In case you haven't noticed, I've been having a huge case of writers block. This has been very frequent of late, and at first I had absolutely no clue as to why I was catching it so often.
I think I have the reason now. It's technology.
You see, I am much more of an ink-and-paper writer than a glowing-screen person. I'm still trying to figure out exactly why, but there's something about a computer that de-inspires me.
I used to do all of my book-writing in notebooks with a pen. However, that changed when I first participated in NaNoWriMo, because it's just so much easier if you type your story for word-count purposes. And then, to lead me further away from good ol' paper, my laptop came.
I love my laptop. It's so convenient, and for many things it makes my life so much easier. Thus, I began to write every single story on it, and I hardly ever used a notebook.
That was also when my writers block began to really plague me. Why? I have some theories.
1. Too many distractions, like the internet.
2. Too many excuses, like not feeling like turning on my laptop.
3. Too many glowing screens, sapping my energy like parasites, lulling me into a hypnotic trance---okay, I'll stop.
Anyway, whatever it was I noticed a definite connection with the above and my writers block. So that means...
I've returned to good, old-fashioned paper and ink. There's something about the solidness of the words going down, as opposed to the instantly-deletable symbols on a screen.
What do you guys like to write on?
Hugs & Blessings,
Izori
Showing posts with label Writers Block. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writers Block. Show all posts
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Curing (and Preventing) Writer's Block (and Prayer Request)
I think that somewhere there is a parasite called Writerpholia blockaea. It feeds on deadlines and ideas in a writer's brain, turning them to mush. It specifically makes its presence felt in November.
But is there no hope? *gasp*
MY FAVORITE WRITER'S BLOCK CURES:
1. Outlining your book ahead of time so that if you get stumped on a particular section you can just quickly end it and get on to another, perhaps more exciting or cool or easy to write, part.
2. Listen to music. I prefer classical, because it sets an emotion that I'm probably missing in my writing. Plus, classical is calming. As much as I like contemporary, it gives me headaches (and I already have a major headache problem)
3. Get off the computer. Seriously, the #1 cause of death of inspiration is staring at a glowing screen for hours without a break. Write a section in your notebook, play an instrument, have a tea party with your sister (or a hot-chocolate party with your brother), just don't turn on the TV. No more glowing screens!
4. Get outside for some fresh air. Aerobic exercising, like a short sprint or dancing, really works for me.
(the following I got from my friend)
5. Write down 12 ideas that might come next in your book. Don't stop, even if the third one sounds really awesome. 12 seemed an awful lot for me, so I shortened it to seven. It still worked. And don't not write down an idea, even if it sounds crazy. I wasn't going to write down one of the ideas, because it sounded very cliche, but it ended up that idea was the one I used (combined with another one).
6. Ask yourself 'What would happen if...'. Again, let your mind wander, and don't discard the crazy ideas.
7. At least look at the part that you left off writing. A lot of times, I think I have writer's block because I haven't had any new brainstorms. Actually, if I can just look over the chapter that I got stuck on, I get inspired a lot of times.
8. Pray. It works better then anything! And also read your Bible. If you're working on a book that has a revolution against an evil king, read about Gideon or maybe David. If you're writing about a good king that's fighting down an evil revolution, read about David and his rebellious son. If you're writing an allegory, obviously read all over the Bible!
These next two are on prevention.
9. Don't skip writing; get yourself to at least read over the chapter you're working on once a day. I suppose sometimes it can't be helped, but when you skip when you could have written (even just a paragraph) you start finding more excuses. Stuff like, 'Well, I didn't write yesterday, so it wouldn't hurt to skip today, too," or "This hasn't been the longest period of time I didn't write, and it won't be until a week! I'm doing fine," can be easier to listen to if you haven't gotten yourself on a writing roll.
10. Keep it sloppy, especially if you're on your first draft. First drafts are supposed to be messy. If they aren't there's something wrong! If you're stuck on a short few sentences that are so boring you don't know what to write, just go ahead and mess them up. You can go back later and fix them.
Finally, a post that I wrote about this kind of thing a while ago.
It's so often that you hear someone tell you to keep on going if you find yourself in a writing rut. If a sentence, paragraph, whole chapter, etc. seems awkward, just don't worry about it and move on. This has been repeated so often that you (or I, at least) assume that this advice goes for all times.
But does it?
I have found more than once that deleting whole pages of awkward writing has taken care of the 'bothered perfectionist writer's block'. But does that mean that once I write a single awkward word, I can feel free to go heavy on the backspace button?
Not necessarily. In fact, not at all!
