Writer's Block

[sirhugs]

The black clouds have stayed away today (so far, knock on wood) so getting writing done. In addition to building the two works in progress, pondering what to attempt next.

 

[Voboy]

Often, a curious situation arises with me: not really "writer's block," but a strong mental image of a later part of the story that I really, really want to tell... but it's not yet time to fit it into the story.

In the past, when this has happened, I've often gone non-linear: I've just written the part I wanted to write out of sequence, then led the rest of the tale to it. This time, for various reasons, I don't want to do that.

So I'll sit down and WANT to write one thing, but all the intermediate matter that I'll need to write to get me there... well, I find it interesting and entertaining once I start to write that, but the prospect just doesn't thrill me. Which leads to low motivation.

 

[THBGato]

I've got a bit of a block at the minute. I wonder if it's seasonal? I had this same time last year.

(It's also always a busy time, workwise, plus peak family birthday season, all of which eats into writing time.)

 

[StillStunned]

If I find myself particularly blocked, a cup of strong coffee often helps.

 

[NuclearFairy]

Often, a curious situation arises with me: not really "writer's block," but a strong mental image of a later part of the story that I really, really want to tell... but it's not yet time to fit it into the story.

In the past, when this has happened, I've often gone non-linear: I've just written the part I wanted to write out of sequence, then led the rest of the tale to it. This time, for various reasons, I don't want to do that.

So I'll sit down and WANT to write one thing, but all the intermediate matter that I'll need to write to get me there... well, I find it interesting and entertaining once I start to write that, but the prospect just doesn't thrill me. Which leads to low motivation.

I get that a lot, and I've never allowed myself to write that later scene. I try to use getting to that scene as motivation to write what comes first, but it doesn't always work.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Often, a curious situation arises with me: not really "writer's block," but a strong mental image of a later part of the story that I really, really want to tell... but it's not yet time to fit it into the story.

In the past, when this has happened, I've often gone non-linear: I've just written the part I wanted to write out of sequence, then led the rest of the tale to it. This time, for various reasons, I don't want to do that.

So I'll sit down and WANT to write one thing, but all the intermediate matter that I'll need to write to get me there... well, I find it interesting and entertaining once I start to write that, but the prospect just doesn't thrill me. Which leads to low motivation.

I've done those as extended outlines. Most of the story, but not all. Enough detail to keep me tuned to it while I work the other parts.

 

[MillieDynamite]

My muse just whispered in my ear, "Time to write," and kept on loitering here. She screamed, "Get off that website and write."

Farewell and adieu, my fair HRs, farewell and adieu, my friends, for I received an order to write, and nairy shall I see you today!

 

[sirhugs]

I get that a lot, and I've never allowed myself to write that later scene. I try to use getting to that scene as motivation to write what comes first, but it doesn't always work.

I don't usually do that, but am trying it in the two current works in progress.

 

[Voboy]

I've done those as extended outlines. Most of the story, but not all. Enough detail to keep me tuned to it while I work the other parts.

I do that a lot. All the time, in fact.

It's not enough at the moment to make me want to sit down and nug out the rest, even though I know that once I do that, I'll enjoy it. Ennui is weird.

 

[Djmac1031]

it's weird because it's not like I dont get the occasional story idea. I just can't seem to flesh them out beyond a basic concept anymore.

I was trying to come up with a Halloween story and had an idea about a guy checking in to an old hotel and his room is haunted by a dead sex worker.

But that's all I got. JUST the idea. Not the STORY.

Without at least some vision of where it goes, it's a waste of time trying to write it. Last thing I need is another unfinished story.

 

[StillStunned]

it's weird because it's not like I dont get the occasional story idea. I just can't seem to flesh them out beyond a basic concept anymore.

I was trying to come up with a Halloween story and had an idea about a guy checking in to an old hotel and his room is haunted by a dead sex worker.

But that's all I got. JUST the idea. Not the STORY.

Without at least some vision of where it goes, it's a waste of time trying to write it. Last thing I need is another unfinished story.

