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  • Writing advice?

    So, I love to write (short fiction, mostly), so as part of my return to college this semester I enrolled in a creative writing class. Now, I've never had any issues coming up with plots ... until now. When I actually have to write for the class, I find myself totally blocked. Has anyone else dealt with anything like this? What have you done about it?

  • #2
    Well, what I do when I've got writer's block is the use of a tarot deck. It's like a whole deck of plot twists.
    Customers should always be served . . . to the nearest great white.

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    • #3
      What I write is completely character-driven, so depending on how you write, this may not work for you.

      When I am stuck, I sit my main character down, shine the ultra-bright interrogation light in his face, and say, "All right. What are YOU going to do now?" This has never failed me, because my characters are always well-developed enough to have their own ideas and motivations, so they tell me what they are going to do to move the story forward.

      If your writing is more plot-driven, this may not work for you. In which case a tarot deck seems like a good idea.
      https://www.facebook.com/authorpatriciacorrell/

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      • #4
        What's blocking you could be the thought that you are "writing for someone else." So put that thought to the back of your mind. Write something for you. What would you write if it was not for class?
        When you start at zero, everything's progress.

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        • #5
          A great way to get new ideas is to go over some of your old ones. Sometimes there is a nugget of gold among the iron pyrite of failed writings.

          Another way, if the deadline is not immediate, is to just relax, and listen to music, watch a favorite show, read a book (not of the genre you're writing). Sometimes taking your mind off the difficulty will allow your brain to come up with the answer.

          SC
          "...four of his five wits went halting off, and now is the whole man governed with one..." W. Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing Act I, Sc I

          Do you like Shakespeare? Join us The Globe Theater!

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          • #6
            You know it's strange...one of the best places for me and Housemate to have sudden flashes of inspiration is when we go to the toilet or the shower. We've started keeping a notebook outside that bathroom for these wonders. XD

            As for getting the stuff down on paper, try Write or Die. http://writeordie.com/#Web+App
            "...Muhuh? *blink-blink* >_O *roll over* ZZZzzz......"

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            • #7
              You don't really need much of a plot if you pick someone and write inside their head (even your own).

              I've written some pretty popular chapters to my story, in which absolutely nothing happened. The beginning and end of a thousand word chapter, and daylight never shines between the character's ass and the chair he or she is sitting on. And from reader feedback, I know that some of those chapters were very successful.

              Usually, a bit of writing like that ought to have some epiphany or change take place. But you don't need a plot.

              Find something like that, some change in thinking or realization in your own life, and write how you came to that point.

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              • #8
                What I like to do it to take a step back and let my mind wander. I find listening to music for a spell works wonders for me - I've come up with some pretty interesting stuff just by listening to certain songs.

                I also second the advice about writing for you . . . what do YOU see in your head when your characters are running around in it? What do you see them doing or saying?

                Just run with it and see where it takes you . . . sometimes the way you see a scene progressing in your head can be a bit different when your fingers take over on the keyboard and they start taking a life of their own.
                Human Resources - the adult version of "I'm telling Mom." - Agent Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (NCIS)

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                • #9
                  Far from being a successful writer..so make of this what you will

                  One thing I like to do is 'free writing'. Just sit down and write whatever comes to your mind..does not have to have a plot or even to make sense. If 'Orange monkey, purple butter' comes to mind..write it down exactly like that. Have a second word doc open (or piece of paper..or however you are setting down your writing)..and when something that has to do with the story comes to mind..write it on the 'nonsense' page first...then transfer it.

                  Don't try to force it, just let it flow. If your mind goes to asking how your great aunt Sally Jessie Raphael is..write it down. If it wanders what a purple ocean would look like...go with it.

                  Also the problem may be stage fright..and have nothing to do with 'normal' writers block. In an average day I have about a hundred ideas for movies, books, etc float through my head. Somebody tells me "I want you to write about this." or "We are going to read these to the class." Suddenly I have ZERO ideas. So, not saying that is the case, you might need more ideas on how to deal with stage fright then writers block.
                  Last edited by Mytical; 03-05-2012, 10:23 PM.
                  Engaged to the amazing Marmalady. She is my Silver Dragon, shining as bright as the sun. I her Black Dragon (though good honestly), dark as night..fierce and strong.

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                  • #10
                    Six words of writing advice that are constantly stuck to my monitor:

                    Bum on seat.
                    Words on page.



                    It doesn't matter what words. ABSOLUTE CRAP is fine. Get some words down. Write about your writer's block. Write about the scene outside your window. Write about what else you could be doing. JUST WRITE.

                    Eventually you'll be ready to segue into writing something vaguely associated with what you 'should' be writing about - you'll probably do that unconsciously. Let it happen. Let it flow, DON'T even consider editing it at this stage. Even if it seems to be crap. Just let it happen.

                    It's much, much easier to edit something into shape than to try to create out of total nothingness. So let the something happen.


                    Edit to add: write something every day, without exception. Even just a response to a thread here or on Fratching. Constant practice is the only way to improve.
                    Last edited by Seshat; 03-06-2012, 01:39 AM.
                    Seshat's self-help guide:
                    1. Would you rather be right, or get the result you want?
                    2. If you're consistently getting results you don't want, change what you do.
                    3. Deal with the situation you have now, however it occurred.
                    4. Accept the consequences of your decisions.

                    "All I want is a pretty girl, a decent meal, and the right to shoot lightning at fools." - Anders, Dragon Age.

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                    • #11
                      Quoth Seshat View Post
                      Six words of writing advice that are constantly stuck to my monitor:

                      Bum on seat.
                      Words on page.



                      It doesn't matter what words. ABSOLUTE CRAP is fine. Get some words down. Write about your writer's block. Write about the scene outside your window. Write about what else you could be doing. JUST WRITE.

                      Eventually you'll be ready to segue into writing something vaguely associated with what you 'should' be writing about - you'll probably do that unconsciously. Let it happen. Let it flow, DON'T even consider editing it at this stage. Even if it seems to be crap. Just let it happen.

                      It's much, much easier to edit something into shape than to try to create out of total nothingness. So let the something happen.
                      That's pretty much it.

                      When I get the time and the energy, I'm in front of the laptop sometimes with what starts out as a good idea as far as an UNCLE story involving Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin but ends up more like trying to clean up another one of Lynda and Brenda's messes . . .

                      And those two girls simply cannot stay out of trouble long . . . they're like a cross between Cheech and Chong (or Beavis and Butt-Head, take your pick.)

                      Nevertheless . . . just simply run with whatever's in your head and see what happens.
                      Human Resources - the adult version of "I'm telling Mom." - Agent Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (NCIS)

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