My theory is that the backspace method works if your plot is getting awkward. If your prose is getting awkward, then I would agree with popular advice (if you're on the 1st draft)--work past it, and then sweat about it.
Awkward prose, at the most, will just keep on nagging your mind that you have to go back and fix it. But that's okay. You can fix it later, and in the meantime make sure it doesn't get in the way of your writing. However, awkward plot not only nags you, but it will most likely begin to lead the rest of your book into the mire of awkwardness.
What are your thoughts?
And lastly, my prayer request. Remember those headaches I had in the spring? Well, they're back. I really thought they had gone away for good. But now I've been taking ibuprofen for about two weeks now...and they're not going away. I really hope nothing is wrong. I'm wondering if it's stress.
On top of that, my wrists are...*sigh*...really reminding me that it's a fallen world we live in. My left hand especially is really hurting on top close to my thumb. My carpal tunnel syndrome is getting worse and worse as I continue to do schoolwork, and I can't be taking little orange ibuprofen pills forever! I haven't been able to practice piano much because my left hand hurts if I stretch the thumb out. I can still type though. =) What I'm really worried about is my CTS and NaNoWriMo.
Please pray for those two things for me. I would SO appreciate it.
Thanks, and God bless!
But is there no hope? *gasp*
MY FAVORITE WRITER'S BLOCK CURES:
1. Outlining your book ahead of time so that if you get stumped on a particular section you can just quickly end it and get on to another, perhaps more exciting or cool or easy to write, part.
2. Listen to music. I prefer classical, because it sets an emotion that I'm probably missing in my writing. Plus, classical is calming. As much as I like contemporary, it gives me headaches (and I already have a major headache problem)
3. Get off the computer. Seriously, the #1 cause of death of inspiration is staring at a glowing screen for hours without a break. Write a section in your notebook, play an instrument, have a tea party with your sister (or a hot-chocolate party with your brother), just don't turn on the TV. No more glowing screens!
4. Get outside for some fresh air. Aerobic exercising, like a short sprint or dancing, really works for me.
(the following I got from my friend)
5. Write down 12 ideas that might come next in your book. Don't stop, even if the third one sounds really awesome. 12 seemed an awful lot for me, so I shortened it to seven. It still worked. And don't not write down an idea, even if it sounds crazy. I wasn't going to write down one of the ideas, because it sounded very cliche, but it ended up that idea was the one I used (combined with another one).
6. Ask yourself 'What would happen if...'. Again, let your mind wander, and don't discard the crazy ideas.
7. At least look at the part that you left off writing. A lot of times, I think I have writer's block because I haven't had any new brainstorms. Actually, if I can just look over the chapter that I got stuck on, I get inspired a lot of times.
8. Pray. It works better then anything! And also read your Bible. If you're working on a book that has a revolution against an evil king, read about Gideon or maybe David. If you're writing about a good king that's fighting down an evil revolution, read about David and his rebellious son. If you're writing an allegory, obviously read all over the Bible!
These next two are on prevention.
9. Don't skip writing; get yourself to at least read over the chapter you're working on once a day. I suppose sometimes it can't be helped, but when you skip when you could have written (even just a paragraph) you start finding more excuses. Stuff like, 'Well, I didn't write yesterday, so it wouldn't hurt to skip today, too," or "This hasn't been the longest period of time I didn't write, and it won't be until a week! I'm doing fine," can be easier to listen to if you haven't gotten yourself on a writing roll.
10. Keep it sloppy, especially if you're on your first draft. First drafts are supposed to be messy. If they aren't there's something wrong! If you're stuck on a short few sentences that are so boring you don't know what to write, just go ahead and mess them up. You can go back later and fix them.
Finally, a post that I wrote about this kind of thing a while ago.
It's so often that you hear someone tell you to keep on going if you find yourself in a writing rut. If a sentence, paragraph, whole chapter, etc. seems awkward, just don't worry about it and move on. This has been repeated so often that you (or I, at least) assume that this advice goes for all times.
But does it?
I have found more than once that deleting whole pages of awkward writing has taken care of the 'bothered perfectionist writer's block'. But does that mean that once I write a single awkward word, I can feel free to go heavy on the backspace button?
Not necessarily. In fact, not at all!
My theory is that the backspace method works if your plot is getting awkward. If your prose is getting awkward, then I would agree with popular advice (if you're on the 1st draft)--work past it, and then sweat about it.
Awkward prose, at the most, will just keep on nagging your mind that you have to go back and fix it. But that's okay. You can fix it later, and in the meantime make sure it doesn't get in the way of your writing. However, awkward plot not only nags you, but it will most likely begin to lead the rest of your book into the mire of awkwardness.
