writer's block

[Detecter]

Hello everyone,

You all have probably seen this type of post millions of times in forums so apologies for that. I've just been really deep in the slumps lately and was hoping for advice. I love the book I'm currently writing and I have so many things planned, but I can't seem to continue writing this chapter (its been almost 6 months btw ??).

It's always been a trend for me to start on a book but never end up finishing it. I thought it'd be different this time but alas, I'm back to constantly thinking about it and never actually writing. Occasionally, I'll write unrelated stuff on the side (which sometimes looks like I'm losing my mind) but that's as far as motivation goes. With how often this occurs you'd think I came up with something to handle it haha...

Anyways, help please. I feel like rattling my brain and telling it to stop being goofy.

 

[Racosharko]

post millions of times in forums so apologies for that.

Nah~ We haven't even cracked 300, it's more like 240 something.

I always find @Motivation when I read, especially when I read terrible books. If I am stuck on how to write something specific, I read really good books.

 

[foxes]

There are different approaches to combating this. In any case, if you have the opportunity to distract yourself from writing by engaging in other writing, that's the best option. For example, you can work on outlining the story and exploring its possible alternatives. This generates various ideas that lead to the plot, and you need to catch yourself describing them. Simply create those moments in the story that distract you to other stories.

 

[CinnaSloth]

There's no easy way to say it, and I know it'll sound bad, but trust me, I know exactly what you're going through because I feel the exact same way. I have since I was a little kid. Dozens, if not a few dozen, stories saved offline in a file of Limbo I call The Archive.. None of them finished, none of them will probably ever see the light of day. Honestly, I'm in the same boat. I have trouble writing, or feeling motivated at all. I set up a schedule for myself, and sometimes, I just don't even feel like keeping it. Truth is, there is no secret to getting motivated. There's no cure-all for that kind of depression holding you back. So, I'll tell you what I do. Put on some music. Open a blank document. Stay off the internet. Put your phone down. Keep the tv off. -and stop being a little b**ch.
Focus on writing. Just type. Don't edit. Don't look back. Don't read. Just write. Get at least to 2000 words.. At that point, you've written a chapter. Spellcheck. Edit if you want, I prefer not to because editing takes more time, and makes you second guess what you've written. Post. Save offline. and save often.. The worst thing that could happen is you've been writing offline for a few hours only to lose it all because you didn't plug in your laptop, or your cat pulled your pc plug. Do it again tomorrow, or every two days, or three, or on every Sunday... whatever you set your upload schedule as.
That's it.
Do that, and keep the routine. It might feel empty at one point, robotic even, but the words you write will be what's important. Sharing the stories you want to tell is what's important. you'll look back, and be thankful you shared them, or you'll want to rewrite them. Either way, at least you wrote something..

 

[Bald-san]

Hello everyone,

You all have probably seen this type of post millions of times in forums so apologies for that. I've just been really deep in the slumps lately and was hoping for advice. I love the book I'm currently writing and I have so many things planned, but I can't seem to continue writing this chapter (its been almost 6 months btw ??).

It's always been a trend for me to start on a book but never end up finishing it. I thought it'd be different this time but alas, I'm back to constantly thinking about it and never actually writing. Occasionally, I'll write unrelated stuff on the side (which sometimes looks like I'm losing my mind) but that's as far as motivation goes. With how often this occurs you'd think I came up with something to handle it haha...

Anyways, help please. I feel like rattling my brain and telling it to stop being goofy.

Write an undergrad thesis that's also a flagship for undergrad publishing initiative of your program, I swear to god the moment you finish the proposal defense, all your creative juices will gush forth as if you're nutting

 

[K_Jira]

Having writers block is completely normal for everybody however much you love writing. It's kind of scary, i know, but you'll definitely get back up with the correct way and the right time. I would suggest either taking a break or try what i call brainless writing. Just write what comes up in your head however messy, absurd, nonsensical it might be. Don't worry about grammars or any of that. I usually ended up writing an entirely different genre from my current wip (for example, if i'm writing fantasy, i'll write slice of life). It helps refresh my mind while still doing what i like. But i'm sure it's not for everybody. Try experimenting with it :)

 

[FRWriter]

I'd like to propose that you never really had writer's block. You haven't quite started to get into writing yet. Writer's block is something if you create hundreds of chapters and struggle to continue, mostly because you are out of ideas.

