Steps to Overcoming a Writer's Block =)

Posted by Frenzi99 | Labels: fanfic, Help n Tips, Writing

Drat! The Writer's Block! DX

Another blog post from 'The Notoriously Sneaky Journal' revised. Updated with a few more steps and suggestions.

This is the just a list I made on how Writers can overcome a Writer's Block and help them in getting their plots back in motion. A writer's block usually appears when you've got no ides left, you're frustrated, and there's pressure from readers for more new updates.

Important Blunt tips to Overcoming a Writers Block:

Step 1 : STOP and get off your computer. TAKE A BREAK!
It may sound silly, but many people don't realize that it can get tediously monotone when your just staring at the computer for too long. Take a break from the boring view of your screen. It's a good way to not force your head to think too much. Other ways you can do this is by meditating, listening to music, doolde random images on paper and even rest or sleep.

Step 2 : It's OK to skip Updates
Some people do have an update schedule for their fics. It's OK to miss them at times, as real life things step in. Just because readers are wanting you to update doesn't mean you have to do things in a hurry. Plot wise, you can develop more things if you're willing to. You're the author, and if your readers are loyal and you've got a good plot, they will read it no matter how long you take to make a new update.

Step 3 : SHARE your problem of what's blocking you from writing
If you can't handle it on your own, take a chance to go over it with someone. This someone can be either your beta reader, community friend, best friend, whoever you wish to share it with. Remember, having a second and third opinion can create plot bunnies or seal plot holes.

Step 4 : Stuck at one point? Go ahead and tackle with another part of your fic. Come back when you have been struck with an idea
Sometimes things just don't come around when you force yourself to a particular part of the story. So if you think stopping on your fic is counter productive, try shifting your sights on the middle of the written chapter or the end. I know its jumping ahead, but who knows during that time an idea might pop up where you previously have no ideas.

Things you can/should do to get IDEAS for your fic:

READ books, comics, and WATCH movies. Enough said, this works really well if you watch different types of movies to create different plots or something that's similar. Try avoiding the same fandom as your fic. It's a good way to think out of the box. As to why I said them specifically here's the rundown...

1) Books

You can improve on your grammar, punctuation, and vocab by reading books. Get the feel of format, and see how different authors use different storytelling formats. See which one is comfortable for you to read and try it out. You can also get plot and character ideas.

2) Comics

This can also mean normal comics or manga comics. What's so good of them? Either than plot ideas, comics help you see how people move in frames. They are already PICTURES with the WORDS. You can get a lot of inspiration from describing a person that's moving and write it down in your fic. I usually prefer American comics over Manga for plots, no offense to the Manga lovers... but American comics tend to be more rich with feeling and description. Plus, they tend to be more colorful making it easier for writing a scene.

3) Movies

Probably the best way to get ideas as it's more real (dialogue and story). Look out for movies that are local or if you're lucky to get subtitles, from abroad. Many countries have their own way and its interesting to learn it. Old movies are also good to have a watch at. You never know what idea that might look interesting.

What I usually do: Find a friend/sibling who's a movie freak and watch with them. Ask them what they liked about the movie plot and what might interest them. Read a fiction book or comic book recommended by a friend that's got a good rating (for book ratings you can go to Good Reads.) For Manga, try the online manga readers online. For comics, try downloading from here it has one of the largest downloadable comic archive that's from DC, Marvel, IDW, Dark Horse, and many more.

Best information on the Net.

Read Articles or Blogs by others on the Net. RESEARCH. Some articles may interest you in making fanfiction. For example, if your character is a mechanic have you read on what it takes to be one? If your character is a doctor have you read on medical terms? Or if you like a certain place but you've never been to try searching background info on it and what it looks like from a real photo.

What I usually do: List the places my character would go or like or what's his/her occupation. Getting realistic as it gets in the real world is a plus factor. Even if you're writing a fantasy fic, realism is a good way to connect to your readers, because they are real people too. So make sure you research the fandoms thoroughly. People like having the average Joe who learns his way than the Mary Sue who completely knows everything without making a journey.

A Writer's companion. :D

ALWAYS have a piece of paper/writing pad + pen with you where ever you go. You can jot down random things you're feeling while you're doing other things, whether it's a hobby or you were just strolling through a park. Some ideas come out randomly. Even writers like J.K. Rowling did this when she was writing the Harry Potter series.

What I usually do: Bring a pad and pen where ever I go. Ideas like to pop up suddenly when you're not thinking over the fic too much. A nice way is to always think after you see something around you: 'I wonder what would happen if that happened in my fic...'. Jot down feelings, themes, or whatever comes to your mind.

The shirt says it all. XD

Read other Fics (Short or Long/Continued or One Shot). It's not a crime to see what others may have done and incorporate into your fic in your own way. As long as it's your own creation (not copy + pasting) it's legal. Or if you wish to use their ideas, ask permission from them. There's no limit to the ideas you can get from other fandoms you like. Who knows that plot hasn't been used in your current fandom for the story you're writing on.

What I usually do: Read other people's fics. See what's been overused too many times, people will get bored. Try to go something the opposite. Example: Transformers Movie fandom is dominated by Female OCs; make male OCs. Find good quality fics from other fandoms or crossovers for ideas.

Just Press 'Help'.

Ask for Help. Again I couldn't really stress this enough, if you've got a block make sure you can help yourself to ask someone when you're stuck. Ask questions to anybody and see what sort if view you can get. We all view things differently.

What I usually do: Ask someone what they feel when they're in a situation like your character and how would they do if they faced it. You can get someone who's not apart of the fandom and ask more general questions. Set up a questionnaire if you want to have a bit of fun or detailed results.