What are your thoughts?
And lastly, my prayer request. Remember those headaches I had in the spring? Well, they're back. I really thought they had gone away for good. But now I've been taking ibuprofen for about two weeks now...and they're not going away. I really hope nothing is wrong. I'm wondering if it's stress.
On top of that, my wrists are...*sigh*...really reminding me that it's a fallen world we live in. My left hand especially is really hurting on top close to my thumb. My carpal tunnel syndrome is getting worse and worse as I continue to do schoolwork, and I can't be taking little orange ibuprofen pills forever! I haven't been able to practice piano much because my left hand hurts if I stretch the thumb out. I can still type though. =) What I'm really worried about is my CTS and NaNoWriMo.
Please pray for those two things for me. I would SO appreciate it.
Thanks, and God bless!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Contest over at 'Treble Clef'
Hi, everyone! Glad to say that my writer's block is miraculously over! No kidding, miraculously. I guess I must have had thinking block too, because guess what! I completely forgot to pray about it. Now I feel so inspired, I'm even working on my friend's script some! =) I'm sure she'll be glad to know that...
Anyway, the Cornet Crazie is having an awesome writing contest over at her blog, Treble Clef! Go and check it out! I'm planning on entering, and I'm actually very happy with my story.
Make your own banner at MyBannerMaker.com!
Thank you!
Izori
P.S. I just noticed I have 62 followers! Soooo cool!
Anyway, the Cornet Crazie is having an awesome writing contest over at her blog, Treble Clef! Go and check it out! I'm planning on entering, and I'm actually very happy with my story.
Make your own banner at MyBannerMaker.com!
Thank you!
Izori
P.S. I just noticed I have 62 followers! Soooo cool!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
I have title block...=(
Sigh. I have just about everything block. I only learned TWO lines of one of the Fifteen Two-Part Inventions by Bach yesterday. Two! Actually, that's not so bad, considering what these 'two part invention' things look like. Sixteenth notes, allegro speed, and if you know Bach, you know that he loves to make things harder than they should be. But I think that I could have learned more.
I also have some form of writer's block. It's almost like a disinterest or something. It's really odd. Nothing seems to be inspiring me that usually works. Prince of Egypt soundtrack doesn't work. Reading Lord of the Rings only made me want to give up because I could never write like J.R.R. Tolkien. Not even changing my screen saver works! It's really irritating, and it's a little scary.
What if this is the end of my interest in writing?
I know that some people want to write books when they're young, but then fizzle out forever. Take my mom. She was writing a cool book about this Spanish-American who was finding out information about her ancestor's journey to America*, and then she stopped. Will that happen to me?
I have several theories why I'm experiencing this. Number One: my headaches. They're no longer constant, due to my diagnosis of Vitamin D deficiency (and of course, the simply gorgeous pills I take! They look like translucent emeralds!), but I still get them. I actually am wondering if there's a connection between my headaches and sugar.
Number Two:...uh...actually, I have no clue. My only theory is the headaches.
So, for the next couple of posts, I'm going to re-post all of my tips and posts on writer's block in the past. It'll probably (hopefully) help anyone else with writer's block, and it just might help me!
Izori
*this book idea is (c) by my mother. I'm still hoping that she'll take it back up someday!
I also have some form of writer's block. It's almost like a disinterest or something. It's really odd. Nothing seems to be inspiring me that usually works. Prince of Egypt soundtrack doesn't work. Reading Lord of the Rings only made me want to give up because I could never write like J.R.R. Tolkien. Not even changing my screen saver works! It's really irritating, and it's a little scary.
What if this is the end of my interest in writing?
I know that some people want to write books when they're young, but then fizzle out forever. Take my mom. She was writing a cool book about this Spanish-American who was finding out information about her ancestor's journey to America*, and then she stopped. Will that happen to me?
I have several theories why I'm experiencing this. Number One: my headaches. They're no longer constant, due to my diagnosis of Vitamin D deficiency (and of course, the simply gorgeous pills I take! They look like translucent emeralds!), but I still get them. I actually am wondering if there's a connection between my headaches and sugar.
Number Two:...uh...actually, I have no clue. My only theory is the headaches.
So, for the next couple of posts, I'm going to re-post all of my tips and posts on writer's block in the past. It'll probably (hopefully) help anyone else with writer's block, and it just might help me!
Izori
*this book idea is (c) by my mother. I'm still hoping that she'll take it back up someday!