I think you struggle with a lack of general direction and haven't found a working rhythm yet.

I'd suggest starting over. Why don't you aim for 1k words a day and try to keep it up? If you miss a day, try to do 2k the next one. Try really hard, and sooner or later, you'll get into a rhythm, and it becomes natural to you.

 

[Author_Riceball]

Hello everyone,

You all have probably seen this type of post millions of times in forums so apologies for that. I've just been really deep in the slumps lately and was hoping for advice. I love the book I'm currently writing and I have so many things planned, but I can't seem to continue writing this chapter (its been almost 6 months btw ??).

It's always been a trend for me to start on a book but never end up finishing it. I thought it'd be different this time but alas, I'm back to constantly thinking about it and never actually writing. Occasionally, I'll write unrelated stuff on the side (which sometimes looks like I'm losing my mind) but that's as far as motivation goes. With how often this occurs you'd think I came up with something to handle it haha...

Anyways, help please. I feel like rattling my brain and telling it to stop being goofy.

Literally just don’t rely on motivation.

 

[BearlyAlive]

Counter-Procrastination! Procrastinate so many other things that you find yourself writing again.

 

[Worthy39]

Counter-Procrastination! Procrastinate so many other things that you find yourself writing again.

Genius.

 

[Xcalibur_Xc]

I always try to write other books for a while and pause the blocked one. Then revisit it with a fresh mind. But in the end, it varies from person to person.

 

[Juia_Darkcrest]

Writer's block is normal, but sitting on it for 6 months may lead you to becoming like George RR Martin and just abandoning the project completely. (Don't worry, he will finish the books... eventually)

Read the last few chapters you wrote before getting the block, and analyze why you are having difficulties continuing.

Is it the current situation the characters are in that is causing the problem? Is it the lack of something fundamental in your story that is just making it boring for you to write? Something altogether different?

Once you figure out and accept whatever it is, you CAN write yourself out of the block. You may need to accept that you need to write a few mediocre chapters to get yourself back on track. Expecting everything to be perfect (for you anyways, no one is perfect) leads to unrealistic expectations on yourself, which drops your motivation to write significantly.

Do a cut scene of a different character, maybe an antagonist, revealing that there is something your MC will need to deal with soon. Throw something unexpected in, something completely out of left field, that will fundamentally change how the short-term goals of your story will play out.

It may lead to a renewed passion for your work.

Good Luck!

 

[RivCA]

A lot of suggestions here are variations on the “multiple irons in the fire” mentality. I do the same thing while having three narratives running in the story. Julia_Darkcrest also suggested good ideas to re-read what you have written, especially when you find you’ve written yourself into a corner.

If you’re looking at a start, what I’ve done to get rolling was just start dumping words along with your train of thought. It’s actually how I got my book started, with the notes and outlines. You can flesh things out later.

 

[Hush25]

Anyways, help please. I feel like rattling my brain and telling it to stop being goofy.

First rule of Writer's Block - we don't call it by its name lest we summon it! ?

Sounds like you need to get over the hurdle of actually completing a story. Here are some practical suggestions garnered from professional organisations and personal experience:

1. Plan and structure your work.
2. Write a thorough synopsis and a plot outline.
3. Create 'character profiles'. What do they look like, what are their GMC's (goal/motivation/conflict) and arcs within the story etc. how will this affect the plot?
4. Work out how many chapters it will take to complete the events of your plot outline/synopsis and a word count per chapter. As an example: 30 chapters at 2k /chapter will give you 60k which is a standard novel length.
5. Plan what is going to happen in each chapter - write a chapter outline so you don't go off into the weeds.
6. Give yourself a daily word count you MUST complete (start at 250 words and increase it each day). Reward thineself when the daily word count is complete. Don't forget our brains love pleasure, so you're training your brain to like the work.
7. Write the first line of the first chapter and make it a banger that makes you want to write on and the reader want to read on.
8. If you truly are stuck on something, then do a displacement activity and set your brain to solving that problem. I often find the answer while I'm folding laundry or watering the garden. Ask someone (preferably with experience) to read that section, they may pick up the issue.
9. Finish one story. Even if it's only a thousand words. This helps break the cycle of negative thinking (I can't complete a story).

