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Not Quite Writer's Block
Most of you probably have no idea who I am and are probably right to because I rarely post, I mostly just read.
But I've come across a problem, writer's block is not knowing what to write, my problem is more not knowing why to write. I've written out the first ten chapters of my fic, I'm loving it, I can't read through it without bursting into laughter, I've got a great idea on where it's going, how it's getting there and such. The "bench of inspiration" is working fine. I'm just struggling to write it out. I'm not feeling up to doing it even though I want to. I'm not sure if it's got anything to do with the fact that my last fic was a bit of a mess up or that I'm feeling a bit down after having money stolen from me last week and being bullied. But are there any ways to help me want to write again. Or does anyone know why people have moments like this and don't feel up to writing? Thanks in advance. |
Laziness is the bane of all writers. I don't mean to sound rude or anything; it affects me too. I have a really great idea, but I just can't be arsed to sit down and write it because it takes a lot of effort to put my thoughts down in words the "right" way (as in, the way that doesn't make me want to stab my eyes out later on because I hate it). In that sense, I guess it's also partly the fear of screwing up what I have to say.
Don't feel bad about feeling as if you don't have motivation. It takes time to get past that. Still, just keep reminding yourself that it's either do it or it sits in your head, and the longer it sits in your head, the less you'll want to touch it. I would suggest writing down the ideas in as much detail as possible, but don't worry too much about when you want them to happen or even using complete sentences and details. Once it's down on paper, you'll have an easier time inserting them into your story and filling out the bits around them. |
Yeah, probably laziness. I'm currently inflicted. I have my next chapter more or less mapped out in my head and all I need to do is pound it out, but I just sit there and look at the doc for a few minutes and then pop onto the internet. I'm even partway done, which makes it more frustrating.
I would recommend trying to write a little bit each day, even if it's only a sentence. You'll actually finish faster than if you wait for your urge to write to return. |
I have the whole damn fic figured out, I love the story and the main characters are like siblings for me (if we exaggerate slightly) but I just can't get to writing the next chapter because I'm so freakin' lazy. It has always been my problem, but there's a reason for that, kind of.
When I have "written" the fic in my head (figured out the story, the characters and the settings, started writing for real and also planned some scenes in my head to the point where they are ready to be written), I completely lose interest in writing it, because to me, it already is ready. I've finished it in my mind, I know how it goes, so why should I bother to write it anymore? That's the main reason most of my stories (19 of them, I counted the other day) are left unfinished. I know how it goes already, so I want to move on to the next one. And then the next one. It's sheer luck that I managed to actually finish my first fic. I also have another reason: if I finish the story, the characters are gone, practically. The story has ended and I can't write about them anymore. Now, I don't know about you guys, but I get seriously attached to my characters, even the bad guys if there are any. I don't want to finish my stories. And when I don't want to and cannot see a good reason for doing it, I'll leave them unfinished. As for the cure: I know there is one that works for me. I force myself to write anyway. No matter how crappy the text that comes out, I write anyway. You can always fix the text later, as long as you have something to fix. That's why I force myself to write on until I'm on the roll again. Then, I go back, fix the bad parts and go on with my story with new enthusiasm. Also, another cure for me is that my boyfriend practically loves anything fantasy-ish I write. He'll praise it (after pointing out all my mistakes in a rather harsh way) and that makes me feel like writing some more. Maybe you should get a friend or a sibling or someone to read your stuff, too? That's all I have to offer on the subject. I know that forcing strategy of mine won't work on everyone, but it might still be worth a try (hint: it works best when you're somewhat tired but not sleepy!). I don't really know. I wish you good luck with your fic, life, universe and everything. Live long and prosper, burningfoot. |
I understand what you're going through because I'm going through the same thing right now. I started a fiction back in May, and have had the entire story mapped out since mid-April. However, I just can't sit down for more than 5 minutes to write it because I'm afraid I will ruin the characters if I continue it after so long an inactivity. As if that weren't enough, I am quite lazy by nature, so getting any task done seems extremely ardous to me.
My advice for this problem would be to close your door, disconnect your internet connection, turn off your TV, pretty much get rid of any distractions around you, and start writing. If you're old enough, then book a hotel with free WiFi and cut yourself off from the rest of the world while you write. Then, when you feel that it is just right, connect to the hotels WiFi and post it online. This is actually something I'm doing this weekend, starting tonight, so we'll see if this method really works. |
I too had that exact problem, the solution: find the mood that you are most creative in. For me it's when I'm disappointed. (I'm weird get over it.)
I had the urge to write, but I just couldn't bring myself to start typing. Anytime I did start, I would quickly get discouraged, and stop withing. Then I got really disappointed and wa-la, I'm back to writhing. It may help to get your self in to the mood you where in when you first though of your story. |
I agree. If you plan too far ahead, you'll probably get bored with it since - well - you know what's coming. And that's just boring.
My oldest story is currently five years old. I probably could have finished it in a year if I could be arsed enough to do it. Alas though, I'm still here. ^_^ Sometimes reading other people's work (or my older work) kicks my rear end to write. I also usually end up writing more than one story at the same time (lack of attention span ftl) so I'm not stuck thinking about the same story all the time. Sometimes I write the most interesting parts of the chapter and then connect the sections together with the boring parts. I don't know why, but I do. >_> Other than that, don't rush. Write when you want to, whether it is a few lines or the entire chapter. |
Ok, thanks everyone, so many ideas to choose from. Well, I wrote down a few things like just a couple of brief ideas of what happens a few vety funny lines i thought of to include. That sort of thing. I've completely ignored my story since 3AM on wednesday because I've been ridiculously ill.
I like Buoysel's idea about mood. I'll try that tonight, new stuff on TV means it's funnier that repeats and I'm going to need a lot of sugar to get me that happy and randomly comedic that I was when I began writing. |
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