Friday, May 14, 2010
To delete or not to delete, that is the question.
It's so often that you hear someone tell you to keep on going if you find yourself in a writing rut. If a sentence, paragraph, whole chapter, etc. seems awkward, just don't worry about it and move on. This has been repeated so often that you (or I, at least) assume that this advice goes for all times.
But does it?
I have found more than once that deleting whole pages of awkward writing has taken care of the 'bothered perfectionist writer's block'. But does that mean that once I write a single awkward word, I can feel free to go heavy on the backspace button?
Not necessarily. In fact, not at all!
My theory is that the backspace method works if your plot is getting awkward. If your prose is getting awkward, then I would agree with popular advice (if you're on the 1st draft)--work past it, and then sweat about it.
Awkward prose, at the most, will just keep on nagging your mind that you have to go back and fix it. But that's okay. You can fix it later, and in the meantime make sure it doesn't get in the way of your writing. However, awkward plot not only nags you, but it will most likely begin to lead the rest of your book into the mire of awkwardness.
What are y'all's thoughts?
Izori
But does it?
I have found more than once that deleting whole pages of awkward writing has taken care of the 'bothered perfectionist writer's block'. But does that mean that once I write a single awkward word, I can feel free to go heavy on the backspace button?
Not necessarily. In fact, not at all!
My theory is that the backspace method works if your plot is getting awkward. If your prose is getting awkward, then I would agree with popular advice (if you're on the 1st draft)--work past it, and then sweat about it.
Awkward prose, at the most, will just keep on nagging your mind that you have to go back and fix it. But that's okay. You can fix it later, and in the meantime make sure it doesn't get in the way of your writing. However, awkward plot not only nags you, but it will most likely begin to lead the rest of your book into the mire of awkwardness.
What are y'all's thoughts?
Izori
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Writer's Daybook and...
Oh. My. Goodness. It is snowing so hard out there. It's been snowing since yesterday morning, and I cannot walk in the snow. Seriously. I'm 5 feet, 5 1/2 inches, and I can't walk in it. It's AMAZING!!! NOTHING LIKE THIS AREA HAS EVER SEEN BEFORE!! AAAAAAAHHHH! WE HAVE GOTTEN SO MUCH SNOW!!!!! I BELIEVE WE'RE BREAKING RECORDS!
Ahem.
WRITER'S DAYBOOK
Entry 7
What time is it...1:17 PM
I'm feeling...excited
Outside is...TONS AND TONS OF SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!
Today I...woke up to SNOW and played outside in it, and came inside and read a really good sci-fi book.
I am hearing...hullabaloo in the kitchen.
I am hoping...that I can continue construction on my snow tunnel.
I'm looking forward to...playing in the snow!
I am glad that...it snowed.
What I'm currently working on writing-wise...nuthin'.
What I just finished reading...'Larklight' by Phillip Reese. I think it's by him, at least.
What I'm hoping to read...more Warriors books.
Writing buddy who I talked to last...igirl. I haven't really talked to her, but she's the most recent that I've seen.
Writing tip of the week...Take a break and play outside in this wonderful, amazing, snow!
Number of words I wrote this week...nada.
What time is it now?: 1:21 PM
Oh, yes, and Lady Milisande Awnia Grim, to answer your question: 'Warriors' is a series by Erin Hunter about wild cats. They're very good, with the exception that some of their ideas can get a little like Buddhism or New Ageism.
Izori
Ahem.
WRITER'S DAYBOOK
Entry 7
What time is it...1:17 PM
I'm feeling...excited
Outside is...TONS AND TONS OF SNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!
Today I...woke up to SNOW and played outside in it, and came inside and read a really good sci-fi book.
I am hearing...hullabaloo in the kitchen.
I am hoping...that I can continue construction on my snow tunnel.
I'm looking forward to...playing in the snow!
I am glad that...it snowed.
What I'm currently working on writing-wise...nuthin'.
What I just finished reading...'Larklight' by Phillip Reese. I think it's by him, at least.
What I'm hoping to read...more Warriors books.
Writing buddy who I talked to last...igirl. I haven't really talked to her, but she's the most recent that I've seen.
Writing tip of the week...Take a break and play outside in this wonderful, amazing, snow!
Number of words I wrote this week...nada.
What time is it now?: 1:21 PM
Oh, yes, and Lady Milisande Awnia Grim, to answer your question: 'Warriors' is a series by Erin Hunter about wild cats. They're very good, with the exception that some of their ideas can get a little like Buddhism or New Ageism.
Izori
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Some Old Writing Tips: Part 1
I realized that I haven't done tips on writing in a while. So I decided to re-post some of my favorite tips!
