How do you deal with Writer's Block?

How do you deal with Writer's Block? (Full Version)

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Edder -> How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:13:39 PM)
I'm supposed to write a poem for my Creative Writing class, but it's just not flowing. I'm usually an all-right writer, but lately, I can't think of anything. What do you do to deal with it (if you even get it)?

TheHeretic -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:24:06 PM)
It's homework, not your great contribution to the arts. Chill out. Put something on paper. If writer's block is what's in your head, then that's your subject matter, and the piece can be about how that blank page is mocking you, or something. I have to compose a little pithy prose now and then at work, and if it isn't coming, I walk away from it for a while, and come back later. I'll also brainstorm with others, to find just the right phrasing.

kdsub -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:28:41 PM)
Rather then think of a poem…think of a situation in your life or your friends that could deserve a poem. Then with the idea in mind convert your feelings into words. Also buy a good hand held recorder. I can’t tell you how many thoughts and the flow of words that were lost in typing and spelling…lol . It is a lot easier to speak your mind then later record it in print. Ps… take a long hike or walk Butch

TimeLimited -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:31:06 PM)
Depending on deadlines, I go take a nap, have something to eat ... find something else to do to change my thought processes.

ChatteParfaitt -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:37:21 PM)
I used to have a great fear of writer's block; there is nothing so intimidating as a blank piece of paper when you have the time and energy to write, and nothing is forthcoming. Now, I trust my mind. When it's time, I'll write. I occupy my mind with other things and let my subconscious 'simmer.' When it comes to a full boil, words flow like magic. Having a study assignment to write gives you a built in deadline - you have to write or else. So you write, knowing you are most likely not doing your best work, but so what? It's an assignment to write a poem, not Shakespeare's sonnets.

stellauk -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:44:28 PM)
1. Go out and meet people. 2. Do some menial task or chore. 3. Take up some physical exercise. 4. Sleep. Whatever you do don't sit in front of a blank computer screen or piece of paper. But any of the four above should lead to some sort of inspiration. Writing is just the mechanics, 80% of creative writing is thinking and developing ideas.

ARIES83 -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:52:58 PM)
quote: ORIGINAL: kdsub Also buy a good hand held recorder. I can’t tell you how many thoughts and the flow of words that were lost in typing and spelling…lol . It is a lot easier to speak your mind then later record it in print. Ps… take a long hike or walk I second the recorder idea but when I was doing that I found that ideas hit me at strange times and I didn't want to lose them. With writers block... I find it's about motivation, when i'm not in the right zone I dont get ideas, when I get in to the zone I'm loving life.[:D] Although I've never written a poem... I might start with making a list of words that rhyme...? Like a poem about cows, cows eat grass... Grass, pass, ass, glass. Cows give milk... Milk, silk, ilk. Cows say moo. Moo, shoe, chew, stew, poo. I'm prettw sure I could make a funny poem about cows now haha! Good luck, -Aries

Kana -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 12:58:04 PM)
Just start free form writing. Best way to get the creative writing juices flowing for poetry. Or start writing about not being able to write-always a good theme for a poem. The paper is blank lacking words most dank my muse has gone awol will not answer the call the time is crawling My grades are falling and the paper remains blank

MaleProperty0 -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 1:33:44 PM)
iMasturbate

AthenaSurrenders -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 1:39:41 PM)
I usually find it's a discipline thing with me. I always have some sort of idea knocking about. Hell, I have folders and drawers full of bits of ideas jotted down here and there. Usually when I examine my writer's block it turns out I'm actually being lazy or distracted. If I sit down and force myself to write (all sorts of programmes you can install to help resist the temptation to surf the net) then I will get into the swing of it. The first chunk of text might not be worth keeping but once I get in the flow it's all good. Generally if I make myself write for 20 minutes and after that time, I'm still feeling dry and uninspired, I go and do something else. Have you been given a specific topic to write about? If I'm really really stuck, I sometimes find it helpful to do some sort of improv style games with myself. Write down as many different words for how a person can walk (stride, shuffle etc). Open the dictionary at random and write three sentences using the first word on the page. Take an obituary from the paper and write down what you image that person looked like. Make a list of blue things. Ask and answer 'what if' questions - the more bizarre the better. What if I shrunk down to the size of a dust mite and got lost in the living room carpet? What if I dated a celebrity chef but all her cooking was rubbish? Lists are good - your top 10 embarrassing moments, your first 5 crushes, the ten places you'd like to visit, the songs they will play at your funeral. Take some existing piece of text and re-write it. Make song-lyrics into a news article. Write a sonnet inspired by a recipe for soup. If none of that sparks something in the corner of your brain, I guess you're stuck.

RemoteUser -> RE: How do you deal with Writer's Block? (11/24/2012 2:41:02 PM)
I switch to something else, or push myself, or redirect the flow by writing about something else to better get into the process. What inspires you?

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