Stuck.

by Lily Dooner
3rd April 2012

I do believe that I am stuck. I feel like my writing has been a bit clunky lately, does anyone have any tips on how to get the flow going again?

Replies

If someone could delete my accidental spam that would be great. It still says it's saving - I struggle with computers - my apologies.

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jesus hy chyrisgt
jgthygtiij
330 points
Developing your craft
jesus hy chyrisgt jgthygtiij
03/04/2012

Read another book, especially one far removed from what you are currently writing about. I write travel fiction and if I get stuck I'll pick up a crime novel or a science paper. Regardless of whether I finish reading these types of writing it ensures that I learn something new especially with the science ones. It forces me to look up words and learn new information and as such takes me out of my cycle of frustration. I also like to tidy up my desk because for me a cluttered desk is a cluttered mind. I also sometimes read certain segments of books I've loved in the past. Maybe a chapter or a paragraph where the writing seems so organic and pure.

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jesus hy chyrisgt
jgthygtiij
330 points
Developing your craft
jesus hy chyrisgt jgthygtiij
03/04/2012

I find it helps to take a day off and go for a walk and let the thoughts come at a relaxed pace.

What also helps (if the block is really bad) is to write something that is completely different to what it is you are working on.

I took a break from my current work (novel) to write some drama, for example.

It released my imagination and sparked my motivation. It was as if I had been "unplugged".

The trick, I find, is not to rush and not to panic when you get stuck. At some subconscious level the story is unfolding and it will rise up often when you least expect it.

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Jennifer
Harvey
330 points
Developing your craft
Film, Music, Theatre, TV and Radio
Fiction
Autobiography, Biography and Memoir
Business, Management and Education
Jennifer Harvey
03/04/2012