Hey guys,
I'm sure everyone comes across the issue of writers block or stale ideas.
I mean, I'm stuck at this one point in my story which is blocking me to go to the next part, but the problem is the ideas I find myself thinking for that one point just don't work!
Do you guys have any ideas to help maybe refresh my thoughts or be able to take a new view to the story ?
@ Nicola: Thanks for sharing that with me * Prints page* I will now take it around with me :)
@ Adrian: For some reason I can't stick to a plan when I try to write it out. I've tried a few times starting form beginning to end and then for some reason I loose interest. I can say I got a lot better in organizing my ideas and thinking about what I want to happen. My plan might be a little loose, because the ideas are just floating around up in my head. I know whats to come in a general Idea I just need to fill in the gaps. I tried writing the ending first and that was a big step for me in realizing what I want. I will defiantly try answering those questions in your example. Thanks ! :)
@ Jennifer Thats so true. I think what caused the block what making my character react in a way that just wasn't his style. I guess I don't know him as well as I think I do. xD
Hi Amanda,
If the section you are stuck at concerns a specific character then it may help to take a little "walk and a talk" with this character for a few days.
Discuss with him/her the issue at hand in the plot. Talk to him/her about things they have done in the past (i.e. their past actions in the story so far).
Ask what motivated him/her to act that way. What does it say about his/her personality that they act that way? Talk to them about what you would do if you were in their shoes. Do they agree with you or disagree? And why?
Try having a little psychological session with your character. Perhaps make a list of questions you want to ask him/her.
You may (hopefully) discover that, by getting to know the character a little better, their course of action, at once becomes clear, and the plot begins to reveal itself to you.
Hi Amanda.
My writing was born of inspiration. Unfortunately, I did not have a clear plan when I first started writing my novel.
After two years of determined effort I decided to research the aspects of the novel.
Then I outlined my novel from beginning to end. I had ample material to use from my failed attempt. It was much much easier writing my novel with a working plan.
I do not know how you have organised your ideas, but it sounds as if you have a loose plan at best. The reason I mention it is because writers-block should not be a big problem if you have thoroughly planned your novel.
I am no expect, but below are what I believe to be some useful tips.
Let's assume you have already have a fixed cast of characters and know each individuals function in your novel.
Let's also assume that you have the plot, beginning, middle and end to your novel.
Think about how you are going to develop your ideas from the beginning of your novel to the middle and then to the end.
Then think about how many of your characters will be used in each of the chapters and how the drama unfolds.
For example,
Make a list of working chapter titles for your novel.
Ask yourself what is each chapter about?
What is it that you are trying to say?
What is the tension, dramatic event in each chapter?
What character/characters are vital to a chapter?
What is the hook or cliffhanger at the end of each chapter?
Some of the best authors have regretted not thoroughly planning their novels from the beginning to the end.
Maxim Gorky asked his friend Anton Chekhov, whether he should plan for his next novel.
Chekhov new that Gorky was not a good planner.
Chekhov remarked, 'This conversation is not about literature, it is about pyschiatry.'
Gorky was bemused. he enquired, 'What do you mean?'
Chekhov answered, 'Anyone who attempts to write a novel without a plan must be mad.'
I hope that helps.
Good luck.