[Reading Time: 2 - 4 minutes]
We’ve all been there. We scratch our head and stare at a blank screen [piece of paper]. Trying desperately to create. Okay, we just want to get some words down and feel like we are the writers we claim to be.
You know it’s true. Don’t deny it.
Yet, nothing comes. And you start questioning your ability, your choices, your existence as a human being. Okay, that last one might just be me. Either way, you are stumped.
Maybe you have joined a writing group. Online. In person. Still nothing helps.
Maybe you don’t need group therapy, er, a writing group. Not yet at least. I mean, what good is a writing group if you are not writing anything? See, now you’re following me.
Why not try some prompts instead?
I like these. You can hone your skills, get a topic or an idea, and write. Yeah, that’s the goal, isn’t it?
Here are a few of my favorite places to seek help [in no particular order]:
- Language is a Virus ~ I have to admit I just stumbled [literally, I used StumbleUpon] this today and am very excited about it. So much so I just had to write this post so I could share with everyone I know. Just in case you did not know of its existence [like me, until just now].
- A Thousand Words ~ They say a picture is worth a thousand words. You can write 100 or 1 million. But pictures are a great way to gain inspiration. Thanks Jenn!
- Genre Shorties @ Gather ~ Be inspired, but keep it brief. These little gems are entertaining 100 words at a time!
- Titled Sentence’s Challenge @ Gather ~ Another great reason to be a member of Gather, lots of writers. Hey, it’s almost like joining a group, sort of. With the titled sentence challenge just write a story using the sentence [in your title, as a sentence in your story, or as a general theme].
Still need help breaking writer’s block? Leave me a comment or email me and I will do my best to help you overcome and get back to the joys of writing in no time!
Photo courtesy of Adam Lyon.
Twitter: HeatherKephart
says:
Excellent tips, Anne! I have trouble writing about things that make me feel nothing. When something gets under my skin a bit, it’s easier for me to write. I should use prompts like the ones you proposed during my writing exercise time (when I get it back!) to help strengthen my skills and form a better foundation. Or maybe I can learn how to make myself feel some emotion about anything, then write from there. Like a doorknob. What associations do I have with a doorknob that might make for a good little story or blog post? Being locked out, locked in? Who knows.
Thanks for making me think, as you always do!
Twitter: AnneOnline
says:
I’m with you, Heather. I have trouble writing when nothing inspires me. Even with prompts it can take a bit of work to push through and write something. Lately I have been inspired by the faith and hope of those less fortunate, of those going through hardship, of those with so much less [than me and many others].
Hmmm, write an ode or a haiku about a doorknob. This could be fun. Why not a little friendly contest to get others involved. I wonder what they would have to say about a doorknob or a yardstick or maybe even a toe nail! Ha! Okay, maybe not a toe nail.
And my thanks in return.
Hi Anne! I don’t have writer’s block, but I do have a problem trying to keep my fingers from typing too much. Good thing is that, nowadays, I’m just pouring out my words on other people’s blogs. hehe. Instead of stuffing all the ideas that enter my head into my post, I just visit blogs to spread my insanity. By the way, thanks for making a connection by visiting me the other day… or was it yesterday? I really can’t remember. =)
Twitter: AnneOnline
says:
Oh, it surely was a few days ago, but I still remember your post. I thoroughly enjoyed being provoked into thought about the universe and our place in it. Special are we, no matter how small as small does not have to mean insignificant. And thank you for visiting my little spot on the web. I welcome all forms of ‘fun’ insanity. =)
Sounds familiar, if I think I’m a writer…lol…There are teeming ideas in my head but I don’t have ample resources to express them, and I’m talking about vocabulary. Sure, I know all the basic terms but I would want something that is different this time.
Very informative post.
I rarely suffer from the dreaded block, but on those occasions when I do I find having a quick look through my diary is all I need to get the creative juices flowing. Every writer should keep a diary and use it daily.
Twitter: AnneOnline
says:
Hi John, Sorry for the long delay in replying to you. I have always been bad about keeping a diary. I tried for a while when I was very young, but felt my life was so boring and mundane that I stopped. Later I found out my mother actually read it and was glad I never kept one for too long. But, it is never too late to start. And what better to write about than what we can infuse with emotion – ourselves.