#help with writing

[enlightenedfeline]

Tips for writing internal dialouge:

1- Don't just get in your character's head, become your character. Getting into a characters head and becoming the character are of course two completely different things, doing the prior is easier than the latter, but they completely change how readers perceive your character.

When you write internal dialouge in your characters head, it's a lot more concise and follows a pacing that's easier to keep up with, the thoughts are clearer, and your character seems to be jumping from one topic to the next.

However, this isn't natural to how everyone thinks, especially when it comes to younger characters, or characters in high stress situations.

This doesn't mean that writing someone who can think clearly in a stressful situation is unrealistic, there are people with that ability, but remember that this is an ability that's gained, not necessarily something that your character will possess naturally.

This is something I can go into deeper detail about in another post, because I don't wanna focus on one point for too long.

Becoming your character essentially means thinking their thoughts, not thinking of their thoughts. Experiencing their feelings, and throwing it down on the page, no matter how incoherent it is.

This technique works in heavily emotional scenes, and if done right can communicate the message you want to your reader without you explicitly stating it, which can make the scene more powerful, and more real.

2- Don't share irrelevant information. While you will sometimes have to share seemingly unnecessary information for realism, this doesn't mean that you should bore your reader just because they're in your characters head.

It will take hard work and a ton of writing to find the inner monologue/dialouge/description balance that suits your writing style, but you will find it.

Just keep in mind that if you feel the information won't help your reader understand/relate to your character any better, then you probably shouldn't include it in the final draft.

3- Have them comment on the world around them. Yes! Little comments and observations may seem unnecessary to you, you made this character, you know all this already, but this can reveal a lot about your character, using show don't tell.

This doesn't mean have them comment on everything, unless of course this is a habit they have.

But if it's not, then have them comment occasionally on small details, just internally, have them notice things your average person wouldn't if they're a particularly smart character, or have them not notice obvious details if they're not intelectually gifted.

4- Show different types of intelligence! Internal monologue can be the most effective method of showing off what ways your character is smart in without making it seem like they're showing off, or needing to have other people bring up their intelligence in conversation.

Show us what they notice and what conclusions they come to. Do they panic under pressure or keep a level head? When there's a disaster do they help or run away, why?

Leave it up to the reader to analyze what things mean so they can feel more engaged!

5- Every character is different. If every person thinks differently, then every character should think differently.

Don't put it entirely upon your shoulders to make your reader understand, your job is to be clear, your reader's job is to care enough to analyze.

Like I said above, make the reader feel engaged, let them figure out the character while you cleverly leave hints here and there of the type of person your character is.

6- How much space does internal dialouge have in your story? You have to decide now how much room you're willing to give internal dialouge in your story, and how many characters you're willing to give the space to talk in your story, this greatly impacts how your readers perceive characters and situations.

Internal dialouge is a big part of any story, and I've still gotta figure it out myself, this is probably the first of many tip posts specifically for internal dialouge.

Maybe some of this advice will help, maybe it won't, either way, I hope this feline has enlightened you!

[monthlywritingchallenges]

#8 Play With POV Like a Pro 👀

Point of View (POV) isn’t just a technical choice. It’s a storytelling weapon. We often default to 1st person or close 3rd, but POV can shape everything from tone to pacing to theme.

Here are some underrated and interesting ways to use it:

2nd Person POV: Perfect for emotional punches or surreal narratives. Try it for dream sequences, dissociation, or deeply personal reflections.

💬“You don’t remember when the fear started. You only know it lives in your bones now.”

Shifting 1st Person: Write multiple characters in 1st person, giving each a distinct voice. It's risky but can create intense contrast and reveal bias or misunderstanding. Think unreliable narrators in conversation.

💬 Chapter 1: Arya: I knew she was lying. Her smile was too perfect, too rehearsed. I’ve seen that look a hundred times.

💬Chapter 2: Sansa: She looked at me like I was some kind of villain. I was just trying to hold it together, to seem okay.

