Well, here is some encouragement for you! You're not alone! Everyone has those days when you sit down to write, and you hate everything you come up with.
Maybe you have that dreaded condition - writer's block. We all despise writer's block! Even those who aren't authors despise it for us! It is internationally cursed and contemned.
There are a FEW techniques that work for me when I encounter writer's block. Some of them are silly so please don't judge! Here goes my list:
1) If it is description or choreography placement you are having trouble with, draw the scene in stick figures. I know - ludicrous. Well, it works for me. Sometimes I need to get the picture off my mind's eye and in front of my physical eye.
2) When you just don't know what should come next, grab a high protein snack and your favorite novel. Take 15 minutes to let your brain engage in something else while your body absorbs the energy from that snack.
3) If #2 doesn't work, talk to your characters. Ask them about their dreams, wishes, aspirations, and goals. This is the silliest one I've got so bear with me here! If you haven't done a character sketch on each individual, this would be a good point to do so. If you know each character inside and out, it's easier to relieve writer's block.
4) I guess this would be write a character sketch. Sometimes you'll get into a story that you've had running in your mind, but you never really developed the characters. Well, do so. Your characters need depth in order for them to be relatable. Otherwise, a character may do something that originally the reader thought was outside their morals or personality.
4a) When approaching a character sketch, remember to write in traits such as personality qualities and quirks, and answer questions about the individual. Does this person have a generous heart? Are they involved in the arts? Would they enjoy watching a movie at home or at a theater? Now these specific questions may not pertain to your particular story, but they're general ideas. Know your characters.
4b) Also include what relationships your characters have to one another. Is there a back story that could be formed? Did your protagonist (main character) date the antagonist's (opposing force to protagonist) daughter at one time so there is some tension because of the breakup? Have the two lawyers heading up the firm always been lawyers, or were they professional dog sledding champions two years ago? I understand these examples are extreme, but if you have a back story for each character, it helps shape their essence and, in turn, your story.
Now that I'm done with that, I hope something there was helpful.
Writer's block is awful. Writer's block is cruel.
Writer's block is something I would ne'er consider "cool."
Yes, I really just did that. I apologize. It made me chuckle so I shared. Anyway, if you have any creative ways you overcome writer's block, please share in the comments section! I would love to know what you do. Don't worry if it's silly...I doubt you can get sillier than talking to your own character. ;)
As always, if you're looking to publish your book and become bestselling click HERE! And if you're wanting a quick grammar help, that would be located right HERE!
Happy Writing!
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