yet another new member

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

Hello all! Like you, I'm an avid reader and writer. I mainly write in the fantasy/adventure genre, and am working on an online serial at the moment called Above Ground (freely available). What I like about writing webserials is it's the ultimate in getting feedback immediately for what is, in the end, a first draft.

Anyway. I wanted to ask you all a question: what are your techniques for overcoming writer's block?

Comments

[yuuou.livejournal.com]

writing is the cure for writers block.

don't read, just think.

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

well, clearly writing is the cure. i wanted to know if there are any writing techniques you use in particular.

for example, sometimes i go on the tube with a notepad and surreptitiously write a description of whomever it sitting across from me - that tends to give me ideas.

[adalira.livejournal.com]

I've been doing a series of 1/2 hour memories.
I give myself 1/2 hour to type up a memory, using as much detail as I can recall. I don't use dialog at all, and the rule is you can't go back and edit. Just write !

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

I used to do something similar, but for 10 minutes. And writing continuously for all that time was hard! Can you really manage to write for half an hour non stop?

[adalira.livejournal.com]

I can if I'm not distracted and actually into it. That's why I use a memory, because it seems to flow so much better.

I posted one of the ones I wrote recently here in the group. When I wrote that one I was very frustrated because my daughter was at school and I had the entire day to myself. I wanted to write, but nothing was coming to me.

[magickeyboard.livejournal.com]

I tend to skip ahead in the story. Usually when I'm writing something I'll have a few clear distinct scenes in my head and then I go to the beginning and try to construct it all in a linear format. But if I'm stuck at the beginning or middle of a story I'll skip ahead and write something near the end or just a disconnected scene using those characters and that usually manages to jumpstart my writing juices and sometimes even give me a new plot direction to go in or a new concept I want to work into the story.

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

Yes, I often do that as well.

And then I have a manuscript full of [insert argument here] kind of comments. :)

[addergoole.livejournal.com]

Word goals: "Okay, 100 words in the next 15 minutes." Or a walk. When I was working retail, I'd write a tiny notebook page, walk around the store, and write another page. Or keep walking 'till something came up.

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

I just have imagines of you now traipsing in circles with your two cats trailing behind you, as you mutter "Ambrus...mumble mumble...moon..mumble....apollo..." :D

[addergoole.livejournal.com]

*laugh* Oh, that's hilarious! I love that! :-)

[the-mome-wrath.livejournal.com]

A friend of mine once told me "There's no such thing as writer's block, just poor planning." I've found it true in many cases. When I get stuck, I try to think of where I want my story to go, then decide what the best way to get there is. Then I write, even if it's bad, if I can get through the section that's giving me trouble it's worth it. You can always go back and fix it later.

The other thing I do is I make myself a playlist to listen to with songs that I think suit the characters or scenes I'm writing. I listen to it when I write but also when I'm stuck in traffic and trying to think up scenes for the story.

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

I agree with the planning thing: I often draw little road maps of my story, which helps a lot.

I like the idea of a playlist. I've never tried it myself though! Perhaps I should give it a go.

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

Well you could say there is writer's block in that it is the same thing as a lack of self-confidence (or perhaps also lack of concentration, etc) - something that stops you from writing.

In those two cases you mentioned, how do you get over your fears and start writing? Do you have any particular techniques?

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

I've found playlists to be a really common theme amongst authors!

I never use them while writing (I end up accidentally writing the song lyrics instead) but it does help when I'm brainstorming / coming up with plot ideas etc.

[qazyfiction.livejournal.com]

Good idea - thanks!