Motivation/inspiration:
1. Recognise when your 'creative well' has run dry and refill. I find listening to music, watching movies, reading all help. Don't use this as a form of procrastination.
2. Finish one story. Then the next. This sense of completion will help you to continue. Many people start writing, but never finish a story, don't underestimate how amazing an achievement this is.

@Juia_Darkcrest has also given some good advice. This brings me to my last word which is: On your writing journey, explore what kind of writer you are - a plotter (plots All The Things), a pantser (writes by the seat of your pants - no structure) or something in between. As for advice, take what you need and what works for you and discard what doesn't. Everyone is different and therefore advice that works for some, doesn't work for others. Finally, have FUN!

---

My smutty bl cultivation novels:
Secretly, I'm a Cultivation Genius
My Master is Too Dramatic

 

[Detecter]

genuinely wasn't expecting the overwhelming amount of support here, I appreciate it a lot. thank you everyone :')

There's no easy way to say it, and I know it'll sound bad, but trust me, I know exactly what you're going through because I feel the exact same way. I have since I was a little kid. Dozens, if not a few dozen, stories saved offline in a file of Limbo I call The Archive.. None of them finished, none of them will probably ever see the light of day. Honestly, I'm in the same boat. I have trouble writing, or feeling motivated at all. I set up a schedule for myself, and sometimes, I just don't even feel like keeping it. Truth is, there is no secret to getting motivated. There's no cure-all for that kind of depression holding you back. So, I'll tell you what I do. Put on some music. Open a blank document. Stay off the internet. Put your phone down. Keep the tv off. -and stop being a little b**ch.
Focus on writing. Just type. Don't edit. Don't look back. Don't read. Just write. Get at least to 2000 words.. At that point, you've written a chapter. Spellcheck. Edit if you want, I prefer not to because editing takes more time, and makes you second guess what you've written. Post. Save offline. and save often.. The worst thing that could happen is you've been writing offline for a few hours only to lose it all because you didn't plug in your laptop, or your cat pulled your pc plug. Do it again tomorrow, or every two days, or three, or on every Sunday... whatever you set your upload schedule as.
That's it.
Do that, and keep the routine. It might feel empty at one point, robotic even, but the words you write will be what's important. Sharing the stories you want to tell is what's important. you'll look back, and be thankful you shared them, or you'll want to rewrite them. Either way, at least you wrote something..

You've scarily summed up my life, and yeah you're right. I really need to actually open the docs and let the braincells do their thing without looking back fr (also, I'm guessing the cat pulling the pc plug is coming from personal experience?)

Write an undergrad thesis that's also a flagship for undergrad publishing initiative of your program, I swear to god the moment you finish the proposal defense, all your creative juices will gush forth as if you're nutting

I think it's really funny you say this because I kid you not the draft for my undergrad thesis is due in less than a week. I'll be taking this comment with great consideration (especially the last part), thank you.

Nah~ We haven't even cracked 300, it's more like 240 something.

I always find @Motivation when I read, especially when I read terrible books. If I am stuck on how to write something specific, I read really good books.

ive been reading some good books so far so I think it's time for a change!

There are different approaches to combating this. In any case, if you have the opportunity to distract yourself from writing by engaging in other writing, that's the best option. For example, you can work on outlining the story and exploring its possible alternatives. This generates various ideas that lead to the plot, and you need to catch yourself describing them. Simply create those moments in the story that distract you to other stories.

I'm definitely in need of organizing an outline, at least for some of the recent chapters because everything is all over the place. Thank you!

Having writers block is completely normal for everybody however much you love writing. It's kind of scary, i know, but you'll definitely get back up with the correct way and the right time. I would suggest either taking a break or try what i call brainless writing. Just write what comes up in your head however messy, absurd, nonsensical it might be. Don't worry about grammars or any of that. I usually ended up writing an entirely different genre from my current wip (for example, if i'm writing fantasy, i'll write slice of life). It helps refresh my mind while still doing what i like. But i'm sure it's not for everybody. Try experimenting with it :)

Interesting, I think there are a few genres I haven't tackled yet actually. I'll try out this strategy and see what I end up with, thanks!

