Getting stuck

by Gilly Ansell
13th August 2012

Does anyone ever get to a stage in the book they're writing and feel unable to carry on with it? I am 3/4 through writing my book and am really struggling to get on and finish it. I know what I need to get done but can't get motivated, although I desperately want to do it. Any tips or advice would be most welcome

Replies

I got stuck once and I couldn't find any inspiration to continue no matter how much time I spent on reading good books. So, I just left the writing project and didn't think about it for days or try to form the story in my head.

As you said that you felt guilty for not writing, so did I. So, I wrote snippets of stories not related to my novel. After a while, when you back to it, the story comes to you easily. Some times, we just need to take a break because writing takes time and no one can force a pen into your hand and say, "Here, pour your heart out." You can only do it when the good vibes come to you.

Hope you find it soon..Cheers! :)

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Chhavi
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Chhavi Kapur
14/08/2012

Thanks Victoria. I just feel gulty when I'm not getting anthing written down which has a knock on effect - I don't write, I feel guilty, I get down, I feel less like writing, blah blah blah But I shall bear in mind that I am perfecting my story and any old writing just won't do. I am also going to try Adrian's idea of thinking the scene out in my head with my eyes closed, editing previous chapters as suggested by Phil and blackmailing myself as Joanthan did. Thanks everyone - you've been very supportive :-)

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Gilly
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Gilly Ansell
14/08/2012

I'm stuck but in a different way. I've written the scene I need several times in different ways and none of them are right so I'm waiting for the right one to occur to me. I suppose there is comfort in the thought I've recognised the previous scenes weren't good enough. That's the way to look at it, Gilly; you're not stalling, perfection just takes time!

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Victoria Whithear
14/08/2012