Suddenly, your mind became paralyzed and you lost focus. You have nothing to write. It is scary, especially if you have to finish a long novel and you feel like you are at a dead end. Don't worry: you are not the only one. Almost every writer has this problem, but it comes out stronger than before. Below you will find some simple, but not foolproof, methods for overcoming writer's block.
Steps
Method 1 of 6: Write Whatever Comes to Your Mind
Step 1. Recognize writer's block
You notice it when you stop because you have no idea to write. Keep in mind that it can be overcome and there are many ways to do it. Do not convince yourself that you will no longer be able to compose a story.
Step 2. Write something
Anything, even about pineapple. Stimulate your mind to think more and be creative. This is a trick that works in many cases. Once you've worked out a paragraph or a couple of lines on a random topic, pick up your story.
Step 3. Write down some ideas without worrying about the shape
You don't have to write in a sophisticated way. Often, writers get stuck because they are too careful about the quality of their compositions. Remember that, except you, no one will see a word of what you write. You can have it read when you feel ready.
Step 4. Try changing the pace
For example, if you have a long sequence of actions, introduce slower, more peaceful dialogue. Make sure, however, that this step doesn't clash. History does not have to develop in an identical rhythm or register. An unusual element can push you to reach new heights and depths. If you've written several dramatic scenes, switch to something lighter, or vice versa.
Step 5. Decide whether to give up on an idea
Examine what you wrote and ask yourself: "Does it lead to anything?". If you think it makes no contribution to the economy of history, perhaps you should eliminate it.
Step 6. Decide if the situation is consistent with reality
Writer's block may be due to the fact that the situation described in the story does not seem realistic. Don't be afraid to partially rewrite it to make it smoother.
Step 7. Try starting from another point in the story
If you have trouble with the opening, focus on the middle or the end. Once you move forward, the pieces may start to fit together and you will be able to continue from where you were stuck.
To write out of order, you need to carefully imagine the whole storyline so that it makes sense from start to finish. At the same time, it is a method that allows you to focus on the details when you can't move forward. Finally, it gives you a chance to process the rest of the story by throwing down a nice ending and pondering how best to structure it
Step 8. Compose something different
You may rediscover the excitement of yesteryear! A monologue, a song, a poem or even a small scene of a story totally different from the one you are writing will help you find the right inspiration.
Step 9. Use the typing prompts
They are very effective when you are paralyzed in front of a blank sheet. A writing prompt is a word or short passage of text that helps you come up with a storyline and start writing. For example, if you ask a friend to offer you a tip and they say "forever" and "passion", you may be thinking of a romance. If he were to say "bite me", you would most likely think of a vampire or a werewolf.
Step 10. Look at the world around you
Use the people around you and their personalities. Observe the surrounding nature, atmosphere and scenery to elaborate a story or build a plot. The best way is to write a journal. Write down everything that happens to you in daily life, scattered thoughts, feelings and moods.
Step 11. If your mind is completely blank, name a group of objects or ideas
Give it a try, even if you think it doesn't work. It is a simple method that will help you overcome writer's block. To simplify, say aloud everything that comes into your mind. Sooner or later, the light bulb will turn on. Good luck!
Method 2 of 6: Starting with a Character
Step 1. Get a pen and paper
Alternatively, use the computer if it is more convenient for you. The first thing you need to focus on a character is a blank sheet of paper.
Step 2. Write a name, the first that comes to mind, at the top of the sheet
It can be the name of a person you know, a name you have read or just a random name.
Step 3. Ask yourself a few questions
Under the name, he begins to draw up a list of questions, such as: who is this person? What does it look like? Does he have brothers? If so, who are they?
Step 4. Develop the character
Let the character form in your mind: observe him trying to identify with him.
Step 5. Try to imagine his life
What does he do when he wakes up in the morning? Do you go to work or school? What are your relationships with the family? What does he like to eat? All these details, put together, contribute to enrich its existence.
Step 6. Review what you wrote
When you've completed the list, read it and, if that's okay, you'll be able to place your character in a situation where the idea for a story could arise. Even one detail may be enough to ignite the creative spark.
Step 7. Use the "and then" method
You may be surprised why it is a great way to overcome writer's block. Start with a random sentence, like "Once upon a time there was a girl named Destiny", then continue the story by writing "and then" after each sentence. "And then she met a man named Daniel. And then she found out he was a vampire" and so on. It is probably not your narrative style or the correct way to write a story, however as you go along, you will be able to outline the contours of a plot.
Step 8. Write the protagonist's personal story
Come up with a series of information regarding the main character: why does Destiny have such short hair when all the other girls are wearing long braids? She once had them too, but an evil man cut them off in an attempt to slit her throat during a chase.
Method 3 of 6: Find Inspiration by Reading
Step 1. Read a novel
It might stimulate your creativity. If you prefer, try rereading a book you enjoyed. You can even outline the plot or outline the characters or scenes that inspire you the most. For more ideas, try picking a book that belongs to the same fiction genre you are working on, be it science fiction, novel or thriller.
Step 2. Consult other written texts that you have written previously
Try to awaken the mind re-reading a short story or other stories you have created in the past. Inspiration is a mysterious thing: it can come back at any moment.
Step 3. Study the life of a character you admire
Learn the story of a character that intrigues you or you particularly like and create the leading figure in your work starting from his personality: consider character traits and hobbies. This way, you will have a lot of material to paint a complete picture of your protagonist.
Step 4. Read poems
In addition to composing a few lines, poetry can also inspire you to write a fiction text! You may be skeptical, but keep in mind that any poem is a forge of ideas and images - whether it be EA Poe's "The Crow" ("And the severe, vague, soft, swaying of velvets / filled me, penetrated me with terror unknown! ") or" Mattino d'autunno "by FG Lorca (" The sun is shining among the yellow leaves / and the spiders stretch among the branches / their silky roads "). You may find inspiration very soon!