Distant 3rd Person (omniscient): A ��god’s-eye” view can create irony, commentary, or storytelling playfulness. Useful in genre fiction (especially fantasy) or for generational sagas.

💬 Everyone in the village believed the storm was just a freak of nature, but only the old cat under the baker’s porch knew the truth. It was an omen.

Objective 3rd Person (camera lens): No internal thoughts, only what can be seen or heard. Forces you to show, not tell, and often results in powerful subtext.

💬 She opened the cupboard, hesitated, and closed it again. A plate slipped from the counter and shattered on the floor, but she didn’t flinch. In the next room, the clock ticked steadily. He sat on the couch, eyes fixed on the blank television screen. Neither of them spoke.

▶️ Next time you write a scene, ask: Would it feel different if another POV told this story? Try rewriting it. The results may surprise you.

[mcrdvcks]

okay asking in here in case someone else is wondering or it can help

how do you write so much and so quickly?

is it because youve been writing for a while and got used to it, or do you have any methods or something?

i’m trying to write more myself and id love any tips <3

honestly, i write a lot because it's kinda my escape. around december/january my depression got worse and i felt like the only way i could make my head "quieter" was to write. and now, it's also the same (i am doing better, thank you therapy), but i write 'cause i enjoy it - my therapist (and psychologists at the hospital) told me to do what i like because i like it.

also, i currently do not have a job, nor am i in school (as of february). you can use context clues to figure out why i needed out for a while. know that i currently do not have other things to worry about, so i have pretty much unlimited free time. but i am going to do a few online classes this summer to ease myself back into college, starting in a few weeks, so i may start writing less, we'll see.

but, i do get writer's block, so here are things i do to help me write somewhat "continuously."

read! it can be other fanfics, or books. i do read booktok/bookstagram books - yes, romance books.

watch tv/movies. sometimes if i'm stuck, i'll just watch youtube, a comfort show/movie, or start a new show/movie. the simplest thing can spark an idea. speaking of...

music! a lot of my fanfic titles are songs (thank you taylor swift). but seriously, taylor has a lot of songs. so sometimes i'll just scroll through my playlist, or listen to music i haven't heard before and the song's lyrics give me an idea. i'm also doordashing on the side, just to have something to do and to make a little bit of money, but i love singing in the car (even though i'm not a good singer). sometimes i'll come up with an idea then too.

sleep, lol. i have chronic insomnia, so i read before bed. i also daydream/come up with scenarios in my head to help me fall asleep. sometimes those random things i come up with end up being a fanfic i write.

this is gonna sound weird, but do y'all ever act like there's a secret camera around? like you're pretending to vlog or act? or am i just crazy? anyways, sometimes i do that, lol.

step away from the work. i have a lot of wip's, some of them take a long time. if i don't have any inspiration for it, i walk away. i don't even think about it. for me, the way i write best is, again, if it's something i want to write. so if i come to a block, i step away and do any of the things listed above, or even just start/continue writing something else. do not let anyone tell you that you should just keep writing to satisfy someone else.

personal experiences/things i never got to do. i have a logan oneshot about taking him to an indian wedding (my dad is from india). i had a thought about logan trying indian food and meeting my very large extended family. same with a lot of my curvy!reader fics with logan - if my dad makes a comment about my weight, my way of coping is writing someone comforting me. i also have some shy!reader fics - i can write those easily because i am a very shy, anxious person. i've never dated anyone or had a first kiss, so sometimes i wonder what it'd be like. so what do i do? i write about it!

i hope this was helpful, but just remember, everyone is different! we all have different coping skills and different ways of writing. at the end of the day, do what you are comfortable with. do as much, or as little, as you want. and remember, everyone struggles, even if they hide it.

[graysonizdeworzt]

Hey y’all!!

Scroll down if you want idk, dni this post until you read below

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So this is just for writing ideas, but the trope where Person A gets close to Person B but Person B is actually not human, either using a disguise or a shapeshifter, etc. It works with a lot of different things.

