How do you get over a block?

[kiwiwolf]

I'm stuck big time in the final scene of the second chapter of a story I have posted in the Novels / Novellas section. I can't go forward and I really don't want to go back and change it. I like the way it is heading now.

Has anyone else com up against this sort of thing and if so what do you do to get over it?

 

[ffreak]

So is this second chapter the final?

If that is what you intended it sounds like the story has somewhere else to go.

If not, it sounds like you're not sure where to go next.

In either case, where can it go next? Is 'next' a new thread in the story line, or is it simply a continuation? If it is the latter, try having one of the characters ask the other if they're ready (for what comes next).

In essence, try ending a chapter by preparing the bridge into the next scene/chapter or by making a promise of something to be fulfilled later in your story.

-FF (hope this helps)

 

[otherdarkmeat]

I've read many suggestions and hints for situations like this. The one that seems to work best for me is to leave it alone for a while and work on something else. If nothing is coming naturally, don't force it. You'll probably end up with something that sounds stilted or forced.

Work on something else for a while, or read something that might provide inspiration.

I hope that helps.

-Mike B.

 

[Guest]

 

[Ms. Jones]

Usually I put it aside and write something totally different. Poetry is what I write most but lately, it's gotten stale and hard to write so I've switched to erotic stories.

Or..make a list of why you're where you are...what is the main character's problem? Is it physical? Emotional? Is it a problem with the setting of the scene? What's that problem? Sometimes listing the problems will clear up your mind to move on.

Good luck. Writer's block sucks!

 

[Sabledrake]

I'm currently suffering a similar problem. The book I'm supposed to be working on just isn't going well, for a variety of reasons. I'm not under any externally-imposed deadlines or anything, but I hate stopping a project halfway through.

I feel guilty for working on something else because in my mind I feel I should be working on the book, so instead I end up frittering away my usual writing time.

I finally just decided that, like it or not, I was going to back-burner the damned book and work on other things. I'm glad there's the Halloween contest, because then I can actually feel like I'm doing something productive with a deadline

Sabledrake

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Working on something else is a good answer. For me, rereading the story, just for it's own sake, ignoring typos and other problems, just trying to visualize the flow of the tale sometimes works.

Often I write to a block point and re reading gets me back into the feel I had for the work when I started typing. If the story was inspired by something particular go back to that and watch/read/listen to it again.

-Colly

 

[raphy]

Wish I knew.. I wish I knew... Most of my writer's block issues usually come from plot-related problems. One of the problems with writing without planning ahead, I guess.....

 

[wildsweetone]

I'm stuck big time in the final scene of the second chapter of a story I have posted in the Novels / Novellas section. I can't go forward and I really don't want to go back and change it. I like the way it is heading now.

Has anyone else com up against this sort of thing and if so what do you do to get over it?

Send me the scene honey and I'll have a peek.

Some thoughts from me:

a) props: Is there a door that's closed in the story/scene, that could be opened instead? A gate? A swimming pool fence? ...anything that could turn your character a different way?

b) ending: Do you know what the ending is going to be, but just aren't quite sure how to get there?

c) mapping: Can you draw a series of boxes with arrows, going from scene to scene within the chapter? Is there a natural outcome for the next box?

d) walk: Take a 20 minute walk. Look at your surroundings in absolute detail, thus clearing your mind of everything else. Sometimes the answers or next steps will just pop into your head.

e) date: Julia Cameron writes in 'The Artist's Way', take your artist on a date. Just you and your writing mind (or whatever creative aspect you have) and go and see something that you've not seen or done before, or for a long time. Go alone. Feed your artist. You can't expect to give out all that creativity without making sure you've filled the gaps.

Good luck dear. Please, if you're stuck send it to me and I'll have a browse through and reply with some ideas for you to think about. *hugs*

wso

 

[kiwiwolf]

Thank you kind folks for your help here. Unfortunately what I should have said last night when I posted this was that it is a very specific problem.

I have to write my very first lesbian sex scene. I don't have clue one.

