Overcoming writer's block

[Yesenia]

For those of you who have been writers much longer, how do you get past the WB? I've done the whole "take a break from it" thing. But too much time has gone by, and the deadline is fast approaching. Tips?

[Lori]

I read once where someone said to just sit and write. It won't matter if it's crap -- just write. Pick a topic and write about it. Even if it's not part of your WIP. It can be about anything from the paperweight on your desk to the weather... The important thing is not to over think it but just do it.

[Chris]

I think first you need to identify why you have writer's block. Is it because you don't know what happens next in the story? Then you need to spend time brainstorming options. Is it because you are discouraged by the industry and feel like nothing you do matters? Then... well, that's a long discussion, and if you have a deadline, probably not the issue.

I did several blog posts (adapted from an article) on writer's block and how to deal with it depending on the cause. See if something here helps you.

http://chriseboch.blogspot.com/search...

Good luck!
Whispers in the Dark

[Yesenia]

Thanks for the help, Lori. That "write anything" tip is really useful. I think there was just so much different stories, info, and random crap floating around in my mind. My brain just needed to take a dump (Yeah, sorry about that).

Chris, thanks for the article. It was helpful. The most helpful tip for me was using actual pen and paper. The computer just doesn't feel as personal as paper, so I had to get off. I prefer to use pen because I don't end up erasing. If I scribble a random note, I want it to stay there for later instead of accidently erasing it.

I'm on my way to finishing my work thanks to you both! :)

[Christine]

I wrote an article about overcoming writer's block here: http://www.helium.com/items/1338306-o...

The article, plus other writing pieces on the craft of writing, are found within my book, Essays for the Soul.

[[deleted user]]

I'm not a publish author yet, but I do love Writing.

I guess, for me, I go on search engine and type abandoned places(any places) or I go on YouTube and search for suspense(like Nancy Drew soundtracks) and favorite movie clips(Avengers and Asgardians).

After that, my stories go back to where I left off.

[Safa]

the only way to break the WB, is to continue writing. that's all

[Andrea]

Personally, I find reading about writing can help by reminding me of why I love it, by encouraging me that I'm not the only one out there, and by giving my creative mind a break while it recharges.

For example, there's a great new Writer's Club here (https://www.patreon.com/AWritersPath) that acts a bit like a AAA club for writers, giving members free editing, blurb coaching, and promotion opportunities along with access to exclusive writing articles and tips. It combines the "let's just read about writing" aspect with a personal "let's find out what professional editors think of what I've written" aspect, and between the two, I think things like this can kickstart you back into writing.

But ultimately, you do have to sit down and write again, and that's a choice you have to make. All the encouragement in the world can't make the decision for you. :-)

[P.J.]

Never had writers block. It’s an odd concept to me. I love writing and have so many ideas I can’t imagine not writing them! I like the sound of the above link a writers path and shall endeavour to find time to delve into it. To those who write I say, love it, enjoy the journey and you can’t go wrong xx

[Martin]

Sometimes it helps if you can remember your dreams. Our minds are always creating, whether we know it or not.

[Tori]

You know, I actually spoke to an author a little while ago who told me, at least in her opinion, there's actually no such thing as writer's block. If you ever find yourself faced with it, it means there's something not working right in your story; going back and finding it will, according to her, eliminate it. I don't know if that's true for everyone, but I found it an interesting take!

[Emma]

C.C.Webb wrote: "You know, I actually spoke to an author a little while ago who told me, at least in her opinion, there's actually no such thing as writer's block. If you ever find yourself faced with it, it means ..."

I agree it´s such a interesting thought. It sounds familiar, and maybe WB can be caused of you try to write something in the wrong genre? I mean the wrong genre for you, as a writer...