writers block MERGED

Discussion in 'Writers Forum' started by SurfhipE, May 16, 2004.

  1. SurfhipE

    SurfhipE Senior Member

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    I have been writing this book, which I think is pretty good and I have like...75 pages and now I'm just in this PLACE and I can't write a damn thing and if I do, it's so cliche it's cringing. I'm kinda freaking out cuz I'd like to finish it soon, but summer is coming and this book is kinda heavy, and summer is so airy and carefree I'm afarid it won't get done till next year.
    Have any advice? Is it better to just sit down and write, even if it sucks, just let it suck but still write? Or should I wait for...."inspiration" then go?
     
  2. MaxPower

    MaxPower Kicker Of Asses

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    Go read something. Anything. Put the project down and read a book (or a review for me since I'm a video game reviewer), that's what I do when I'm in a tight spot. By the time you're halfway done, you'll have a good idea of what write about again.
     
  3. honeyhannah

    honeyhannah herbuhslovuh

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    Yes, I think putting it down for a while will help.


    But also it'd help to just write no matter how much it sucks, because eventually that writing is gonna get you into that frame of mind to decide what you do want to write, and you'll probably even get something to carry you through while you're in the habit of writing, it can't ALL suck...you'll get there just be patient.
     
  4. Cryptoman

    Cryptoman Member

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    Writing is an inspiration, If you're writing from a place other than inspiration, your message will be lost. I'd wait as long as it took to write from inspiration as opposed to writing from need. I've been stuck for a couple of months now and I just feel like the time will come. I'll pick it up again then. Hope it works out for you, I know it can be frustrating.


    Peace and Love

    Ron
     
  5. veinglory

    veinglory Member

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    When i can't write, I just make myself write. I actuallt find this produces work just as good as when it comes easily. I thinkl that just depends upon the person. If I hadn't made myself write after the muse deserted me I would never have finished my book.
     
  6. Sunnie

    Sunnie Jes-Jes

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    I've been writing for a long time now. It's always been very therapeutic for me. But as of late, I haven't been able to get anything done. Anything I write feels forced and just isn't satisfying. I can't seem to put down anything in words. I feel very frustrated as a writer.
    I want to write, so bad. But it's just not coming. And when I try, I just end up getting frustrated at myself because nothing sounds very good.
    help.
     
  7. ginad1026

    ginad1026 Member

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    I'm recently coming out of the same problem --- I haven't written for years until recently. I forgot that I had the capability - I let life, and other people's demands/requests of me stifle that voice in my head that's always telling me to write this or write that.
    I've found it helpful *extremely* to carry a notebook with me, and write down little bits as I go...
    Another little something I do when I'm idea dry, is get together with someone who is a good conversationalist and "share" a writing ---- For example, I usually begin, being the one who's all into writing --- and I'll write the first thing that comes into my head, such as ---

    "The moon was low slung in the sky, gorged with blood with that face sneering to the north"

    Then I hand paper and pen to whomever I've made a victim of and let them continue - I always clearly state that they need not worry about continuity or style or elegance, that I'm merely tapping into someone else's thought patterns for awhile, we tend to speak differently than we write and often ideas come out differently with ink than they do in words... make any sense at all??? I love doing this - sadly, not too many of my friends are into it, they think I'm a tad off when I pull out a notebook, scribble down something and then hand it to them --- I usually get a good eye roll and a groan from it, but they do tend to humor me.

    I hope that helps.

    Gina.
     
  8. madbeast

    madbeast Member

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    wow, that actually sounds like fun! im defanitly gonna have to do that with my friends...i do find it very fullfilling to learn from others, and see how they write and think.
    i know exactly how u feel though, i seem to only write works im proud of when im in this special mood, its sorta a mellow mood, brought up by a period of self reflection, where i think about life and its faults and its advanteages. usually these deep ideas bring up some very firm and meaningful thoughts into my head, which in turn cause me to feel very strongly about my thoughts, getting all emotional, these emotions r what i usually need to write well, for they r what seem to drive me to write with the true emotion that i speak of in my works...a lot of times good mellow music that sends me thinking of sad or happy or deep things help to get this mood out as well...i guess it all depends on what influences u most when u write...
     
  9. kidder

    kidder Member

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    The notebook idea works but more immediate is a small, pocket tape recorder. It's amazing how quickly a great idea can die! Let your voice capture it. And you don't have to write sitting down. Go for a walk. I'm in the country and I can always find places to be alone and become part of a larger whole.
     
  10. roly

    roly Senior Member

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    i've had writing probs too..i havent written for like 3 months..i usually write daily...i feel constipated in terms of writing too.

    roly.xxx
     
  11. MattInVegas

    MattInVegas John Denver Mega-Fan

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    You're trying TOO hard. Let it go for awhile. I find, most problems have a solution. It'll come to you. When IT is ready to come.
    As soon as you move on, you'll think of some GOLD to write.
     
  12. fizzy_elf

    fizzy_elf Member

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    There's alot of shit in my head, I just cant get it out. My brain is constipated too :)


    I feel it's english classes that have plugged up my cranial vomit hole, which is ironic to say the least. I'm not even a writer. I dont even "write" per se, I just push a scratchy biro across a crumpled page to vent things out, and write anecdotes to No-One, in a hope of searching for some kind of reasoning and order up there *taps head*.

    Yet I'm starting to dread the pen altogether, and when I do want to sit and write, my stream of consciousness has seemingly been diverted elsewhere. It's sad really. Writing is fun. I suppose inspiration is like alot of things though, go looking for it, and you'll never find it.
     
  13. MattInVegas

    MattInVegas John Denver Mega-Fan

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    Rules DO stifle creativity. I say, Create, then, correct.
    That's what Edits are.
     
  14. MattInVegas

    MattInVegas John Denver Mega-Fan

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    My biggest point here, is Take a break. Today, I've interupted the same DVD movie three times, because something wanted to be written. A story, only "I" could possibly write. I wanted to see the movie! Good things come to those who wait, and learn.
     
  15. Sunburst

    Sunburst Fairy

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    You bitch! A day after I read this post, I hit a total writer's block! Rar:p
    Sigh...I've been stuck on page 49 in my story for a week and haven't written a poem in a few days (normally I write, like, 2-6 poems a day and a page a day)....
     
  16. ryupower

    ryupower NO capcom included

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    Sounds like a creativity block...Try looking/listening at/to other creative works.
    Sculptures, visual arts, books, music, etc... it should inspire you, and kick whatever evil creatures constipating your mind, out!
     
  17. noella2

    noella2 Member

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    I'm on page 33 of my idea. I don't call it a book until it's finished. Anyway, I've been having some difficulty trying to write it. I go back to the previous chapter I worked on and I still lose my place. Writing anxiety? Writer's Block? It doesn't seem like writer's block since I had not had it in a long time.

    Has anyone ever had this before? If so, what is a great idea to get back to writing my idea.

    One of my book's on the way to becoming published. Thank you for your replies.
     
  18. kidder

    kidder Member

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    Go and read a favourite book for awhile or some good poetry. 'We read to write...' Works for me!
     
  19. Simulato

    Simulato Member

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    I often get writer's block and generally the best thing to do is to leave it for a while. :) Like kidder suggested, read, it's often the best thing to do.

    Hope it goes well!
     
  20. see in blonde

    see in blonde Hip Forums Supporter HipForums Supporter

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    Yeah I get blocked at times, and just have to wait it out. I just assume I am too busy with my life at that moment to write about it. Just take some time in the next week or so to yourself and to relax. Opiates always work wonders as well, but I wouldn't recommend it.
     

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