You've talked a few times now about being blocked. Have you considered writing half a dozen scenes, or a dozen, and then moulding them into something publishable?

Not a story as such, but maybe you can find a framing device to present them as standalone snippets? Memories, or diary excerpts, or an epistolary? Maybe even as simple as "Where were you when...?" followed by half a dozen recollections. No need for a story arc, or character development, nothing like that.

 

[Djmac1031]

Have you considered writing half a dozen scenes, or a dozen, and then moulding them into something publishable?

oh I have several unfinished stories and scenes. None of them connect-able.

Not a story as such, but maybe you can find a framing device to present them as standalone snippets?

Problem is none of them work on their own, there's no ending. They just abruptly stop.

Memories, or diary excerpts, or an epistolary? Maybe even as simple as "Where were you when...?" followed by half a dozen recollections. No need for a story arc, or character development, nothing like that.

I suppose that's a possibility if I could think of a subject that interested me.

 

[sirhugs]

oh I have several unfinished stories and scenes. None of them connect-able.



Problem is none of them work on their own, there's no ending. They just abruptly stop.



I suppose that's a possibility if I could think of a subject that interested me.

my trouble is less with endings than beginnings.

 

[sirhugs]

Got on a roll and finished the first draft of the tentacle sequel. Now to find out if I have the energy to return to work on the more complex stepdaughter story.

 

[sirhugs]

found the energy. Several strong efforts, completed a couple of the "insert here" sex scenes. Close to the end.
The tentacle story is off to the editor. Watch for it soon.
Now the problem is what to write next.

 

[Nightaelf]

Maybe try taking the pressure off yourself.

• Write things that don’t seem relevant to a story, but matter to you personally.
• Write without thinking about publishing, just as an exercise.
• Go back and reread old drafts; sometimes they spark new ideas.
• And give yourself permission not to write about sex for a while. Focus on characters, atmosphere, or whatever feels natural.

It might help loosen things up and get the flow going again.

 

[sirhugs]

Maybe try taking the pressure off yourself.

• Write things that don’t seem relevant to a story, but matter to you personally.
• Write without thinking about publishing, just as an exercise.
• Go back and reread old drafts; sometimes they spark new ideas.
• And give yourself permission not to write about sex for a while. Focus on characters, atmosphere, or whatever feels natural.

It might help loosen things up and get the flow going again.

its not pressure... more like an itch that needs to be scratched, and drives you nuts until you do... not having a story in progress, or at least an idea ready, when the itch hits is like not having a back scratcher

 

[sirhugs]

drafting of Stepdaughter Fills In ch 5 done, together with my best effort at revising. ready to go to the editor.
What next?
*deep sigh*

 

[sirhugs]

not feeling blocked, not even aware of a black cloud hiding, just need my muse to whisper in my ear...

 

[sirhugs]

I just hate sitting here feeling like a non-writer. Especially when I've posted a dozen stories already this year (which is a lot for me, maybe a record) , with two more well along the pipeline (just waiting for one to be edited, since I sent them off to the editor in backwards order for how I want to submit them).
Afraid I'm annoying the gang at Story Ideas with my neediness.

 

[NuclearFairy]

I just hate sitting here feeling like a non-writer. Especially when I've posted a dozen stories already this year (which is a lot for me, maybe a record) , with two more well along the pipeline (just waiting for one to be edited, since I sent them off to the editor in backwards order for how I want to submit them).
Afraid I'm annoying the gang at Story Ideas with my neediness.

I'm personally not getting annoyed.

 

[sirhugs]

If I feed the carrots to my muse, will the plot bunnies come? [pun not intended, but teehee, at least the black cloud hasn't been invited in yet]

 

[Djmac1031]

Im (sorta) breaking my block by writing a script for audio performers.

Less plot heavy and no real character development etc. Just a sexy fantasy scenario type thing.

its better than nothing.

 

[sirhugs]

My muse is stirring like it is awaking from a long deep sleep.
It needs a kickstart.
I think you know where to apply the boot

 

[sirhugs]

enter the black cloud, arm in arm with the tears...
just when my brain was starting to spin up some ideas...