Tips for Curing Writer's Block (given to me by Enna-Rin):
1). Write down 12 ideas that might come next in your book. Don't stop, even if the third one sounds really awesome. 12 seemed an awful lot for me, so I shortened it to seven. It still worked. And don't not write down an idea, even if it sounds crazy. I wasn't going to write down one of the ideas, because it sounded very cliche, but it ended up that idea was the one I used (combined with another one).
2). Ask youself 'What would happen if...'. Again, let your mind wander, and don't disgard the crazy ideas.
3). At least look at the part that you left off writing. A lot of times, I think I have writer's block because I haven't had any new brainstorms. Actually, if I can just look over the chapter that I got stuck on, I get inspired a lot of times.
4). Pray. It works better then anything! And also read your Bible. If you're working on a book that has a revolution against an evil king, read about Gideon or maybe David. If you're writing about a good king that's fighting down an evil revolution, read about David and his rebellious son. If you're writing an allegory, obviously read all over the Bible!
All Around Tips:
Tip 1: Making strong characters. To find out if your book has strong characters or not, have a sibling, friend, or parent read your book, and then ask them what their reaction would be if you made the main character get killed in a sword fight or come to some demise or other. Tell them to be honest. If they tell you that they probably cry or be really mad at the person who killed them, then your characters are very strong and life-like. If they tell you that they wouldn't care much, then you've got a problem (either the reader is heartless, or you have weak and flat characters. But usually it's the second). I still have this problem, and I don't have a particularly good way of fixing it, but the thing I usually try to do is put yourself in your character's shoes. Try to imagine what you would be like in a story, or if the character isn't that like you, imagine a sibling or friend. Or maybe try to descibe their life to the reader, like put some of their background in. Try to really write a good picture of the character.
Tip 2: Lengthening a book. I have that trouble a lot. What I've found best in most cases is put two sides of the story in. I only wrote one of my stories from the perspective of my main character, a teenage girl named Ehra, and the book turned out to be 70 pages. Then I added in the perspectives of some bad guys, and it turned out to be 130 pages! That's a 40 page difference! Also, try to read really long, well written books, like the Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini [even though I've decided to wait to finish up the series when I'm older, Paolini still has very good writing techniques]. He has a lot of description in his books, and his characters have long lines a lot of the time. Of course, you don't have to go overboard with the long lines, but take these examples. Say this is a part in your book:
"Were you able to solve the riddle?"
"No."
You can lengthen it like this:
"Were you able to solve the riddle?"
"No. We tried really hard, and we thought we came close to cracking the code at least once, but it turned out to be wrong. We even tried using the Caesar Cypher, but we can't find anything. I don't think we'll ever be able to solve it!"
That sounds less abrubt, and you lengthened the line considerably. One of those might not make much of a difference, but if you add in long lines and description several times where it's needed, your book could get longer by a few pages.
Tip 3: Thinking up titles for books and chapters. Some people don't have titles for chapters, but everyone (I'm pretty sure) has a book title :D! This, especially the book titles, can get sort of tricky. I usually have thought up a name for my book by the time I'm done with it, but it's hard sometimes. What I do is I name it after my main character, or where the climax of the book takes place. Brian Jacques, for example, names his books "Martin the Warrior", or "Salamandastron", or "Redwall". Christopher Paolini names his "Eragon" or "Brisinger". Chapters are a bit easier; you can just name them after what takes place during it. Like my most recent [not quite so recent, now!] chapter of "The Return to Elandai", which is named Captured.
Tips for drafts:
Who in the world thought of the word 'draft' (as in, "I wrote the first draft of my book")? It's one odd word.
Anyway, another tip for writing a book is doing drafts. I like to write my first drafts in a notebook, not on the computer. It's basically the 'bones' of the book, and you can make your first draft as messy as you want. Like mine--crossed out words, squished in sentences, abbreviated names, and scribbled notes. Then I type it all up on the computer and start adding the 'muscle'--incorporating the notes, rewriting sentences, and so on. Then I re-read the whole thing and edit it all.
Sometimes, like with the Elandai series, I don't do drafts. That's a little harder, because if you made your plot do one thing, and then later realize that you didn't want it to do that, you can't go back and fix it. That makes the Elandai series a little interesting, because even though sometimes I do think ahead, I have no clue where I'm going next.
And more's coming up soon!
