Hey writers, what do you do when you get stuck in a funk?

[[deleted user]]

Jordan wrote: "I'll pop in my ear buds with some music and take a walk. Just clearing my head of the pressure to write usually helps.

When I'm really in a funk, I'll take an old-fashioned paper notebook and cha..."

I love getting out the old-fashioned notebook and putting down whatever comes to mind! It really helps. :)

[[deleted user]]

I'm in the middle of my third book, the second part of a trilogy and today I hit it. The block, the funk, the drift - whatever it is you want to call it - I hit it.

Usually I am good for at least 3000 words, but today its been a snails pace and I think I've deleted more than I've written.

So I'm closing the lid of the Mac and will resort to an hour of mindless TV and a good old-fashioned notebook and pencil. If that doesn't do it, I'm getting on the fitness bike for an hour. Oh, I so hope the notebook brings about the recovery. Please let it be so.

[Rachel Annie]

Best of luck, John!

[[deleted user]]

Thanks SnapDragoness. A night of rest and I'm back on it again. The first 1000 words are down and the flows pretty good. By the way the exercise bike didn't help - but I probably needed to get on it anyway.

[Lilo]

I've never gotten stuck in a funk and I don't really know what "feeling inspired" means. I write with a goal and perhaps that helped me avoid both the funk and inspiration. I am a new Author so time may prove me wrong, never-the-less I'll give you my theory.

The first thing I did when I wrote my book was determine what I wanted the ending to be. Then I scratched out the beginning and started creating the path from beginning to end. So there was no real need for "inspiration". I just made it happen. Because my story involved a crime and clues I had to write it this way.

Once I had the entire outline done, then I dove in and started filling in more detail. That was the fun part. Then I went through the whole thing again and changed the language to be more enjoyable. So it was an iterative process. At that point the characters took on a life of their own and the dialog was able to just flow.

I could totally imagine that if I tried to write the story from beginning to end that I would get in a funk. I would sit at the computer on a blank screen and not know what to do. Then I might need inspiration to get some words on the page.

So maybe my method will help. :)

I'm interested in other people's method for writing. Do more writers write from beginning to end or do more writers take a more structured approach like I did? Opinions?

[C.G.]

What helps me when I have writer's block is to either write on another book(I usually have a couple going for this very reason) or I work on an outline. The important thing is to just keep working on something. However, sometimes I get stuck because I'm trying to write the scene perfectly and have to remind myself that it's just the first draft with plenty of opportunities to go back and tweak it.

Hope this helps!

[[deleted user]]

John wrote: "I'm in the middle of my third book, the second part of a trilogy and today I hit it. The block, the funk, the drift - whatever it is you want to call it - I hit it.

Usually I am good for at least..."

I hope writing picks up for you! Other than running, you might try a walk. Scenery usually helps me.

[M.j.]

I've found writing out of order helps when that happens to me. I was stuck on my second of three and did t know what to do. In my mind, I already knew how I wanted the book to end so I just jumped to writing that. For whatever reason it worked. Shook me right out of my block.

[[deleted user]]

Lilo wrote: "I've never gotten stuck in a funk and I don't really know what "feeling inspired" means. I write with a goal and perhaps that helped me avoid both the funk and inspiration. I am a new Author so tim..."

I have a friend who writes similarly to how you do. She simply has to have a plan before she goes in. However, usually she thinks of something she hadn't before in the middle and might deviate -- towards the same ending, or away from it.

I think having a plan is good, though not for everyone. Some writers simply can't sit down and plan (I'm one of them), and some have to. The folks over at NaNoWriMo call it "pantsing" (writing by the seat of your pants, not plotting), versus "plotting". Though, even if you plot, I think it's good to be open to new options, allow for creativity to take over if it will.

I'm a little odd when it comes to writing. I think up an idea, write down a short paragraph of what the story is about, maybe think up an ending, and then I start writing. I can't write an outline, because for me that zaps the creativity out of my project...and I get bored, because there's nothing new to discover. Having all the pieces up front doesn't hold my interest, because it feels as though I've already written the book. As I go along, things fall into place in the story, and I have new ideas. I don't usually get stuck, but when I do I take a break. I think the saying: "It's not the destination that matters, but the journey," pretty much sums up how I write. It's a massive tapestry I have to fit together and discover piece by piece, and while I'm working my mind is making those discoveries.

