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What to write
https://archive.holyworlds.org/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1257		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Valia [ October 14th, 2010, 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  What to write
I have a hard time figuring out what to write about.

When you have writers block how do you get over it?
Author:  Celearas [ October 14th, 2010, 1:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I go outside, watch people, look at things from angles you wouln't usually look at things from (like the underside of a fern or palm branch). Then, get out some paper and describe it. That gets you writing in general, and makes it easier when you put pen to paper to write for your actual story. Or, I take a character and think up an insane situation to put them in, like getting attacked by crocidiles, and write how they would get out of it. It's also a great way to character develop, does she run, does she fight, does she stradagize or just go in, does she think too much? Too little? It's great. And it all just makes it easier to write when you write "for real." I also will read or listen to something that gives me some intense emotion, which one depends on what you're trying to write, and then image yourself into your character, how it would affect them. A song played at your grandfather's funeral, perhaps, could help you write a death scene, because your own experieces are brought up again. It's all about manipulation of yourself and your emotions.
Hope that helps! You can also google "Writer's block challenges," and it'll give you some general promt like "Fear" or "Jealousy," and those are absolutely fabulous. You can also find them more specific, if you want, like "Slave during the Revolutionary War," if you write historical fic.
Also, I at least write best when I'm not "supposed" to be writing. Right now, in fact, I'm supposed to be working on government. Writing is usually more enjoyable when you're supposed to be doing something else, so work with that! Of course, use discretion. Don't flunk out of school. That's not good.
Author:  Arias Mimetes [ October 14th, 2010, 1:10 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I try to look at everything from a writer's perspective. How could what I'm seeing be turned into a story? Or how could little details explain something I'm trying to figure out for a story?
When I first started working on my story for NaNoWriMo, I wasn't positive what was going to happen. I just had a character or two. But when I was reading something on a sign at Six Flags, I thought "Hey. I bet I could use that." Random, I know. Go figure :P

When you're looking for something to use in a story, you'll find some pretty cool stuff.
Author:  Valia [ October 14th, 2010, 3:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Thanks for the ideas. :D
Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ October 14th, 2010, 10:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I've always been inspired by reading other books. If I enjoy a story, I'm inspired to imitate the elements that I like. If I'm frustrated because I can't find anything good to read, or I'm unhappy with the way a book was written, I'm inspired to write my own books to fill the gap. Read books and study them. Absorb yourself in what you enjoy, and tear apart the things that you read. You can study movies and radio dramas, too! I'm also often inspired by the talent that I read on the forums, like this one. Seeing my peers pursue their wonderful ideas encourages me to go work on my own books.

Don't be afraid to take a break. Sometimes, if you're in a writing rut, focusing on something else is the best thing you can do. Is there something else you like to do? (If not, may I recommend crocheting? :D) Focus on it for awhile. Sometimes only a day off is what it takes to clear the head and renew excitement.

There is a place for "forcing" yourself to write as well. (Especially if you happen to have a deadline looming over you...) From what I've been reading in writing theory books, most of the modern day masters will tell you - you can't always wait for inspiration. You have to write even if you don't feel like it. I've found this true when I was pressed with a deadline for a script; if I force myself to work on a story, it will eventually come. Put aside all distractions; it's truly more productive to stare at your blinking cursor than to detour and browse the web!

One book I read suggested that you put something - anything - on that blank page. Even if those first few sentences are junk, it's something - and it may help get the juices flowing. If you typically write on the computer, switch to longhand (or vice versa). If you're stuck on a scene, skip it and jump into the story somewhere else. Try writing in a different genre than you usually do. Try a different format (prose vs. poetry, or try screenplays). Use a different POV. If you're stuck on a particular story, try looking at it from a different character's POV. Instead of the main character, try his mother, his brother, his best friend, or even his cat.

Another thing that repeatedly inspires me is the Bible. You will not believe how many story notes I have scribbled while studying. Verses will stick out to me - "That's exactly what this character learns," or "That's the theme of this story," or "That applies perfectly to this scene." Some Scripture begs me to use it as a basis for a story all its own. Allegory or "inspired by" is always an option. You may even find a simple phrase of words that inspires you - the Bible is full of beautiful phrases that ring on their own. (I like book titles that are phrases from Scripture and hymns, for instance.) The other day while I was studying, I found several verses that may inspire chapters in my NaNo novel. I read "When my foot slipped, your mercy held me up" (paraphrased) and thought "I could do a chapter where they almost fall off a cliff!" And just like that, my thin plot starts expanding and I can't write notes fast enough. God is good - He'll send the ideas in His time! Ask Him.
Author:  Valia [ October 23rd, 2010, 12:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Philadelphia wrote:
Use a different POV. If you're stuck on a particular story, try looking at it from a different character's POV. Instead of the main character, try his mother, his brother, his best friend, or even his cat.