Izori
Tips for Curing Writer's Block (given to me by Enna-Rin):
1). Write down 12 ideas that might come next in your book. Don't stop, even if the third one sounds really awesome. 12 seemed an awful lot for me, so I shortened it to seven. It still worked. And don't not write down an idea, even if it sounds crazy. I wasn't going to write down one of the ideas, because it sounded very cliche, but it ended up that idea was the one I used (combined with another one).
2). Ask youself 'What would happen if...'. Again, let your mind wander, and don't disgard the crazy ideas.
3). At least look at the part that you left off writing. A lot of times, I think I have writer's block because I haven't had any new brainstorms. Actually, if I can just look over the chapter that I got stuck on, I get inspired a lot of times.
4). Pray. It works better then anything! And also read your Bible. If you're working on a book that has a revolution against an evil king, read about Gideon or maybe David. If you're writing about a good king that's fighting down an evil revolution, read about David and his rebellious son. If you're writing an allegory, obviously read all over the Bible!
All Around Tips:
Tip 1: Making strong characters. To find out if your book has strong characters or not, have a sibling, friend, or parent read your book, and then ask them what their reaction would be if you made the main character get killed in a sword fight or come to some demise or other. Tell them to be honest. If they tell you that they probably cry or be really mad at the person who killed them, then your characters are very strong and life-like. If they tell you that they wouldn't care much, then you've got a problem (either the reader is heartless, or you have weak and flat characters. But usually it's the second). I still have this problem, and I don't have a particularly good way of fixing it, but the thing I usually try to do is put yourself in your character's shoes. Try to imagine what you would be like in a story, or if the character isn't that like you, imagine a sibling or friend. Or maybe try to descibe their life to the reader, like put some of their background in. Try to really write a good picture of the character.
Tip 2: Lengthening a book. I have that trouble a lot. What I've found best in most cases is put two sides of the story in. I only wrote one of my stories from the perspective of my main character, a teenage girl named Ehra, and the book turned out to be 70 pages. Then I added in the perspectives of some bad guys, and it turned out to be 130 pages! That's a 40 page difference! Also, try to read really long, well written books, like the Inheritance Series by Christopher Paolini [even though I've decided to wait to finish up the series when I'm older, Paolini still has very good writing techniques]. He has a lot of description in his books, and his characters have long lines a lot of the time. Of course, you don't have to go overboard with the long lines, but take these examples. Say this is a part in your book:
"Were you able to solve the riddle?"
"No."
You can lengthen it like this:
"Were you able to solve the riddle?"
"No. We tried really hard, and we thought we came close to cracking the code at least once, but it turned out to be wrong. We even tried using the Caesar Cypher, but we can't find anything. I don't think we'll ever be able to solve it!"
That sounds less abrubt, and you lengthened the line considerably. One of those might not make much of a difference, but if you add in long lines and description several times where it's needed, your book could get longer by a few pages.
Tip 3: Thinking up titles for books and chapters. Some people don't have titles for chapters, but everyone (I'm pretty sure) has a book title :D! This, especially the book titles, can get sort of tricky. I usually have thought up a name for my book by the time I'm done with it, but it's hard sometimes. What I do is I name it after my main character, or where the climax of the book takes place. Brian Jacques, for example, names his books "Martin the Warrior", or "Salamandastron", or "Redwall". Christopher Paolini names his "Eragon" or "Brisinger". Chapters are a bit easier; you can just name them after what takes place during it. Like my most recent [not quite so recent, now!] chapter of "The Return to Elandai", which is named Captured.
Tips for drafts:
Who in the world thought of the word 'draft' (as in, "I wrote the first draft of my book")? It's one odd word.
Anyway, another tip for writing a book is doing drafts. I like to write my first drafts in a notebook, not on the computer. It's basically the 'bones' of the book, and you can make your first draft as messy as you want. Like mine--crossed out words, squished in sentences, abbreviated names, and scribbled notes. Then I type it all up on the computer and start adding the 'muscle'--incorporating the notes, rewriting sentences, and so on. Then I re-read the whole thing and edit it all.
Sometimes, like with the Elandai series, I don't do drafts. That's a little harder, because if you made your plot do one thing, and then later realize that you didn't want it to do that, you can't go back and fix it. That makes the Elandai series a little interesting, because even though sometimes I do think ahead, I have no clue where I'm going next.
And more's coming up soon!
Izori
Friday, December 18, 2009
Different Forms and Stages of Writing Block (according to me)
#1. Perfection Writers Block--this is when you have trouble with a scene, sentence, paragraph, or whatever of a book because 'it just doesn't seem right'. Your characters may have mutinied, your words may refuse to line up for you, and you are NOT enjoying it.
