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burntoutdaydreamer · 5 months
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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
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blue-eyed-author · 5 months
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Some of my writer’s block cures:
Handwrite. (If you already are, write in a different coloured pen.)
Write outside or at a different location.
Read.
Look up some writing prompts.
Take a break. Do something different. Comeback to it later.
Write something else. (A different WIP, a poem, a quick short story, etc.)
Find inspiring writing music playlists on YouTube. (Themed music, POV playlists, ambient music, etc.)
Do some character or story prompts/questions to get a better idea of who or what you’re writing.
Word sprints. Set a timer and write as much as you can. Not a lot of time to overthink things.
Set your own goals and deadlines.
Write another scene from your WIP. (You don’t have to write in order.) Write a scene you want to write, or the ending. (You can change it or scrap it if it doesn’t fit into your story later.)
Write a scene for your WIP that you will never post/add to your story. A prologue, a different P.O.V., how your characters would react in a situation that’s not in your story, a flashback, etc.
Write down a bunch of ideas. Things that could happen, thing that will never happen, good things, bad things.
Change the weather (in the story of course.)
Feel free to add your own.
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cruelflesh · 28 days
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forget who’s the top or bottom, which one of you is nursing a fresh bite-sized wound and which one of you is licking the blood off your teeth
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coffeebeanwriting · 1 year
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Some Quick Character Tips
Here are a handful of quick tips to help you write believable characters! 
1. A character’s arc doesn’t need to grow linearly. Your protagonist doesn’t have to go from being weak to strong, shy to confident, or novice to professional in one straight line. It’s more realistic if they mess up their progress on the way and even decline a bit before reaching their goal.
2. Their past affects their present. Make their backstory matter by having their past events shape them into who they are. Growing up with strict parents might lead to a sneaky character, and a bad car accident might leave them fearful of driving.
3. Give reoccurring side characters something that makes them easily recognizable. This could be a scar, a unique hairstyle, an accent, or a location they’re always found at, etc.
4. Make sure their dialogue matches their personality. To make your characters more believable in conversation, give them speech patterns. Does the shy character mumble too low for anyone to ever hear, does the nervous one pace around and make everyone else on edge? 
5. Make your characters unpredictable. Real people do unexpected things all the time, and this can make life more exciting. The strict, straight-A student who decides to drink at a party. The pristine princess who likes to visit the muddy farm animals. When character’s decide to do things spontaneously or in the heat of the moment, it can create amazing twists and turns.
6. Give even your minor character's a motive. This isn’t to say that all your characters need deep, intricate motives. However, every character should need or want something, and their actions should reflect that. What’s the motive behind a side character who follows your protagonist on their adventure? Perhaps they’ve always had dreams of leaving their small village or they want to protect your protagonist because of secret feelings.
Instagram: coffeebeanwriting  
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liesandnights · 8 months
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I will literally marry you on spot if you were to ever gift me a book of annotated poetry with all your thoughts messily scrawled in the margins. Highlighted lines of poetry that reminds you of me, and a note on the first page stating how you wish I were to enjoy the book just as much as you did… not kidding.
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inactiveblog2023 · 2 years
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Hurt/comfort dialogue prompts:
“you look like you could use a hug.”
“do you want to talk about it? ”
“hey, it's ok... i've got you. ”
“you know you can tell me anything, right?”
“take as long as you need to. ”
“go ahead. i'm listening. ”
“you're shivering. here, take my jacket. ”
“you don't have to pretend to be alright around me. ”
“c'mere. let me hold you. ”
“is there anything i can do? ”
“it wasn't your fault. you know that, right? ”
“hey, it's ok to cry. ”
“why are you bleeding? what happened? ”
“tell me who hurt you. ”
“shh, don't be afraid. it's me. you're safe. ”
“i won't let anything happen to you. ”
“i'll love you no matter what. ”
“of course you can hold my hand. ”
“we'll get through this together. ”
“i'm not leaving you. ”
“call or text me anytime. ”
“my door's always open. ”
“you deserve to be taken care of. ”
“come here, let me look after you. ”
“don't worry, i'll be here when you wake up.”
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@fluffbruary day two: engagement/scent/jam
“Angel I’m back!” Called Crowley as he entered the front doors of the bookshop holding a jar of jam
He was greeted by a clatter from the kitchen and took off his glasses
“Are you alright?” He yelled
“Yes yes! All tickety-boo! Just stay where you are”
Nothing too bad had seemed to happen and Aziraphale clearly wanted Crowley to wait and see so the demon kept his mouth shut about the noise.
The angel bustled out and through the books towards Crowley, covered in flour. He took the jam and quickly ran back to the kitchen as if he hadn’t been there.
Crowley stuck out his tongue for a moment.
“S’that a new cologne?”
“Oh yes, my barber recommended it”
“But you like your usual one”
“He said it was good for uh, special occasions” Aziraphale mumbled
“What s’that Angel?”
“Nothing!” Another clatter
“Right I’m coming in”
“Wait!”
It was too late Crowley had stormed into the kitchen to see Aziraphale trying and failing to hide some scones behind him. Using the jam he had written out a letter on each of them, Crowley didn’t read it he ran straight to his angel and held his face in his hands.
“Are you alright Angel there was a lot of noise?”
