Writer's Block has hit me hard

[davion2308]

The most efficient thing I do when I hit a block is to stop. I just stop. No writing for me! No stories, no typing, no opening my little Word docs that have all my notes. I don't even write the ol' fashioned way with pen and paper. I don't let myself take notes or jot down ideas. I just stop.

I do other things. I focus on work, I play with my kids, I exercise a lot more, and I do creative projects I enjoy. My wife can tell when I'm not writing because I suddenly get in way better shape from all the added fitness I do at night. And I let my mind get away from all the stories and thoughts and dialogue I invented. I just leave it behind.

Two or three weeks later, I come back to it and that usually helps me because I'm refreshed, recovered, and ready to go.

That's me, though, and I don't know if it'll work for you. I wouldn't speak for anyone else or suggest things; I just provide my own experiences. Take what you like and experiment.

Good luck.

 

[SimonDoom]

Morning while waking up has usually been my golden hour, but lately it’s not happening.

Maybe you need stronger coffee?

 

[SyleusSnow]

I'm enduring the same thing right now... no energy to write at all. And not enough discipline to force myself.

One bit of "advice from the pros" I'm trying is to read, read, read. And not just erotica. Every bit of fiction, good or bad, classics and bestseller list drivel. Everything.

Yesterday I stumbled on The Oatmeal's "Eight things I've learned about creativity in 10 years" where he equates reading and writing to breathing in and out, and it's the greatest thing I've read all year.

 

[oneagainst]

Yesterday I stumbled on The Oatmeal's "Eight things I've learned about creativity in 10 years" where he equates reading and writing to breathing in and out, and it's the greatest thing I've read all year.

Just edited an upcoming chapter, added a bit more dialogue, then I went onto the new story and managed to bash out a full chapter. Sometimes just doing the little stuff to get the wheels turning is enough - as per the comment ^^ re breathing. It's about getting into the headspace, and sometimes working on a chapter is the way to go, since waiting for the muse to rock up with beer and pizza is not necessarily reliable

 

[NewOldGuy77]

I'm enduring the same thing right now... no energy to write at all. And not enough discipline to force myself.

One bit of "advice from the pros" I'm trying is to read, read, read. And not just erotica. Every bit of fiction, good or bad, classics and bestseller list drivel. Everything.

Yesterday I stumbled on The Oatmeal's "Eight things I've learned about creativity in 10 years" where he equates reading and writing to breathing in and out, and it's the greatest thing I've read all year.

Thank you!

 

[NewOldGuy77]

Why do you write? If you're not feeling the passionate outpouring to write than maybe it's not what you need to be doing right now.

None of us are posting here for money. This is just a hobby, and it's one of many. Let life guide you to which hobbies you should be indulging and don't force them.

I haven't written much in 6 months and I'll be damned if I'm going to sit and stare at my computer forcing passion for a project where there is none. A while ago, I had a good multi year break in writing. I regularly switch between writing different kinds of things. My writing is a reflection of my need and if I'm not compelled to pound keys, then I really don't think I should care.

Why does it bother you? You are more than what you write. You have a whole life outside of this. Perhaps if you don't feel compelled to write it's your mind's way of telling you to focus on other things for a while? Instead of spending your morning at a keyboard, read a book, take a walk, drink coffee and stare at the sky. Your time doesn't have to be productive to be worthwhile. Give yourself space, be kind to yourself, let go of the idea that you need to do anything in particular and listen to what you *want* to do.

IMHO.

Thank you, Juana =)

 

[NewOldGuy77]

I'm enduring the same thing right now... no energy to write at all. And not enough discipline to force myself.

You describe me exactly!

 

[NoJo]

Why do you write? If you're not feeling the passionate outpouring to write than maybe it's not what you need to be doing right now.

None of us are posting here for money. This is just a hobby, and it's one of many. Let life guide you to which hobbies you should be indulging and don't force them.

I haven't written much in 6 months and I'll be damned if I'm going to sit and stare at my computer forcing passion for a project where there is none. A while ago, I had a good multi year break in writing. I regularly switch between writing different kinds of things. My writing is a reflection of my need and if I'm not compelled to pound keys, then I really don't think I should care.

Why does it bother you? You are more than what you write. You have a whole life outside of this. Perhaps if you don't feel compelled to write it's your mind's way of telling you to focus on other things for a while? Instead of spending your morning at a keyboard, read a book, take a walk, drink coffee and stare at the sky. Your time doesn't have to be productive to be worthwhile. Give yourself space, be kind to yourself, let go of the idea that you need to do anything in particular and listen to what you *want* to do.

IMHO.

Love that post, which I think I need to reread every time I take my porn writing too seriously.

I'm currently in the opposite mode, where I'm spending too much time writing. My hard disk is littered with images, animations, drafts from my latest story.

In the past, I had hypnotherapy to treat writer's block. It didn't work. I wish I'd just read JuanaSalsa's no-bullshit post instead.

 

[bumpercars]

This happens to me from time to time, too. I have found that if I keep reading other people's stories, and keep letting ideas wander through my head, and keep testing the waters to see if I'm ready to write more, I'll get back to the right headspace sooner or later.
Honestly, those quiet periods might be a necessary part of the process for some folks, a way to avoid getting burned out.

 

[Rustyoznail]

If I get stuck, I do something else I like. Take your Triumph out for a drive. Change the oil. Adjust the tappets. Put it on ramps and pretend to check the uni joints while listening to the football.

Here's a pick of my Herald.