Step 5. Read a work of non-fiction
Even a book that narrates a historical event can help you develop new visions, points of view or ideas related to the period it describes. Unthinkable characters, plots and dialogues will soon crowd your mind.
Step 6. Rewrite a newspaper article
Grab a newspaper, choose an article and rewrite it: last week's murder was committed by a ghost who wanted to take revenge on his evil nephew and… (it can stimulate your creativity).
Method 4 of 6: Avoiding Perfection
Step 1. Take a break
Sometimes, taking a nap is very helpful: you never know what you are dreaming about; also, when you are lying on the bed, you may have a sudden illumination. Write it down immediately, even in the middle of the night. Alternatively, try watching a movie or going for a walk. By seeing new things, you can stimulate the mind and boost the imagination. Cook, tidy up or play with your pets. For a while, forget your book completely.
Step 2. Don't be hard on yourself if no idea knocks on your head
If you can't write a single word and would rather lie down and relax or do something else, don't blame yourself. Even the best writers sometimes write an hour or two a day. It is said that Gustave Flaubert, the author of the novel "Madame Bovary", wrote only one sentence a day!
Step 3. Do not change the text as you type
Don't obsess over every sentence or line. If you expect every paragraph to be absolutely perfect, you will never be able to finish it!
Step 4. Don't panic
Every author gets stuck at least once in their life: it is absolutely normal. Also, consider that by overcoming this obstacle and moving forward, you will become a more ingenious and creative writer.
Step 5. Don't compare yourself to your favorite writers
You may not feel as good as Stephen King, Louis Sachar, Emily Bronte or Dostoevsky, but you don't have to feel inadequate or consider yourself the worst writer on the face of the earth. Draw inspiration from your favorite authors, see them as role models, but don't use them as parameters to evaluate failure or success. Once you no longer have this weight, you will be able to write more freely.
Method 5 of 6: Thinking Outside the Box
Step 1. Get a sheet of paper
Choose a quiet place where you are not conditioned by the judgments of others.
Step 2. For about five minutes, try to think of the most senseless sentence possible
For example, "The flying turtle ate the talking pineapple, even though he knew it was the unicorn's best friend." If you feel inspired, try to come up with a series of absurd phrases and choose the best one. Don't make judgments and don't hold back. Write down any thoughts that cross your mind.
Step 3. Choose a meaningless sentence and write it down
Repeat until you have a list of at least three ideas.
Step 4. Repeat this mental exercise until you have a paragraph full of meaningless sentences
It must be really extravagant. If you are a serious and staid person, take a break and try to write a very boring story. Once you have found at least 5-6 sentences that are "suitable" for your purpose, you will have some material to work with. Read them continuously until you burst out laughing: you will feel looser and less inclined to write perfectly.
Step 5. Choose a phrase that catches your attention and get inspired
Use it as an opening for a story or even a short story. Don't Stop: From that sentence, pick a couple of passages or words to keep inspiration alive. Keep writing until, very naturally, you get to collect various phrases to work on!
Step 6. If no sentence invites you to compose a story, use the sheer lack of meaning as a source of inspiration
If all the phrases were too absurd or ridiculous to start a story, break down all the barriers of rationality and, from time to time, let yourself go: it generates crazy phrases! You don't have to be perfect! Once you have finished this exercise, you just have to go back to your usual narrative style, but you will feel more confident in your creative ability!
Method 6 of 6: Using a Wikipedia Prompt
Step 1. Get your favorite writing tools:
pen and paper, Microsoft Word and whatever you need.
Step 2. Then go to Wikipedia.org and click on "A random entry"
Based on the article you view, write something, even if it's just a six-word story.
Step 3. Repeat the exercise as many times as you want
Try doing this once a day so that you can practice writing.
Advice
- Choose music suitable for the scene you are telling. You could even create an entire playlist. Music helps overcome writer's block - listen to the genre you like, but don't make it a distraction. You need to spend your time writing, not singing or dancing.
- If you can't do any of this, just read on and you'll find plenty of ideas on how and what to write. Take a break if you need it. Try to write every day, but without forcing yourself, otherwise you will not get any benefit.
- Don't be afraid to tread your hand on the character of the characters. However, don't overdo it, otherwise they can become obnoxious (unless it's the antagonists or characters that need to be hated).
- Start writing. It doesn't have to be perfect. The first draft is not the final text, after all. Don't be a perfectionist.
- If you have a knack for drawing, try portraying a character, scenes, places, objects, or any other element of the story - this gimmick will help you get over the block. Even by designing the cover for the book, you can renew the enthusiasm for your story and find inspiration again.
- Write a good paragraph - exciting, moving, or in some way enjoyable - and from that, try to make up a story.
- Pretend to interview your characters to practice their characterization or prepare cards about their figures. Getting into character psychology is a cornerstone of writing!
- Get away from the text. You may find new ideas if you leave everything on hold and spend a whole day thinking! Forget it. If you don't stress, everything will be fine.
- Writing should be a fun process.
- Do not give up! Almost everyone experiences writer's block. It doesn't mean you have to stop writing.
Warnings
- Remember that if you wait too long before resuming writing, it will become increasingly difficult to overcome writer's block.
- Don't stress yourself out if you get stuck, otherwise it will seem like an insurmountable obstacle and you risk not overcoming it.
- Don't use tips and tricks you are unfamiliar with.
- Don't worry about how difficult this block will be. If you stare, you won't get out of it that easily.
- Don't write so much to write, otherwise you'll have to correct everything later.
