How to Break Through Writer's block
Suddenly your thought processes cease. You seem to have lost your concentration.
You have no idea what to write. It is scary, especially when you are in the middle
of writing a long novel and feel like you've hit a brick wall. Don't worry - you're not
alone. Almost every serious writer has dealt with this problem and has come out
stronger on the other side. The following are simple, but not foolproof, ways to
overcome writer's block.
Write Whatever Comes to Mind
1. Accept that you have writer's block. When you have writer's block, no ideas spring
to mind when you are writing and you are stuck for what to write. Understand that
writer's block is easy to overcome, and there are many ways to get over it. Do not
stop to the idea that you will never write again.
2. Write about anything. Anything in the world - even write about pineapples. It gets
your brain to think more and be creative. This works the best for many people. Once
you've thought of a paragraph or a few sentences about your topic go back to your story.
3. Get some ideas on paper without worrying about how they sound. The writing
does not have to be polished; writers often have writer's block because they worry
about the quality of their writing. Remember that nobody has to see a word you've
written except you. You can show it to the world when you're ready.
4. Try a change of pace. For example, if you have a long, action-packed sequence,
try going over to a reasoned conversation. Be sure that the changeover makes sense.
You don't have to write in one speed or one tone all the time. Something completely
different can really end up inspiring you to reach new depths. If you tend to write
dramatic scenes, switch to something a bit more lighthearted, or vice versa.
5. Decide when to give up on an idea. Look over what you have written and ask
yourself, "Does this seem to be leading up to anything?" If you feel like it's going
absolutely nowhere, then it may be time to move on from it.
6. Decide whether the situation truly feels real. You may have writer's block because
the situation doesn't seem realistic to you. Don't be afraid to rewrite parts of the story
to make it more natural.
7. Try starting from another part of your story. If you are having trouble with the
beginning, write the middle or end. After you have written another part of the story,
things may start to fall into place where you were before.
• Writing out of order may require more familiarity with the plot so
that everything makes sense from start to finish. At the same time, it may help you
think out the details when you cannot decide what to do with your story. Writing a
good ending while you think of about the rest of your story will help structure it.
8. Write something totally different. It may surprise you how much you like it!
A monologue, song, poem, or even taking a short amount of time to write a scene
from a completely different story will get your writer's blood flowing again.
9. Use prompts. Out of all writers block stoppers, using prompts is one of the
most effective ones. Use any random word or sentence to help you come up with a
plot and start writing your story. For example if you asked a friend to give you a
prompt and they said the words "Forever" and "Passion" you would most likely think
of a romance. And if they were to give you the phrase "Bite me" then you would
most likely think of a vampire or werewolf. (Twilight anybody?)
10. Use the world around you. Use the people around you and the personalities.
Use the nature, atmosphere and scenes that surround you to build up your story⁄plot.
The best possible way to do this is to use a diary. Jot down your daily life,random
thoughts and feelings.
11. If you can't possibly think of something to write about, just name a bunch
of object or ideas. Even if you think one won't work. It's a simple way to cure writer's
block. To make it easier, say everything you're thinking about out loud. You'll bump
into something. Good luck!
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