Ian S. Bott
Faced with writer's block, I think a bit of introspection is vital first to understand what's causing you to be blocked. This will vary from writer to writer, so my answer may or may not help someone else.
I usually find I'm blocked because there is something important missing in my understanding of the scene I'm trying to write. Maybe I can't picture the setting, the context, or maybe I haven't thought through who's taking part, or what they want right now. Maybe I'm not sure what's actually meant to happen, or how this scene relates in time or plot dependencies to other scenes.
I deal with this by looking inward, envisioning that part of the story as clearly as possible, and looking for tell-tale grey fog where the details won't crystallize.
Use a suitable technique to fill in the gaps, and the words usually start to flow.
I usually find I'm blocked because there is something important missing in my understanding of the scene I'm trying to write. Maybe I can't picture the setting, the context, or maybe I haven't thought through who's taking part, or what they want right now. Maybe I'm not sure what's actually meant to happen, or how this scene relates in time or plot dependencies to other scenes.
I deal with this by looking inward, envisioning that part of the story as clearly as possible, and looking for tell-tale grey fog where the details won't crystallize.
Use a suitable technique to fill in the gaps, and the words usually start to flow.
More Answered Questions
Geoff
asked
Ian S. Bott:
Re: Tiamat's Nest? Just picked up & looking forward to the read; MUST SUPPORT INDIES! Especially those from BC. I Grew up in Burnaby, lived most of life in West Van, now reside in Rochester, MN (home of Mayo Clinic). While love may not conquer all, it does vanquish distance. I was there, she was here, so here I am. let you know when done, but be warned. Horribly slow reader & long queue - dyslexia, dementia, inertia!
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