Blocked

[LasciviousSanity]

New to literotica and trying to plow my way through this writer's block that's has me stymied in the creativity department. I have started four short stories and haven't been able to finish but one, which turned out to be a disaster. Anyone have advice for this kinda problem?

 

[S-Des]

Well . . .

I've been dealing with the same thing on a story, so I can tell you what I've tried to do. When I drive, I keep the radio off and try to play the story out in my head to find ways to work out plot issues without worrying about the writing (which goes so much slower). I have an author friend who I bother constantly for advice (or just to hear him say "shut up and get back to work").

The question is, where are you blocked? If you are having trouble with dialogue between two characters, you might try skipping ahead and finishing a different section of the story, then looking back to see what they would have been likely to say 'at that time'. If your problem is with the plot, you could try an outline so that you can get an overview of where you want your story to go.

If worse comes to worse, you can do what I'm doing right now. Surf the BB, trying to pretend that I'm not just killing time to avoid working on the story. Seriously, having an editor or author to bounce ideas off of has been the most helpful to me. Just be careful that they don't push you to change the way you view the story. They can point out flaws in your logic, but the quickest way to a bad story is to try to tell someone else's idea. You'll have better luck with your own (and maybe a little pushing from a 'friend').

 

[Aurora Black]

New to literotica and trying to plow my way through this writer's block that's has me stymied in the creativity department. I have started four short stories and haven't been able to finish but one, which turned out to be a disaster. Anyone have advice for this kinda problem?

First of all, welcome to Lit and the AH. Hope you'll enjoy yourself here and have a blast with your craft.

This is what I do when I'm suffering from Writer's Block:

When I feel hopelessly stuck on a story, I remove myself completely from the PC and Internet (all message boards, e-mail and IM) and I write in a special notebook that I have set aside for this purpose. I write everything in this thing: Story ideas, outlines, plot developments, character developments, research notes, etc.

I take long walks in nature. Parks, mountains, seaside. If you're in a place that lacks all these, try going to the local zoo. Seriously.

Relax on a bed or couch and listen to soft music as you think about your story and what you want to take place in it.

Do not force the words if they're not forthcoming. I cannot stress this enough. You mentioned before that one of your stories turned out to be a "disaster," and I believe that's the result of forcing yourself to write even though your heart's not in it. If you need a breather, take it. Don't push on because the story will suffer.

As for S-Des' suggestion about consulting with an editor/friend, I agree that it helps when it comes to brainstorming and/or cementing story ideas, but in the end you are the one who will make the final decision about whether or not you'll write.

 

[LasciviousSanity]

Thank you both for your advice. I'll will try some of those things.

MLB

 

[Boxlicker101]

Hi, LS, and welcome to Lit and the AH. As SDes suggested, sometimes jump ahead and write an ending or an ending to a particular scene and come back later and write up to where you have been.

Sometimes it is best to just get something on paper or the HD, and come back and edit when the muse returns.

 

[dr_mabeuse]

Saying you have writer's block is like going to the doctor and saying, "I'm sick". Unless you can be more specific about what the problem is, no one can really help you.

Sometimes you write yourself into a corner. Sometimes you lose interest in a story. Sometimes you just can't think of what to write about. Sometimes you stop caring, or get to a part that's too technically difficult, or just get discouraged, or bored, or any of a hundred other things.

The first step to overcoming writer's block is to identify the problem. Only then can you find a solution.