Anyways, I’m out of ideas, so I really need some comments or someone to comment on this post for some writing ideas with this trope, specifically when Person A discovers Person B is actually not human. I don’t really want ‘disguise slips off and Person A freaks out’, too basic, I need like a whole ass situation.

I’m not talking about this part but my favorite part of this trope is Person A being like “you tricked me” when Person B was doing this for reasons that Person A didn’t even think abt.

Anyway,

PLEASE COMMENT IM BEGGING YALL 🙏

Dni with this post if you aren’t commenting or liking >:(

[thecoffeecorporal]

It isn’t art or Cookie run related, but I would like to gain writing tips. I’m tired of not writing what I want; If Quan Millz can, I can. So if anyone wants to butt in and add stuff, PLEASE DO!

My process is to write random paragraphs and to somehow wove it together.

[ari-arthur]

Jason & Nico fic ?

Guys I need help. I finished two drawing for a Jason & Nico fic... problems is I DON'T HAVE THE FIC :''(( like I cannot write it.

ok, so the fic is about the thing Jason said in HoH, how he would like to attach a bell over Nico's neck to know when he appears. Nice, right ? But Nico hates to be touched and I don't think Jason would be the kind of guy to not hear if someone tells him to stop...

Any one has an idea how I could write it ?

[nerdwordherd]

Help Me Write Pleasssssse!

Here's the thing, I have am a "horrible" fanfiction writer that needs some Betas to help me get it together! I need to start writing my already 6 chapter story for KlausxCaroline along with my CharliexNick story that I have just started writing. Below is the link to my Klaroline Fanfiction so you can see some of my writing. If interested please message me!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/25765255/chapters/62573191

[the-introverted-writer-for-life]

How to come up with a plot

You've got a character. Or a setting. Or one or two perfect scenes with oh-so perfect vibes that you can imagine clear as daylight in your head... But no storyline.

Hopefully this post solves that.

As a writer myself, I've struggled with this sort of thing a lot with the book I'm planning at the moment, so I'm writing from experience.

Very often, the posts I see talk about your character's motivation and goals - what they want to achieve in life, why they want it, but sometimes the characters we make don't have original goals, and therefore no motivation.

Here are a few thought processes to find a plot if your character has no original goals:

Think about how your story would start. What's normal life like for your character? Do they live in a snowy forest treehouse, and hunt food everyday, or do they live in a modern day city with shops and schools and phones?

Then think about what could change, and how that affects the character. Does a harsh winter cut off their food supply, meaning they have to go further away into the forest and then something happens? Or does a natural disaster hit some family or friends away in another town, and they have to go and check they're alright?

Think about these changes, and create some sort of problem that the character finds they could fix. Common things include family member falls ill and the character goes looking for a cure, character and Co have to flee their home because of said problem, some sort of evil has come to their home and they have to fight it, etc.

OR, you could think about what the character might do to muck things up. Maybe they accidentally (or on purpose) hurt a loved one, or they do something else that upsets a higher force, or a bad trait they have takes over for a few minutes, but at the end of it the damage is done - something the character does that they need to fix, then work out how they could fix it.

Your story will not entertain if the quest to fix the problem is easy. Think about some sort of obstacle that could hinder them - whether this be physical, emotional, or even magical (if your story includes magic), make sure you don't let them fix it without proving themselves.

MAKE SURE YOU WRITE THIS DOWN. you don't want to be reading this at 3am in the morning and then have a MASSIVE BRAIN SPARK and then forget it three hours later when you get up, and lose that information forever. Trust me. I know.

If you can't think of a problem, or any way that your character could have a problem, maybe go back to the drawing board and tweak your ideas slightly. Maybe include a slightly worse trait in your character, or think about what could happen to other characters - the possibilities are endless.

Good luck and happy writing!!

[jay72664]

Sighs

Sometimes I really just wanna fix the grammar mistakes of fanfictions, so… if anyone wants me to go over their fanfiction, I will, because I really hate it when punctuation is wrong, that’s why I always edit my works even after I post them.

