writingcamp The Aurelian Dragon

WEEK 4 - OVERCOMING WRITER'S BLOCK

    To overcome writer's block, I typically try to take a walk outside and listen to music. I find that being out in nature helps me clear my mind, and music lyrics have potential to give me new ideas on where to take my story. Lyrics in a song are usually telling a story themselves, so it has been helpful for inspiring certain scenes if what is happening in the story seems fitting. Another thing I think about, is that if it seems like the song would make a good fit to play in the background of the scene if it were a movie, it's worth moving in that direction. 

    I also may take a break from writing my story to work on a different one, or go back to my character cards to add details to help develop them further. Sometimes thinking about what I want to have happen to a character for them to grow gives me an opportunity to lead into another event in the story. If working on a different story altogether, it gives me a break by thinking about a different plot and having a different set of characters to work with. By doing this, you may think of ideas that will help you in your first story. 

Outlining scenes, chapters, and events make it easier for me to keep words flowing. When I am still stuck with an outcome for a certain scene, I feel like role-play with a partner can help work the scene out. 

Getting feedback from a reader that is a family or friend about the proceeding chapter, and what they think might happen next, may also be another good way to get ideas. Reading through the comments on your chapters that have been published, on what readers either want to have happen or what they think may happen next, seems like a reasonable direction for inspiration as well.