Help!

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Wed, 2011-06-15 19:17

Anonymous

Help!

Help! I can't think of anything to write about. I have never been so empty of words. I have tried so many things to try and get something to happen but nothing is working. The pressures of life that are going on at the moment are killing my creative flow. I have paid to enter the competition and have no idea how I am going to manage to come up with anything. This creative block has been happening a lot to me recently as life is really tricky currently and I'm fed up. Usually it passes after a while and I come up with something, but I just don't feel that right now. Should I carry on avoiding the issue by not writing anything until it happens naturally, or force myself to try and write and post something even if I think it's crap? Or maybe it would be ok, I just need to break the ice? This situation also prevents me from coming on and reading other peoples work, because on the one hand in this mind set I don't feel I can offer anything interesting to say, and on the other hand it depresses me to read work when I'm not creating any- it kind of can add a pressure. Perhaps reading other work could inspire me, or trigger a thought process which could lead onto a piece of writing- but it's getting into the zone where doing that feels like a positive idea that can be so challenging when experiencing this situation.

Anyone else get into awful blocks like this? Does what I'm saying make sense? I feel like Victor Meldrew (grumpy).

Wed, 2011-06-15 20:01

h jenkins

I often feel like you describe but please don't wait for 'the muse to descend' or for 'inspiration to bite' because they are simply fanciful ways to try to explain 'a mystery'. The real truth is that there is no mystery. When you write a good story or a poem it's YOU that is writing it, not a muse or some being outside of you. So here's what I suggest you do:- 1. if you're blocked - just write 2. if you can't find inspiration - just write 3. if new ideas don't come - just write 4. if in doubt - just write 5. don't make excuses - just write At first, it probably doesn't even matter much what you write - copy out a poem or the first page of a novel or something. The more you write the better you get. All you need is some paper and a pencil. Trust yourself. There is no mystery - just write. Helvigo Jenkins

Helvigo Jenkins

Wed, 2011-06-15 20:45

Beeme

I'm in exactly the same position as you SundaysChild. I've never had writer's block as bad as this before.I hope yours passes soon!! Beeme xx

Wed, 2011-06-15 22:10

Mangone

Hiya Sunday. No doubt your mind will clear soon! In the meantime; as the subject of the competition appears to be Let’s Start Again. Why not imagine that God says he wants to start again with the Earth and the people on it. No need to write anything yet just think about what changes you can think of that might improve you, others and perhaps even the whole world. Or simply think of a few different ways that you could start again Let’s start again with a different attitude Let’s start again with a different plan Let’s start again on a brand new course Let’s start again with a brand new can. Let’s start again with a bit more planning Let’s start again on a different note Let’s start again with a different concept Let’s start again with a better quote Let’s start again with a faster tempo Let’s start again but do it the same Let’s start again but do it backwards Let’s start again I’m sick of this game. Let's start again I'm sick of repeating it Let's start again when we get out of bed. Let's start again and do it properly Let's start again and paint it red. Hope this helps both you and Beeme to find something to inspire you.

Thu, 2011-06-16 00:01

celticman

don't feel I can offer anything interesting to say.' That's interesting in itself. Helvigo has got it. Read something and re-write it, whether it's a poem or prose. Just write something/anything. You don't need to post, but, as you know, nobody is going to shout you down. Just write...Look at pictures in magazines... write about the images. Look at some of your old stuff, take it a bit further. Ask yourself what happened next? Write. Write. Write.

Thu, 2011-06-16 05:52

Dynamaso

I have occasional bouts of writer's block too but I counter these by keeping a list of ideas for different poems and short stories when my creativity is flowing. This way, if I feel the need for some inspiration when my creativity is low, I've got a list of ideas to work from. I also agree with Celticman - you have to write to break the block, even if it doesn't make much sense or doesn't lead to anything substantial. Just keep at it and the ideas will come. Lotsa luck!

Thu, 2011-06-16 10:38

shoe

I often find that when I read really good poetry, I lose the will to live, i.e I could never write anything that good, and I need lots of empty time, not reading, talking or anything, for ideas to come, give yourself space. I think take the pressure off and just write anything, it doesn't have to be the best poetry ever, and post it, most on here enjoy all kinds of stuff and are mostly kind, and good comments are a real boost. Also try a different style, if your poems usually rhyme, write one that doesn't, or vice versa, it's very liberating.

Thu, 2011-06-16 12:56

alice sunderland

it worked for me a couple of weeks ago when someone sent me 2 poems and asked if i could do anything to them. first one i just couldnt. second one - i got some ideas for. it felt brilliant just to be getting ideas again! maybe not great ideas but anything felt better than nothing. maybe you can try it?

Thu, 2011-06-16 13:37

tcook

Emily - the advice above is excellent. I too write far too rarely and use all sorts of excuses to myself as to why this is so. DON'T LISTEN TO THEM! Just pick up a pencil and get scribbling - use the Inspiration Point each week or take a line from a song and develop it or look at the people around you on a bus or train and think up stories about them. You are a wonderful writer - just do it!

Thu, 2011-06-16 14:47

#10

The Big Bad G

Aside from all the good advice above it sounds like the block might be the symptom rather than the problem. If the pressures of life are getting to you then worry about those pressures. If there are too many to deal with in one go pick one small problem and start with that. Stress is vicious, counter-productive in the extreme and will only feed itself. We all know this, but we all need reminding sometimes too. Give yourself the time and space to sort out whatever's pressuring you and the words will follow. You've not forgotten how to write; don't think for a second that you have. At least 11 people know this, make it a round dozen and join us!

Thu, 2011-06-16 22:21

#11

Cavalcader

new SundaysChild Thought I submitted comment to you. Sorry your feeling that way, I know I took time off, when so much was happening in life! Mine is re-tired now, talks back t.v is on or doesn't answer,we share the damn computer is his. But best advice, is like Editor t.cook says and to me is keep writing, also read other's go for a walk, look at nature books, and postcards. and photos anything, keeps memory going. I was off few months, hopeless much harder not keeping at writing or trying poem then? Have a hot drink whatever, read other's work, on AbcTales, helps me so much. Look at your good poems, you have done. Make a list of doing words or objects all helps. Good luck. I enjoy your's and all to read, gives me, inspiration and ideas hope. Have a good week-end. julie xx

Thu, 2011-06-16 22:34

#12

Terrence Oblong

Some good advice. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is editing your existing work a creative lull is a good time to go back and tighten the nuts and bolts of any work that you haven't looked at for a while. It's a positive experience, it reminds you that you can write and you will find yourself scribbling the odd new line, little baby steps back to your normal creative self.

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