[524fangirl9479]

AU Q&A/Helpful Tips

I have a few questions for ballet dancers, and you do NOT have to answer all of the questions. Even if someone answered one, getting the smallest bit of insight into ballet dancers would be incredibly helpful.

I am writing a character (he's a man), and he grew up as an only child as his mom had him take ballet. I just had some questions about dancing as I never did ballet, so I just want some insight into how former ballet dancers still go about their daily lives after moving on.

Question 1: How is your posture as a ballet dancer who has danced for 10+ years? Do you have excellent posture, where even if you slouch for a few minutes, you get sore the rest of the day? Or maybe you still slouch, but your posture isn't affected by it. Or maybe you can be lazy on some days, but your body is affected on other days?

Question 2: Let's say you stopped after 11 years, do you still do some stuff around the house that you did when you were still dancing? Like, maybe you move your feet a specific way when you are turning a tight corner? Or do you sway your body differently when you are listening to music? Or maybe, when you bend down to pick something up, you put your feet in a specific position, like how dancers always go into positions 1-5.

Question 3: Do you have muscle/leg issues later in life? Maybe during the winter, your leg locks sometimes when out in the cold. Or you have to wear a knee brace, depending on the weather. Do you get tendonitis in your leg(s) later on after the repetitive use of them and then the sudden stop?

Question 4: If you transitioned to another activity, such as yoga, to keep your body moving and ensure you're still getting the proper movement your body needs, is it difficult to do certain things (in yoga), or is it an "easy" transition?

Question 5: I know that, as someone who has been playing the violin for 11 years, I can remember specific pieces from muscle memory, even if I'm just fiddling around on the instrument. For dancers, if you guys move a certain way or turn or position your feet a specific way after so many years of stopping, does your body sometimes take over a bit and do the steps for a previous performance, or do you just remember it as your body doesn't move for you?

This is all I can think of for questions right now, but if anybody who has done ballet could answer these questions for me, that help a tremendous amount!

Thank you for reading! <3

[lilartifex]

Amazing Names for Your Stories, Worldbuilding, and Pretty Much Everything

I feel like somewhere on this site, someone has to have posted about this, but I haven't come across it yet, so here we go:

I'm not sure about everyone else, but for me, coming up with names is, by far, the most difficult thing about creating anything.

Years ago, I found the most amazing website with over 1200 name generators. It has names for, and I'm not exaggerating here, EVERYTHING.

Names for fantasy characters of any species? Done.

Names from specific origins and time periods? Yup.

Names for towns, cities, spells, plants, books, new species, councils, countries, or online usernames? Here ya go.

It even has a section where you can find names suitable for most pop-culture fandoms. Like, there are name generators in there specifically for Weeping Angels from Doctor Who, all the way up to names for your Minecraft dog.

There are even description generators, if you're completely stuck trying to find a good description for a character, or just need to see one written out to get your creative ideas flowing.

All names and resources are submitted by fans of the site and are completely free to use; it also adds new generators all the time. Whether you're looking for a name or just inspiration, you'll probably find it there.

On its sister website, there are things like flag creators, map makers, town creators, a combat and initiative tracker, and even family tree and language generators.

The site's called Fantasy Name Generators, and you can find it here:

And here's the sister website, where you can find a bunch of tools for DnD-type games or just worldbuilding in general:

[annbourbon]

After reading What is...? by @creativepromptsforwriting (if you haven't read her blog or follow her WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?)

I decided to add some of my notes here too. Because it's on the little things I've been studying every night to get better at writing. So please consider this post as part/collab of "What is...?"

★Please keep in mind that this comes from someone whose first language it's not english, so, what for some might be obvious, for others it is not.

Blurb? is a short promotional description on your book. But can also be used to promote movies and other things.

Needs: Hook + Keywords (define an audience) + keep it short and leave them wanting for more.

