The You Should Be Writing Group discussion

This is a place for adding tips on how to get back to writing! Basically, get out of the writer's block that drove you into this group.

One thing that helps for me, is if I have trouble writing, I go do chores or another action that I'd rather not do. Usually, I end up thinking about my stories while working, and eventually feel inspired enough to continue. This doesn't always work though... It can be just as hard to work without distractions as write without them.

A few of my friends say that writing with a time limit helps them, and if that works for you, cheers. However, I usually end up picking up a book from an author I admire and determining how they let their ideas flow. Thanks to goodreads, many authors have Q&A sessions as well.

Another way I avoid writer's block is by running for a few miles. By the time I'm done, I may be physically tired, but I'm mentally awake and ready to write.

Finally, just write. Don't get caught up in the editing process before you even get the idea on paper.

Let me add something to keep the discussion going.

Everyone has their own way of dealing with writer's block. Some say editing an older article helps them, others insist they had be okay after jumping around for a few minutes.

Writing prompts works for me. I wrote a short article on that a few weeks ago, if you read please let me know what you think.

http://ideaplaze.com/writing-prompts-...

Writing prompts sometimes work for me as well. Usually, my poetry starts from a one-word prompt (like nature or isolation) while my short stories and other writing require a phrase (like beautiful chaos or life finds a way). What works for you may be different.

The method you use to write is very important. While there are many different examples of writing method, some of the most common include SOTP (seat-of-the-pants, used by writers who just jump in with their writing and let their characters lead their plot), outlining, and snowflaking.

I feel once I get going writing can be easy, but the problem is getting going in the first place, without getting horribly distracted.

Lilligan wrote: "I feel once I get going writing can be easy, but the problem is getting going in the first place, without getting horribly distracted."

This is also true, and something I suffer. It's so easy for me to change topics and decide to scrap my story in favor of another idea before it gets a chance to fully develop.

A possible solution: Positive/negative reinforcement. Set goals, reward yourself. If you miss deadlines, take away a privilege. It's not for everyone, but it can help in some situations.

I try P/N reinforcement sometimes, but I lack the discipline to abide by my personal rule.
The reason is that I cannot reward myself, or deprive myself of a reward. For example I like nuts. So I set a goal which the reward is a bag of nuts. Even if I fail to reach the goal, I will still get myself a bag of nuts.
But when you have a group of like-minds, then one thing you can do is to set a goal among yourselves. The goal could be; a challenge to write a 500 word story with a given prompt. Whoever finishes first, or whoever wrote the best story gets a rating, a like, or some points.

Peer review is a pretty useful tool as well. Allowing others to read your writing can be scary, but it's worth it. Others who are not familiar with your plot, characters, etc. are more likely to spot errors you have made, and will usually give praise or constructive criticism. Remember: You are your own greatest critic. Give yourself some slack, at least in the first draft.

I find that nothing bogs down my writing more than sharing it oddly enough. If the story isn't finished, I end up having to sort everything out prematurely. Usually this culminates in a disinterest in the story, as I come to terms with my own self doubt, and it ends up never being finished.

I can understand how it works for other people though. I just try to work where I have nothing but the story, and nothing to distract from it.

Well, everyone writes differently. I'd love to be able to remove all distractions, but that's difficult for me. My brain says 'Yes!' and my homework says 'No!'

Less distraction works for me, but so does peer-review too.
In fact I need to have some distractions, somehow they tend to subconsciously help my articulation.

Yeah, I write with music sometimes, so I can understand that. Most of what I listen to while writing is instrumental or soft electronic. It's easier to focus on the story without song lyrics getting in the way.

Of course, there's a guy in my peer review group who writes with heavy metal as his muse, so it's definitely up to the writer.

Having enjoyed our conversation on procrastination and writer's block, I thought it will be nice to write a short article on the topic. y the way, I am always looking for smaller topics to write about when I'm not working on a big one. Enjoy!

http://ideaplaze.com/writers-block-wh...