Cure: relax. There is no such thing as a perfect first draft, or second draft, or even third draft. Write it out, no matter how un-perfect it sounds, and move on. It's keeping you from finishing your book.
#2. Lazy/Bored Writers Block--this is one that I suffer the most from. Your book has become boring and/or you just don't feel like writing. Some forms of this (Procrastination Writers Block, Busy Writers Block) are coming up soon.
Cure: plunk yourself down and write. Pick a time and place where you won't be distracted, and truly write. If you are bored with your book, add something exciting. A drastic plot twist, a dramatic battle, a new character or setting...whatever.
#3. Biased Writers Block--this one is where you are usually just starting yet another book after you have ditched at least five of its predecessors. You are thinking that this is going to be just like the others; you eagerly work on the beginning of it, but then the novelty (no pun intended) wears off and you end up stuffing it into the back of your closet.
Cure: get out of that mindset. Tell yourself that this is one that your going to finish. And maybe you could even do so--write a very small first draft first, and then expand on it. That is what I did with Sarea, the first real book that I actually finished (or am close to finishing).
#4. Busy Writers Block is when you feel really rushed. You have a dozen places to be one after the other, lots of school work and chores and responsibilities, and you just don't have the time to write.
Cure: find the time. If you aren't the one driving (duh), and you don't get car-sick, write in the car. If you have a minute while waiting in the dentist's office, write. And so on.
#5. Procrastination Writers Block--that's where you keep on laying off writing. You may have convinced yourself that you don't have enough time to really write right now, or that you'll get on to it later. I think a lot of people suffer from this one. Myself included.
Cure: Don't procrastinate. Simple, huh? Even if you only have five minutes to write, write for five minutes. At least you wrote. And tell yourself that you might not have time to write tomorrow, so you should get it done now.
Now for the stages of writers block:
Stage Green--you don't have any writers block.
Stage Yellow--you have writers block, but it's just mild and you can pass the glitch easily. Only lasts for 2 seconds up to a day.
Stage Orange--writers block that is moderately hard. You've been staring at a blank page for a while, and keep on hitting the delete key over and over again. Last from over a day to three or four days.
Stage Red--severe writers block that can't be surpassed. Lasts from over four days to a long time. Like months. I had this once, and that started out as Procrastination Writers Block.
Stage Past-Red--writers block so bad that you don't write again. Ever. Thankfully, I don't know anyone who's had that.
Did I miss anything?
Izori
Cure: relax. There is no such thing as a perfect first draft, or second draft, or even third draft. Write it out, no matter how un-perfect it sounds, and move on. It's keeping you from finishing your book.
#2. Lazy/Bored Writers Block--this is one that I suffer the most from. Your book has become boring and/or you just don't feel like writing. Some forms of this (Procrastination Writers Block, Busy Writers Block) are coming up soon.
Cure: plunk yourself down and write. Pick a time and place where you won't be distracted, and truly write. If you are bored with your book, add something exciting. A drastic plot twist, a dramatic battle, a new character or setting...whatever.
#3. Biased Writers Block--this one is where you are usually just starting yet another book after you have ditched at least five of its predecessors. You are thinking that this is going to be just like the others; you eagerly work on the beginning of it, but then the novelty (no pun intended) wears off and you end up stuffing it into the back of your closet.
Cure: get out of that mindset. Tell yourself that this is one that your going to finish. And maybe you could even do so--write a very small first draft first, and then expand on it. That is what I did with Sarea, the first real book that I actually finished (or am close to finishing).
#4. Busy Writers Block is when you feel really rushed. You have a dozen places to be one after the other, lots of school work and chores and responsibilities, and you just don't have the time to write.
Cure: find the time. If you aren't the one driving (duh), and you don't get car-sick, write in the car. If you have a minute while waiting in the dentist's office, write. And so on.
#5. Procrastination Writers Block--that's where you keep on laying off writing. You may have convinced yourself that you don't have enough time to really write right now, or that you'll get on to it later. I think a lot of people suffer from this one. Myself included.
Cure: Don't procrastinate. Simple, huh? Even if you only have five minutes to write, write for five minutes. At least you wrote. And tell yourself that you might not have time to write tomorrow, so you should get it done now.
Now for the stages of writers block:
Stage Green--you don't have any writers block.
Stage Yellow--you have writers block, but it's just mild and you can pass the glitch easily. Only lasts for 2 seconds up to a day.
Stage Orange--writers block that is moderately hard. You've been staring at a blank page for a while, and keep on hitting the delete key over and over again. Last from over a day to three or four days.