Yeah :D I never thought at looking at something from a cat's POV but that's a great idea.
Author:  Kiev Shawn [ October 23rd, 2010, 12:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I recommend digging out an old math lesson and doing it. That gives me the urge to write/draw! ;)
Author:  Andrew Amnon Mimetes [ October 23rd, 2010, 11:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
An old math lesson would restrict my creativity! :D

Personally, what I do is try to skip to another part of the story and write a short scene that has been in my head for a while...that gets the creative juices flowing and I go back to where I got stuck and it usually works. :)

eruheran
Author:  Rachel Newhouse [ October 24th, 2010, 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Yes! I find "random drafting" like Eruheran suggests to be extremely helpful. Sometimes if you write the end of a story, you can more easily figure out how to get there.
Author:  Kiev Shawn [ October 24th, 2010, 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
It does help, except when you adjust the ending every once in a while. :D
Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ October 25th, 2010, 8:49 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I've posted an article on Holy World's blog Valia called Tips and Tricks of the Trade. That might help you with some ideas, or it might put you into sensory overload. ;)

However, I have found through the course of my writing life (I've been writing since I was eight) that some things work better than others for me. Personally I find that the more books I'm working on, the less quality they become (I know that is not the same for everyone else on here. Lots of HW users write multiple stories at once and find it very helpful). I need to stick to one story line. Now, in my story line there are three books (I'm writing a trilogy), so I can write different parts to those three books, but I find the moment my mind goes to another story my previous one loses my mental energy and becomes neglected because of the energy that has to go into the new book.

So the way I try to deal with writers block (aside from some of the things already mentioned which I am known for doing) I try to write stories that will take place before or after my story that involves my characters. When my book is over what will they be doing, where will they go in life? This helps me to stay focused on my present writing and characters, but gives me something more free and less demanding to work on, while still benefiting me and my book in helping develop the characters outside their story.
Author:  Valia [ October 25th, 2010, 10:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Airianna Valenshia wrote:
I've posted an article on Holy World's blog Valia called Tips and Tricks of the Trade

Thanks, and I would like to read that article. Do you know were I can find it?
Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ October 25th, 2010, 10:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Sure Valia, it is the top article in this link.

http://www.holyworlds.org/blog/

Hope it is helpful.
Author:  Willow Wenial Mimetes [ October 25th, 2010, 4:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
You've probably already heard me say this, :D but really, really good music helps me. Different genres of music for different moods I want to write about.
Author:  Kiev Shawn [ October 25th, 2010, 4:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Airianna Valenshia wrote:
So the way I try to deal with writers block (aside from some of the things already mentioned which I am known for doing) I try to write stories that will take place before or after my story that involves my characters. When my book is over what will they be doing, where will they go in life? This helps me to stay focused on my present writing and characters, but gives me something more free and less demanding to work on, while still benefiting me and my book in helping develop the characters outside their story.


That is a good idea, Airianna. I never really thought about that. Plus, there is always Jay's system of death. ;)
Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ October 25th, 2010, 6:35 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I'm sure he'll enjoy hearing it called that Lizzie. ;)
Author:  Kiev Shawn [ October 25th, 2010, 6:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Hey, I took it from eruheran! :D Seriously, I like that thing a lot. It's genius.
Author:  Airianna Valenshia [ October 25th, 2010, 6:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Everything always comes back to Eruheran! Why am I not surprised?
Author:  Evening L. Aspen [ October 26th, 2010, 12:03 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I have several ways of getting over writer's block. Some are weirder than others...

• One thing I love to do is read a really really really good book. I find that when I read a book I really love, I get inspired to write something like what I've just read. Those stories never get finished, but I'm still writing, and I often get ideas I can incorporate into the story I'm stuck on.

• As others have mentioned, listening to a variety of emotional music can help. It sounds really strange, but once I listened to a really tragic-sounding song, got myself worked into tears, and then got a fabulous idea for a tragedy that would expand one of my plots.

• Awhile back I composed a song titled "Absolutely Brilliant" (after a horse) but more commonly known as "My All-Purpose Song". It's a very versatile song; I can make it sound happy-go-lucky, mournful, introspective, etc. So whenever I need to get into the emotion of a scene, I run upstairs, play it for a few minutes in the emotion I'm trying to capture, and then run back downstairs and write. :D

• Vacuuming. Or swinging. Really, any relatively brainless activity that allows my mind to wander and come up with really crazy ideas that can be twisted into plot points.

• And yes, Jay's system of death works really well for getting over writer's block. I put a minor character through that system and by the second set of questions she was a main character with her own full-scale novel planned. It really is amazing.

• Might I also recommend Calenmiriel's idea of random spurts of words. Basically, you listen to a song and write a short piece using the images the music brings to your mind. I've never done it, but I can see a scene written this way expanding into a story or novel. Some of the spurts of words that members have posted are really powerful. It's worth checking out.

Hope something there was helpful. I know how annoying writer's block can be. Hopefully you'll find a way to get over it. ;)
Author:  6stringedsignseeker [ October 26th, 2010, 11:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Writer's block is the worst! I would get it all the time, and go forever without writing in my regular blog. I guess for me, the best way to get over it, is thinking of something that really inspires me. I've heard, just writing about anything and everything, helps as well. Choosing a subject and forcing yourself to write at least something.
Author:  Valia [ October 27th, 2010, 12:25 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
Evening L. Aspen wrote:
• Vacuuming. Or swinging. Really, any relatively brainless activity that allows my mind to wander and come up with really crazy ideas that can be twisted into plot points.


You're right :D
Author:  Kiev Shawn [ October 27th, 2010, 12:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
I like swinging and making up stories, except when the swing breaks.
Author:  Calenmiriel [ November 4th, 2010, 8:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What to write
When I have writer's block I feel sad. :( To make me feel better I write Random Spurts of Words so I can tell myself at least I have written something! ;)

P.S. Here's what I mean by Random Spurts of Words: http://holyworlds.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=984
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