I've never written a lesbian sex scene and don't read a lot of lesbian stories. Can I rewrite the passage to make it moot? Yep but I really want this scene in there.

I'd love to step away from this story for a while but I'm starting to get lots more emails complaining about the time taken for me to finish my stories. I want to write but want to do it at my pace. I want this thing to flow properly... with good pace and timing.

Wildsweetone my little pickled onion... check your in box honey... comin' atcha in stereo. I would love it if you could take a look but to get a feel for the story you'll have to read chapter one too. Let me know if you don't have the time. I know what it's like to be busy. And for gods sake RING ME!!!

Once again thanks for the help.

WSO... a link to chapter one.

http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=108140

 

[kiwiwolf]

So is this second chapter the final?

If that is what you intended it sounds like the story has somewhere else to go.

If not, it sounds like you're not sure where to go next.

In either case, where can it go next? Is 'next' a new thread in the story line, or is it simply a continuation? If it is the latter, try having one of the characters ask the other if they're ready (for what comes next).

In essence, try ending a chapter by preparing the bridge into the next scene/chapter or by making a promise of something to be fulfilled later in your story.

-FF (hope this helps)

Hi ffreak. The second chapter is the one I'm going to use to set the plot for the next 3 or four. I have chapters 3 and 4 planned using the information contained in chapter 2 especially as a base. The trouble is the lesbian sex scene is a damned good way to lead into a very important part of the plot. The bridge between the chapters actually as well as a good device for leading into a more complex plot line later on.

I just can't write lesbian sex to save myself.

 

[wildsweetone]

Received email. Replied. Get off the net so the phone will ring.

lol

 

[kiwiwolf]

Wish I knew.. I wish I knew... Most of my writer's block issues usually come from plot-related problems. One of the problems with writing without planning ahead, I guess.....

raphy I think one of my problems is that in this story I have planned too far ahead. Now I have the story firmly in my mind and on my dictaphone and don't want to change.

 

[kiwiwolf]

Received email. Replied. Get off the net so the phone will ring.

lol

Leaping offline now.

 

[kiwiwolf]

Working on something else is a good answer. For me, rereading the story, just for it's own sake, ignoring typos and other problems, just trying to visualize the flow of the tale sometimes works.

Often I write to a block point and re reading gets me back into the feel I had for the work when I started typing. If the story was inspired by something particular go back to that and watch/read/listen to it again.

-Colly

Colleen unfortunately the only other thing I can work on is the story I got a block on causing me to start this one. God I'm a sad case.

I am working on a thriller novel as well but this is my playtime away from the novel.

 

[kiwiwolf]

I'm not under any externally-imposed deadlines or anything, but I hate stopping a project halfway through.
<snip>
I finally just decided that, like it or not, I was going to back-burner the damned book and work on other things. I'm glad there's the Halloween contest, because then I can actually feel like I'm doing something productive with a deadline

Sabledrake

I have the same problem Sabledrake... I just hate giving up. I'll look for your Halloween story. Good luck with it.

 

[Colleen Thomas]

Kiwi,

All I write is lesbian stories. I won't make any claim to being an expert, but I would be glad to help out if you need.

-Colly

 

[kiwiwolf]

Kiwi,

All I write is lesbian stories. I won't make any claim to being an expert, but I would be glad to help out if you need.

-Colly

I might just take you up on that Colleen. Check your PMs in a few minutes. many thanks. Wildsweetone has offered to help too but the more the merrier. I feel I need a major rescue job on this thing.

 

[OldnotDead]

Hi, Kiwi,

It sounds like by now you are on the way to solving your problem. I was going to ask if the block was a particular scene or a bridge to the next action that was holding you up. If it were, I was going to suggest jumping ahead and writing the NEXT part of the story, with only a couple of 'stage direction' comments to leave as a marker for what needed to be filled in later.

Having someone else help you write a scene can be extremely helpful. While I don't want to cause a furor of discussion, I think most men's writings of lesbian scenes need a 'feminine touch'. With the able assistance you have been volunteered, I would expect the 'block' will be history shortly.