Writer's Block

[Kiersten, Mod]

When I get writers block, I think it's caused by anxiety or stress. And it's weird. It's like I know where the story has to go, but I can't get there. I have spent months (collectively), staring at a blank screen.

When you get writers block, what happens, and how do you overcome it?

[Caroline Cairn]

I definitely agree with you that writer's block is caused by anxiety and self-doubt. When we put too much pressure on ourselves, for various reasons, the creative juices stop flowing.

As a self-confessed worrywart, I'm dreading this to happen to me. Since I'm a new author, it hasn't occurred yet, but sometimes, I notice I write a lot slower, like my ideas aren't forming in my head fast enough. I procrastinate, really.

What I do to overcome it, is that I read a book by an author whose style I admire (obviously, the storyline has to be to my tastes too!). It always boosts my energy and enthusiasm.

[Niall]

Have to disagree, but I admit to being weird.

When I block, it's because I've painted myself into a corner and I don't know where the plot is going. I thought I knew, but I've either written myself into a place that made the original idea unworkable, or I realise that the original idea just wasn't that great to begin with.

Generally I'll do one of a couple of things to get around the problem:
1. Abandon all hope! I may drop the project. Some ideas don't work. I've learned to live with that. Maybe I'll reengineer the concept and restart at some point. I've got a vampire book in the publishing pipeline which has taken about 8 years and three rewrites to get to work.
2. Purgatory. Maybe I can't see the end, but I know it's okay so far. If I sit on the project for a few months, I may well get back my enthusiasm and come up with what I was missing.
3. Start again, or almost. I've realised quite a way in that I was going the wrong way. The only answer is often to cut back to good wood and start again. I've cut back to the title page once or twice and, knowing where I went wrong last time, set off with new enthusiasm.

I think the lesson is: don't be afraid to fail. Failing is, obviously, not a preference, but if you are feeling, learn why and try again.

[J.D.]

I use a heavy outline so I haven't had much of a problem with writer's block.

*knocks on wood*

I have had to skip a chapter and come back to it because I wasn't in the right mind for it at the time, however. Mostly when writing chapters with the villain(s) or sex scenes. Kinda need to be in a "certain mood" when writing those. ;)

If I have trouble starting a chapter or just need to refocus, I put my headphones on and blast my writing playlist. Music is my go-to medication for almost every type of stress.

[Roxanne]

I've found that it's best for me to just not worry about it. I get up from the computer and go on about my business. It takes as long as it takes, but it invariably lifts, and then I'm back writing again, maybe the same project, maybe a different one, but I'm writing.

[[deleted user]]

I haven't experienced writer's block yet... but I'm sure it will happen. I write - at a minimum 5 AM - 7 AM five days a week and average 2,500 words a day. That's actual writing, no world building, research, etc., as that is done at other times. I also switch between series or type flash fiction, short story, or novel depending on my mood.

[Niall]

Despite what I wrote above, I'm having a little trouble right at the moment. Writing is getting done, but I'm not sure my heart is really in it and I find myself more or less looking for distractions (like posting to a thread about writer's block).
Thinking about it, this has happened before around this time of year and I rather think it's just that, the time of year. The weather is miserable, the days are short. Generally, this sorts itself out in February, but it seems a little worse this year. I'm still pretty confident I'll be back to normal soon enough (and the sooner the better).

[Jane]

I get in the pool and do laps, or jump on the treadmill, my mind just switches off and usually the dialogue or the next move just pops into my head.

[Rebecca]

I usually just edit what I have already, and usually I'll see what needs to come next. If that fails, I take a walk and picture the scene in my head and before I know it, I'm writing and have to rush back to get it on the page.

The Rule of 6 works, too (I got this tip from author Shirley Jump): Write down 6 things that could happen next. Be as wild and creative as you like! Then choose one of them. For me, it's often my 4th or 5th idea. This also helps you choose less predictable paths so your story keeps a reader guessing--and engaged.