Reference: The other day I was revising, and I came to a section where I mentioned one of the character's traits, and I had a revelation. Half of the plot for the series appeared from that one moment, spot on.

Usually, I have to write the first draft, and then revise it and make final connections. I usually keep a notebook by me, to write down these connections, and then I put them all in one large file, so I have a manual of sorts. I do a lot of world-building, so I have to keep track of all of that information -- country names, cultures, etc. -- as well.

Thanks for sharing! I'm always interested to see how others write. We should start a thread for that.

[Rachel Annie]

Lilo wrote: "I'm interested in other people's method for writing. Do more writers write from beginning to end or do more writers take a more structured approach like I did? Opinions?..."

In my albeit limited writing experience, I've found I do have a general idea of the ending from the get-go.

As far as outlines, I do that as I write, jotting down skeletons of scenes as I think of them--usually a few steps before I actually write them down in full. Sort of like someone walking before a vacuum to pick up coins off the floor before the sweeper comes through to get everything else.

Does that make sense?

[Lilo]

Rachel, That is exactly how I write. I develop the main characters in my mind and come up with the end. Then I do an outline/scene sketch from beginning to end. Some of the scene sketches I get way involved in and they become more like a chapter, like the climax of the book.

But then I fill out the book. After filling in the detail I do a few revisions for plot and further character development.

Finally I get to editing.

For those who write without plotting first, this method of knowing the ending doesn't take the creativity out of it. Each run through brings new ideas and the story becomes fuller and richer at each pass. There is plenty of reorganization happening and new chapters and scenes are added where some action is needed to pepper things up. And of course as the characters begin to take shape they require certain things to happen that you didn't plan, simply due to their nature.

[Rachel Annie]

Lilo wrote: "Rachel, That is exactly how I write. I develop the main characters in my mind and come up with the end. Then I do an outline/scene sketch from beginning to end. Some of the scene sketches I get way..."

I agree, I'm always coming up with unexpected bits as I write this way.

[Edward]

C.G. wrote: "What helps me when I have writer's block is to either write on another book(I usually have a couple going for this very reason) or I work on an outline. The important thing is to just keep working ..."

Exactly, C.G.!

I write multiple things at a time, so sometimes when one is stalled, I find that another is roaring to go.

And like you, I have to remind myself constantly that I can write anything - just to get the first draft done. It doesn't have to be perfect - yet.

[Liz]

Drink alcohol.

[Edward]

Renee wrote: "what do you think is the best way to outline?"

This might be a bit odd, but I have one book that I'm doing a post-facto outline on.

I have a notepad document that looks like this:

Chapter 1: Darren gets arrested in the library.
2. Darren wakes up in prison hospital.
3. Dr. Fielding explains the treatment that will prevent Darren from becoming anti-social.

So rather than outlining what I'm going to write, I have a reference of what I've written. When I get stuck, sometimes, I go back and read the sequence of what's happened so far, and sometimes it reminds me of what needs to happen still, or gives me new ideas.

Otherwise, in a forward-thinking outline, I do it the same way.

1. Maniac rushes Sunny on the sidewalk with a meat-cleaver. Maniac flies up in the air. People outside see the spaceship.
2. Sunny runs inside to see if this is on the news, but sees the alien broadcast on every channel and medium.
3. Sunny walks to Rachael's house. Gets attacked by looter. Befriends old Asian couple who were robbed.

I have no idea how other people outline. But I just list key things that I need to write. And nothing is mandatory. Anything can change as the story develops. I view the outline as guideposts. I normally don't outline at all, but with Sunny, so much happens all over the world, I have to keep track of key things.

You sound like you might be similar. You don't use an outline, but you wish you had. So do what I do and use only as much of one that suits your needs.

:)

[Lilo]

Ohh yes. Drinking Alcohol also helps!!!! A nice glass of wine can get the story flowing.

[Rachel Annie]

I find the words come more freely when I'm a bit delirious from sleepiness as well.