I'd like to propose that you never really had writer's block. You haven't quite started to get into writing yet. Writer's block is something if you create hundreds of chapters and struggle to continue, mostly because you are out of ideas.

I think you struggle with a lack of general direction and haven't found a working rhythm yet.

I'd suggest starting over. Why don't you aim for 1k words a day and try to keep it up? If you miss a day, try to do 2k the next one. Try really hard, and sooner or later, you'll get into a rhythm, and it becomes natural to you.

This is starting to sound like my study habits too... Unfortunately, I know myself well that I'll end up procrastinating and with 7k due by the end of the week ?But I think aiming to write at least something every day is a good idea and would help in the long run, thank you!

Literally just don’t rely on motivation.

you're onto something

Counter-Procrastination! Procrastinate so many other things that you find yourself writing again.

honestly? this has worked in the past and I'm clearly not utilizing it often, thank you

Writer's block is normal, but sitting on it for 6 months may lead you to becoming like George RR Martin and just abandoning the project completely. (Don't worry, he will finish the books... eventually)

Read the last few chapters you wrote before getting the block, and analyze why you are having difficulties continuing.

Is it the current situation the characters are in that is causing the problem? Is it the lack of something fundamental in your story that is just making it boring for you to write? Something altogether different?

Once you figure out and accept whatever it is, you CAN write yourself out of the block. You may need to accept that you need to write a few mediocre chapters to get yourself back on track. Expecting everything to be perfect (for you anyways, no one is perfect) leads to unrealistic expectations on yourself, which drops your motivation to write significantly.

Do a cut scene of a different character, maybe an antagonist, revealing that there is something your MC will need to deal with soon. Throw something unexpected in, something completely out of left field, that will fundamentally change how the short-term goals of your story will play out.

It may lead to a renewed passion for your work.

Good Luck!

I REALLY needed to hear this, thank you.

First rule of Writer's Block - we don't call it by its name lest we summon it! ?

Sounds like you need to get over the hurdle of actually completing a story. Here are some practical suggestions garnered from professional organisations and personal experience:

1. Plan and structure your work.
2. Write a thorough synopsis and a plot outline.
3. Create 'character profiles'. What do they look like, what are their GMC's (goal/motivation/conflict) and arcs within the story etc. how will this affect the plot?
4. Work out how many chapters it will take to complete the events of your plot outline/synopsis and a word count per chapter. As an example: 30 chapters at 2k /chapter will give you 60k which is a standard novel length.
5. Plan what is going to happen in each chapter - write a chapter outline so you don't go off into the weeds.
6. Give yourself a daily word count you MUST complete (start at 250 words and increase it each day). Reward thineself when the daily word count is complete. Don't forget our brains love pleasure, so you're training your brain to like the work.
7. Write the first line of the first chapter and make it a banger that makes you want to write on and the reader want to read on.
8. If you truly are stuck on something, then do a displacement activity and set your brain to solving that problem. I often find the answer while I'm folding laundry or watering the garden. Ask someone (preferably with experience) to read that section, they may pick up the issue.
9. Finish one story. Even if it's only a thousand words. This helps break the cycle of negative thinking (I can't complete a story).

Motivation/inspiration:
1. Recognise when your 'creative well' has run dry and refill. I find listening to music, watching movies, reading all help. Don't use this as a form of procrastination.
2. Finish one story. Then the next. This sense of completion will help you to continue. Many people start writing, but never finish a story, don't underestimate how amazing an achievement this is.

@Juia_Darkcrest has also given some good advice. This brings me to my last word which is: On your writing journey, explore what kind of writer you are - a plotter (plots All The Things), a pantser (writes by the seat of your pants - no structure) or something in between. As for advice, take what you need and what works for you and discard what doesn't. Everyone is different and therefore advice that works for some, doesn't work for others. Finally, have FUN!

---

My smutty bl cultivation novels:
Secretly, I'm a Cultivation Genius
My Master is Too Dramatic

I realized that I've always just done points 1-3, written a ton of words... and never actually completed the book (wow, I definitely see the problem here). Thank you, I'll most certainly be coming back often to review these points.