Writing Words

[xfirefly9x]

It sometimes frustrates me when people ask me for advice on their writing problems, such as lack of inspiration/getting over "writer's block". This is because I don't believe writer's block actually exists. I do believe there are rough patches or times when your muse has seemingly abandoned you and decided it is a good time to sleep for a few days rather than do his/her job, but those hard times can be put behind you if you just pick up a pen or open a word document and write. What you write in these periods of time may not be any good but you can always go back and edit later. Getting words out, even of poor quality, is better than not writing at all and in most cases will help you move past any rough patches that come your way by simply trudging onwards and not giving up.

In addition to "keeping on writing", a few things I do when uninspired is try a location change. Sometimes a new view will give me a boost or help my state of mind, allowing me to move past a rough patch more quickly. Sometimes I'll go for a walk or go out for a day and wander around in the city. Other times, I'll change how I write. I'll handwrite for a few days or type for a few days. I'll change the text size and font and sometimes the colour. I'll type fic up in a comment to LJ rather than using a word document, merely for the different feel to it. Sometimes all you need to find your muse again is a little change of scenery and a new outlook on what you are writing.

There are plenty of ways to get back into the swing of things with writing, but ultimately there is only one true way to do it. Kim Wilkins' words say it best:

"The solution to every writing problem is to write, write, write." - Kim Wilkins.

Comments

[cynicalshadows.livejournal.com]

THIS!!!

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

:D I'll have to direct future writing problem questions to this post, I think lol

[citymusings.livejournal.com]

:D Good suggestions!

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

XD Glad you think so.

[digitaldesigner.livejournal.com]

Or, if a long fic is giving you problems, write a drabble. It works wonders. I did that today, actually. I was having problems getting anything out so I wrote two drabbles and then wrote 1315 words on the longer one.

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

That's another awesome idea, yes! Or write an essay or script or different type of writing. *nod nod* :D I do that too. It's definitely a big help.

[beascarpetta.livejournal.com]

I'm quite impressed somebody has dared to address
a topic so many people seem to be tiptoeing around.I just wish people would be more open about their dry spells. Haven't we all had them at one stage or another? I've found a change of scenery most helpful (and constructive criticism at that).Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

I agree. For any writer there's an extremely good chance of a dry spell with writing at one point or another. Rather than sit around and let the lack of inspiration take control, why not keep writing and trying various things to push past it?
:)

[kuroima.livejournal.com]

Thanks for this it's quite helpful (especially the part about the non existing writer's block) and I'll definitely go back to this post when I start writing again and have some problems.

[xfirefly9x.livejournal.com]

No problem. I'm glad you think it'll come in use to you. :)