Future Words of Yesterday: Issue #7 (#wattys2016)

Writer's Block?

Overcoming Writer's Block

It's safe to say that we've all faced the dreaded writer's block at one point or another. Even the greatest writers have faced it at some point. It may be frustrating, but you'll find that it's easy to overcome it. Whether you're having issues with character development, settings and descriptions, or just plain old plot, this guide will help you find your inspiration again.

General-

Tip #1: Change the setting frequently.

If your character(s) is constantly in the same room or place just doing the same thing over and over again, the plot really isn't going to progress, and you'll eventually run out of things that character can do. For example, let's say your character is at school majority of the story. Well, how much can they really do at the school? Go to class, lunch, talk to friends; but what else? There is so much more out there! What does your character do when they get home? Do they have homework? Does a family member bring them home, make them dinner or a snack? Just don't confine your character(s) to one setting.

Tip #2: Mentally write down all your ideas.

In other words: plan out your story. If you don't have an endgame, your story could go on and on forever, like a soap opera. You probably don't want that. Try writing down your ideas on a piece of paper, circling the good ones and crossing out all the bad ideas. Or you could make a document on your computer, planning out each chapter individually. You don't need to be specific when planning your story; all you'll want is a basic outline to get you through it.

Tip #3: Get advice from a co-writer.

Co-writers can be the greatest source of all when it comes to writing. Usually, co-writers are very honest when they don't like something, and they can help you come up with ideas within the story. If you're looking for a co-writer, all you need to do is look for an ad in the Clubs. Or if that's not your style, just ask a friend! Friends are perhaps your biggest supporters, and will always be happy to help you.

Tip #4: Set deadlines for yourself.

If you know in the back of your mind that someone is waiting to read your story, you're more likely to update faster and therefore writing more.

Tip #5: Know your characters.

If you don't know anything about your characters, you probably will have hard time writing about them. As stated in Tip #2, you need to have a plan, and write down a few of your ideas. If you write in one spot that your character has blonde hair, make sure their hair stay blonde all throughout the story. The character's mother died a few years ago? Make note of it somewhere so you're consistent with the story you're telling. You may want to have your character's back story all written out before you even begin writing anything else.

Stepping Away-

Tip #6: Step away from your writing.

Work on something else that is creative project for a few hours or maybe even few days before you go back to writing. You could paint a picture, write a short story, make a scrap book or an edit in Photoshop; whatever floats your boat. Sometimes writers get tired from writing so much at a time they just need a break from it all to let their creativity find its way back to them.

Tip #7: Freewrite

Spend at least 15 minutes writing whatever comes to your mind every day until you're ready to start writing your story again. Don't worry about punctuation, simply write. Allow your writing to be completely random, like a diary would be. Freewriting gives your words a home to live in until you can start writing you story/book again, and gets your mind working.

Tip #8: Get rid of any distractions.

Put your phone on airplane mode and sit down in front of a blank document. Make sure the area around you is clean; you'll be less focused if the area around you is cluttered. Sit in a quiet spot alone, the television off, and maybe ask your family to be respectful and quiet if you need to. I know that I'm more likely to get distracted if there is a lot going on around me, and you may feel the same way. Maybe you don't like the silence and you should try listening to music, and that'll help you focus and come up with ideas. Do whatever you can to stay focused and on topic.

Soon you'll realize that writer's block is nothing but a bump in the road, and by just applying one of these methods, you can overcome your writer's block.

Happy writing!

- EveryLastStory