* Remember to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Nowadays you can use quotes from your book as promo too. Pinterest is your best ally here. Make a bunch of attractive images with a colorful quotes and upload it on your social media! ^♡^

Honestly when it comes to promos you should exploit it all (meaning: create quotes, collage, your cover, promos, etc!) Be your own fan. Create a playlist, ambience, set the mood. Let your own world drag you into the woods, do not resist it.

If you love it, other will love it too.

W.I.P.? Means Work in Progress. So you have yet a lot to do to finish your story. it's okay, it takes time \^♡^/

Pathetic fallacy Vs Personification?

Pathetic fallacy

It's specifically about giving emotions to something non-human (objects, nature, or animals)

Writers use the pathetic fallacy to evoke a specific mood or feeling that usually reflects their own or a character's internal state. While I have seen some detractors of using this technique, think of Emily Brontë novel, Wuthering Heights, or Shakespeare in several of his works like Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello, King Lear and Macbeth. Or Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. So study it and use it carefully and you should be fine. Times change but you should write however you want too.

Personification

On the other hand, is giving any human attribute to an object.

Think of The Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, and Toy Story as great examples of what personification is.

Atmosphere?  is the way an author uses setting, objects, or internal thoughts of characters to create emotion, mood, or experiences for the reader.

For me Mary Shelley with Frankenstein is one of the most accurate examples I can give, but when I think about it, Robinson Crusoe, and Moby Dick, both feel tremendously claustrophobic and desperate to the reader, full of details, the time passes slowly and it's insufferable. Which in theory is not okay because the reader can drop the book but guess what? They're classic because you want to know what happens next. Which brings me to my next point, if you want to know more about the art of writing, you should try the following channels on YT:

Abbie Emmons

She has some interesting videos, but one crazy tip that will change your mind. It actually works. And don't worry, she keeps repeating it over and over so you learn it too. She also offers some courses and several activities like writing together (in case you're trying to write but can't, now you have a date!)

Ellie Dashwood

If you're into social dynamics, subtlety and want to get better writing period stories wether they are romantic or dramas, then she's your best bet. While she doesn't teach you how to write better she does teach you literature and history. And trust me, some of these things can be more than helpful. The way she analyzes and provides for clarification over social situations has made me understand not just Jane Austen but my own time in a different way.

Fiction Beast

This is showing me a lot of literature and making me read classics. Of course it wouldn't work if it wasn't because of Ellie but it's a must! because it does explains a lot.

Ana Neu

I just discovered her and Ellen so I can't say a lot of things but their videos have been really helpful with some of the things I've been working on especially with Fit or Die, so you should check out both of these girls.

Ellen Brock

and of course, he needs no introduction, but if you didn't know, he has several classes posted on his channel which have been helping me tremendously.

Brandon Sanderson

*Disclaimer: They're not paying me for doing promo. I just do this on my own account because I truly admire their work and effort put into it. Plus, I always do this for anyone if I truly admire the way they work. And I believe this is helpful for anyone with hopes of becoming an author. Even if it's just a hobby. Have fun~!

[anony-mouse-writing]

There is an instinctual fear of failure when you don't write in the genre/theme of the 'Hottest Books'.

The whole "will people even like this?" mindset.

It is hard to get out of, and the fear of failure because it won't be the new "Romance Hit" or "Fae" plotline.

Does anyone read Sci-Fi anymore? Or even a Sci-Fi romance (and no that 'Ice Planet Barbarians' series does not count.

[beasvoice]

as a teenage girl i experience the experienced, yet it feels unseen.

highschool, the drama, the people; as unpredictable as it was for me, i find comfort in the instability of it all. its frustrating to communicate worries that are pushed to the side and seen as less than. its frustrating to try and compare these worries to otherworldly, yet very real and very painful situations that is outside of my ‘known’.

i wish for someday to feel at ease when walking in a crowd as i tend to do everyday in the corridors. i wish to understand that stories do not have to include the presence of myself. i yet to learn how to seperate one aspect of life from another; family from school, friends to self.

i hope as a teenage girl, i can experience the experienced; yet surprise others with my attitude

[athenadire]

Love this so much🖤

Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of inspiration- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic