interesting enough and that can be turn and morphed to fit into the fic, any little thing that was interesting even a kindergarden play could do as long as it's something that can get you in the mood to write.

If that doesn't work I also try to think of tv shows or video games or anime I've watched, you know memorable moments that I like and catch my interest. To avoid plagiarism though you should move it around so that it has an original feel and your own taste into it.
 
I start a new story, usually, but that hasn't worked recently... I can't offer any more help, and I will probably keep checking this thread.

*is suffering from a severe writer's block*
 
Is this a thread about how other people deal with the WB? (I'll post how I do mine if I get some clarification on this...)
 
Okay.
What I do to overcome my WB is write another story, where'd it's a Spin-off to my series, poems or songs, or fanfiction.
 
Ah, writers block, my old enemy... Usually when I have Writers Block, I take a nap. Just having my eyes closed, thinking about what I'm trying to write helps. Also, I usually draw some characters from what I'm writing, try to help myself picture them easier. Hope it helps.
 
Oh boy. I usually just let it sit on the back burner for a I while and brainstorm ideas while going about life as normal.

On the occasions when I must continue (mainly beta-reading things), I just force myself to write.
 
Personally, if I have writer's block, I just don't write. It's never a good idea to force yourself to do something, especially something creative. I just do other things for however long it might take, and at some point I'll likely get some great idea I could use and then I continue writing. This approach has always worked for me so far, and recovered me in times that ranged from one day to 18 months.
 
The following is related to treating writing conditions, though not specifically on writer's block:

I've heard of an interesting strategy, based on "working well", that consists on focusing for 90 minutes on a task, then taking a break, then repeating.

The theory behind those times is that your mind can't work for very long, which is why many people who works nowadays in thought-heavy jobs (scientific, creative, or innovative; all others aren't very demanding) eventually gives only a crappy performance and takes a lot more time in doing a simple task. However, if a time is given to relax the mind between work-intensive periods, you become more efficient and finish a lot of work faster.

The author of the article where I read this claimed he took 2 years in writing a book using the "normal" model of working; that is, non-stop. He was more prone to get very tired and, therefore, he got distracted or procrastinated. When he changed his writing habits to work 90 minutes then rest around 15 minutes after, in a constant cycle, he wrote a similar-length book in 6 months.

...odd, huh?
 
I usually just take a break and read. Normally reading, depending on what it is, helps my brain sort of recycle thoughts and not get overwhelmed by my own story.

It really helps, try it.
 
When I have a writer's block (which happens almost all the time) I just take a break and focus or something else. Watch a movie or an anime or read a book and maybe play a computer game. Reading manga is fine, too. The point of it all is that I usually find a bunch of great ideas and inspirations in other works. It really really does help.

Problem is you usually get the urge to write fanfics for the franchise that inspired you. So be careful there. It's a double-edged pen.
 
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