“Everything is fine my dear” He had a nervous tone of voice
Crowley looked behind him, the words were unfinished but it was plain as day, they read;
W I L L Y O U M A R R
“Aziraphale…” he stumbled over his words “is this- w- angel?”
“I know we’re an angel and a demon” Aziraphale took a deep breath “but we’re both so fond of human rituals, habits and what not so I thought, if you wanted to! I thought maybe we could… marry”
“Oh Angel, my Angel, I- yes”
“What?”
“Yes!” There were tears in his eyes as he wrapped his arms around Aziraphales waist
He leaned down and kissed his angel. His angel finally after 6000 years.
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hailieshapedbox · 16 days
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pillofmoonlight · 2 years
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it's weird how when a child screams they don't feel loved at home and don't feel safe around their family, the first thing that a parent might do is list the number of things they have done for their child instead of asking themselves what made their child feel that way. parents aren't supposed to be strict and feared. when a child walks into this world, they are naive and parents are supposed to be the home and safe space the child looks for when they need help or when things get messed up instead of going "my parents will kill me for this". by engraving your fear into your child's mind, you are just making sure that they to lie to you. i don't know what kind of cruelty we are forcing onto generations by making them fear their own parents. how would they learn love when they never knew what it is? and in a world so cruel and unkind, love is the most important thing we need. not fear.
Parents scare the hell out of their children and then have the audacity to ask "why you put your friends on such a pedestal". well maybe because they taught me love and maybe you should learn how to parent. you can begin from going to therapy and getting your traumas and misconceptions resolved.
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sxnniiwrites · 3 months
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Writer's block sucks, and it can make us feel unproductive or contribute to imposter syndrome. If you're struggling to write today, here are some things that count towards your writing even if it isn't putting words on a page:
Make a Pinterest board for your characters
Make playlists for your characters or wip
Explain your wip to a friend
Ask your beta reader what their predictions for your wip are
Make head canons for your characters or asking friends/beta reader to make some
Write up a description/synopsis for your wip, even if you already have one
Take a step back. Maybe you need a break, and that's okay!
Reminder that you're a real writer, whether you're writing fic, a novel, or haven't touched your wip in weeks. You got this!
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slyfoxscript · 1 month
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The sun sees, what i do, but the moon knows all my secrets.
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anulithots · 5 months
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Current theory that every time you get writer's block, it's because the characters decided to take a vacation somewhere else in your brain. They're tired.
(Which means you get to go on vacation too, write some self-indulgent, low-energy stuff, it doesn't have to see the light of day ever again.)
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Frog
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shareapoetry · 3 months
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What home feels like
No matter how long you have been gone, the moment you come back it feels as if you never left.
It's not that nothing changes; many things do. You discover the neighbour has a new dog who never fails to disturb your sleep at midnight. You see the hall has a new clock, the designated place for achar has changed(apparently because it was suddenly declared prone to falling) an old cupboard has been moved out. Some rooms have been painted a different colour. But despite all these changes it doesn't feel different.
Perhaps these changes aren't enough for home to become unfamiliar... I guess that's why it's called home.
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cruelflesh · 30 days
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writeblr intro
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𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪 home of blood guts & girls kissing 𓆩ꨄ︎𓆪
hi i'm jodie, queer writer and lover of horror media. i have a few different things i'm working on but i'm most excited about my current WIP, an early 2000's horror romance about an insomniac who gets tangled between the lines of sleep and reality when she falls in love with an undead woman living in the library. i plan on sharing some more of my work soon, and would love to find people with similar interests so we can talk about writing/horror/whatever
𓂃🖊 about | spotify | pinterest
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coffeebeanwriting · 3 months
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Quick Tips on Writing Better Characters
Here are a handful of quick tips to writing stronger characters and understanding them better as a writer.
Give your characters a title. This can help with worldbuilding and placing your protagonist into the environment. What do others call your characters? The emperor, the bastard son, the Grinch, the chosen one, the class clown, the evil witch, the popular girl, etc.
Use your settings to enhance your character. You can use the locations of your novel to mirror or contrast your character. Do they blend in or stand out? What they focus on can say a lot about them (ex. a fearsome character mishearing things on a dark street, a princess in a ballroom only focused on the exit.)
Know your protagonist's motives and goals before you start writing. What is something they need that fuels their actions throughout the novel? Money, freedom, an artifact, food? To protect their sister at all costs and survive the Hunger Games? 
Now that you know their motive, make it more complex. A character's motive can be made more complex by putting them in high-stake situations that force them to make decisions. For example, Katniss wants to protect her sister, a very common motivation. However, present-day conflict makes her to do it in the most extreme way by volunteering in the Hunger Games. The plot forces her to make an extreme choice fueled by her motivation.
Your protagonist should be active. It's okay to have your story's events sometimes happen to your character (this is referred to as the character being passive, ex. a tornado sweeping them away) but your protagonist should be active a majority of the time. This means they should always be making decisions, thinking, reflecting and progressing through obstacles.
Instagram: coffeebeanwriting
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Can I just skip to the part where my stories already have a fandom and I can just look up fan content? Like I just want to see gif sets and mood boards of my characters without having to actually write the story or being the one to make them, is that so hard to ask??
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