Sparkatale

Personally I find going on long walks helps. Whenever I’m stuck I just go for a long wander around my neighbourhood, sometimes I listen to music too. It helps me clear my mind and focus :) Other than that, the main thing I can suggest is just sitting down and forcing yourself to write. When I do that I find I struggle for the first few paragraphs but once I get into it I can finish with ease (and then I’ll go and rewrite the parts I struggled with if I need to). I hope that helps :)

Genevieve Middleton | January 17, 2014

Oo, Writer's Block? More like writer's nightmare! I think most writers can say they've been there at some point, and we can all fully sympathize with you: it sucks. I think it's great that you feel obligated to update, but I don't think writing should be "forced." An idea should come to you and in my opinion, the words should flow naturally (or as much as possible). I wouldn't say take a break from writing, but maybe take a deep breath and start something else for a day or two--or more. The "something else" doesn't have to be big--just something. It won't have to be completed, but something like a transition to get the ideas flowing in your head again. The easiest way is to look for prompts. There are lots of good prompts in that one forum section, and really, you could write a story from ANYTHING. Experiment. Try something new, and maybe those creative juices will start flowing again. If that doesn't work, slow down and go back into your writing. Don't edit--look over it and analyze everything a little bit more. Do the characters feel like real people? Is the plot intensifying? For the next part of the story, you could add a total plot twist if you wanted. Or, after analyzing characters further, imagine what they would do. How would they react? In good stories, characters are so well developed they drive the plot and entire story. Have the next chapter with the characters going out and doing what they want to do! To get out of writer's block, what I've learned to do is just write. The writing doesn't have to be "good," but at least have something down. It will slowly, but surely get better. I dunno, but experimenting and playing around has always gotten me out of the block. Write something totally outrageous (for your own enjoyment) and get back into the zone. Good luck!

Liz uli | January 17, 2014