So I rarely outline a story before I start to write. I'm sure some authors will immediately say "OMGWTF IDIOT!", but I'm sure there's others out there like me. In short, I enjoy the journey of the story unfolding to me and letting the characters develop themselves while my imagination gently nudges them in one direction or another. Luckily enough I've been able to generally transform most of the freeform plotlines into something that actually says something, or at least entertains (me) on some level. But the pitfall: I have a story I'm somewhere near the middle of, that I love the characters, love the setting, but all of the sudden, I'm just stuck. I've shelved it for several days and still can't come up with the next scene. Everytime I write the next few paragraphs I reread them then delete them in disgust. Does anyone who writes in this manner have any tricks or tips to breaking writers block mid-story like this? I don't want these characters to have lived a totally meaningless existence! They're too damn sexy.
I'm really getting sick of auto-correct's shirt.
Yeah, that's how I write too. Just sit and let it flow and like you, sometimes it just stops and I'm a bit stumped.
I'm a very visual person, so what I usually do is put away my writing implements, sit in a quiet room, eyes closed and think through the scenes. I usually identify with one character, so I become them and let the scene play out in my head. What do I like? Where would I want it to go?
It takes the pressure off a bit and lets me explore various scenarios in my mind. Plus, I usually get really turned on by it and then get to relieve some tension, lol.
Best of luck working through it. It's frustrating, I know x
On the occasion I have an outline its usually in my head and describing it as "rough" would be overly generous. If I get stuck and write a paragraph or two that I'm not happy with I just yellow highlight it and keep going. The story usually finds its way. Often the crap paragraph will suggest a fix although I may only keep a few words.
You guys are great. Every single suggestion was awesome. Thank you!
I'm really getting sick of auto-correct's shirt.
I'm probably too late to join in this one, but I have two ways of dealing with writer's block. One is that my first draft is usually rubbish anyway, and I accept that--I always say I start with a 'daft-draft'. The other, if I'm really struggling is simply to invent word games. eg I write 'word-rivers'. I invent a character and write down all the words they would use but other characters wouldn't, or words that would describe them. I find little word-exercises helpful. I've even been known to take an empty crossword from a magazine etc, and create an erotic crossword. That's a fun game and gets the juices going too.
Not sure if that helps but those are my two cents anyway <3 <3 <3
. I usually have a few scens, emotions or snippets of dialogue in my head and let the story write itself in between these. Many of the bits I think will be part of the story no't make the final cut.