[[deleted user]]

Be careful with this. Steve Jobs had his best ideas when high on acid and The Eagles wrote their best songs high on LSD.
John Cummings the nearly famous author sits at his desk drinking tea.

but hey i've written ten thousand words this week!

Imagine that

[Liz]

I know. I certainly don't want to promote drug use, but my God. I can't believe those ideas come out of my head when I'm drinking!

[Liz]

I know. I certainly don't want to promote drug use, but my God. I can't believe those ideas come out of my head when I'm drinking!

[Edward]

Rachel ~ SnapDragoness wrote: "I find the words come more freely when I'm a bit delirious from sleepiness as well."

Same here. When I should be sleeping, or as soon as I wake up, I'm surprisingly able to write despite the grogginess.

I suppose drugs and/or alcohol can bring about a similar state independent of your sleep schedule.

Now, if only we can find the perfect stimulus that will activate the imagination without impairing intelligence and judgment...

For now, I'm using music when I need a boost. 80s station on Pandora. :)

[Rachel Annie]

Edward wrote: "Rachel ~ SnapDragoness wrote: "I find the words come more freely when I'm a bit delirious from sleepiness as well."

Same here. When I should be sleeping, or as soon as I wake up, I'm surprisingly ..."

I have a New Wave playlist I listen to quite a bit while writing. The Cure, Depeche Mode--love 'em!

[Edward]

Those are in my Pandora channel. :)
For some reason, that music just keeps the words flowing.

[[deleted user]]

Ah The Cure - Robert Smith is one of the great modern day poets and also a manic depressant. Theres a worrying theme here for those who are in the funk. Get drunk get high get depressed and above all else don't sleep. You guys should start drinking tea.


Just a bit of fun people. Carry on.

[Rachel Annie]

John wrote: "Ah The Cure - Robert Smith is one of the great modern day poets and also a manic depressant. Theres a worrying theme here for those who are in the funk. Get drunk get high get depressed and above a..."

☺

[Stacy]

I just never get stuck. It works better that way. also helps to be really really and I mean really excellent. you gotta diversify your bonds. bong bong

[Dylan]

Sometimes I'll take a "running start." Instead of picking up where I left off, I'll go back and read the last few pages leading up to where I stopped. That will either inspire me to keep going or go back and fix what got me stuck.

[Len]

When I'm in a funk, I go some place.exotic; Capadocean rug merchant, the Nile, Hotel Calafornia. Next stop: Gauguin's grave.

[J.M.]

I don't necessarily get stuck as such, as I plan out the story in detail before I start (kind of a pre-1st draft) and the guide is usually several pages long, including dialogue that might come to mind in the planning, crucial actions etc. However, I sometimes find myself losing my urge to write, especially if the project has been a long one or the book is in the middle of a series and it's building towards the end. When that happens I usually take a break, sometimes write something else but not always. Anything from a week or two usually does the trick, and by that time I find I'm running scenes over in my head and filling in the gaps, so I immediately reach for the computer!

[Rebecca]

Sometimes you just have to take a break and write something else! I have two finished books in a series (they aren't published yet, but I'm looking for a contract with a publishing house) but when I get bored or stuck or just filled with ideas that don't fit my current story, I will write them up in another document. I literally have at least fifty other story ideas that I probably will never use, and some that I will use eventually, when I finish my current series. But just take a break! (:

[Heather]

If I have a block, I find that going on a walk helps a lot, the ideas just start pouring in. I agree with Edward about using Pandora--you can try out all different types of music--currently, I like Obedear Radio for describing, world-building type scenes, Sunidhi Chauhan radio for pumped-up action scenes, Lindsey Stirling for ponderous journey scenes/romances, Bruno Mars and Savage for parties/celebration scenes, ect. Music is just very inspiring period.

[Yolanda]

I write all my ideas down, even if its one sentence. Then I like to let my mind wander; listen to music, go for a run, etc and I find that things start to come together. I also read a lot in the genre I'm writing (I suppose most writers do). My worst is dreaming up fight scenes. Sometimes, I just need to let my mind relax and then it starts to come together.

[Brandy]

I stop trying to force it first of all. Then I try talking about it. If neither of those work I just make myself write even if it isn't good. Eventually, it grows into something acceptable and I can edit/revise the weaker bits leading up to the better parts.