Writing.Com General Discussion

The dreaded writer's block is nothing less (or more) than a lack of inspiration or indecision.

Want to write "something", but don't know what? You need inspiration.

You have an idea for a novel, but don't know where to begin? All you need is inspiration or make up your mind.

One trick is to write around the problem. For example, you have a scene, but don't know how you are going to make it work. Instead of sitting there thinking about it, cast your ideas on (virtual) paper. The act of writing helps you explore. What is it you are trying to achieve with the scene? Are you trying to impart information to the character/reader, or is the character meant to find something? Who else will be in the scene? Are there any obstacles they have to overcome? What sort of atmosphere do you need to generate? Keep going as long as you keep coming up with ideas that will help you define what you want.

Having got that far, think about other ways you can represent this scene.

As a novelist, I find that about 50% of the time I have started the novel in the wrong place - perhaps a day earlier would be better. The thing is, I had to write the wrong scene to realise it is the wrong place. Whether you are writing the 'wrong scene', writing notes, backstory, world-building or character creation, it doesn't matter. It is the act of writing that will break you out of the 'block'. You are a writer, and writing helps kick your imagination into gear when thinking doesn't.