Stage Red--severe writers block that can't be surpassed. Lasts from over four days to a long time. Like months. I had this once, and that started out as Procrastination Writers Block.
Stage Past-Red--writers block so bad that you don't write again. Ever. Thankfully, I don't know anyone who's had that.
Did I miss anything?
Izori
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Tips on Curing Writer's Block
Rin gave me some great tips for curing writer's block when I asked for help a few weeks ago. Here's the ones I found the most helpful to me, and one that I added. (Rin, if you don't want me posting your tips, just let me know and I'll remove them. I won't mind).
1). Write down 12 ideas that might come next in your book. Don't stop, even if the third one sounds really awesome. 12 seemed an awful lot for me, so I shortened it to seven. It still worked. And don't not write down an idea, even if it sounds crazy. I wasn't going to write down one of the ideas, because it sounded very clique, but it ended up that idea was the one I used (combined with another one).
2). Ask youself 'What would happen if...'. Again, let your mind wander, and don't disgard the crazy ideas.
3). At least look at the part that you left off writing. A lot of times, I think I have writer's block because I haven't had any new brainstorms. Actually, if I can just look over the chapter that I got stuck on, I get inspired a lot of times.
4). Pray. It works better then anything! And also read your Bible. If you're working on a book that has a revolution against an evil king, read about Gideon or maybe David. If you're writing about a good king that's fighting down an evil revolution, read about David and his rebellious son. If you're writing an allegory, obviously read all over the Bible!
Izori
1). Write down 12 ideas that might come next in your book. Don't stop, even if the third one sounds really awesome. 12 seemed an awful lot for me, so I shortened it to seven. It still worked. And don't not write down an idea, even if it sounds crazy. I wasn't going to write down one of the ideas, because it sounded very clique, but it ended up that idea was the one I used (combined with another one).
2). Ask youself 'What would happen if...'. Again, let your mind wander, and don't disgard the crazy ideas.
3). At least look at the part that you left off writing. A lot of times, I think I have writer's block because I haven't had any new brainstorms. Actually, if I can just look over the chapter that I got stuck on, I get inspired a lot of times.
4). Pray. It works better then anything! And also read your Bible. If you're working on a book that has a revolution against an evil king, read about Gideon or maybe David. If you're writing about a good king that's fighting down an evil revolution, read about David and his rebellious son. If you're writing an allegory, obviously read all over the Bible!
Izori
Friday, September 11, 2009
Writer's block--some prevention tips
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. It's actually true.
1). Don't skip writing; get yourself to at least read over the chapter you're working on once a day. I suppose sometimes it can't be helped, but when you skip when you could have written (even just a paragraph) you start finding more excuses. Stuff like, 'Well, I didn't write yesterday, so it wouldn't hurt to skip today, too," or "This hasn't been the longest period of time I didn't write, and it won't be until a week! I'm doing fine," can be easier to listen to if you haven't gotten yourself on a writing roll.
2). Keep it sloppy, especially if you're on your first draft. First drafts are supposed to be messy. If they aren't there's something wrong! If you're stuck on a short few sentences that are so boring you don't know what to write, just go ahead and mess them up. You can go back later and fix them.
Izori
1). Don't skip writing; get yourself to at least read over the chapter you're working on once a day. I suppose sometimes it can't be helped, but when you skip when you could have written (even just a paragraph) you start finding more excuses. Stuff like, 'Well, I didn't write yesterday, so it wouldn't hurt to skip today, too," or "This hasn't been the longest period of time I didn't write, and it won't be until a week! I'm doing fine," can be easier to listen to if you haven't gotten yourself on a writing roll.
2). Keep it sloppy, especially if you're on your first draft. First drafts are supposed to be messy. If they aren't there's something wrong! If you're stuck on a short few sentences that are so boring you don't know what to write, just go ahead and mess them up. You can go back later and fix them.
Izori
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Writer's Block
Writer's block is a condition, associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work--Wikipedia
I guess that tells you what writer's block is--not that you guys don't know. Probably every writer has got writer's block at least once. I know I've got it a lot more! But have you ever given much thought to what causes it?
One thing that is usually my problem is I lose interest. The book has reached a dull point, where there's no new characters, forming plots, or battles.
Or when I have just started a book with no clue where I'll go with it, I tend to quit. I'll just make up a character, and then try and write a story around her/him. And unless you have a random idea where the plot is going, that won't work.
Izori
I guess that tells you what writer's block is--not that you guys don't know. Probably every writer has got writer's block at least once. I know I've got it a lot more! But have you ever given much thought to what causes it?
One thing that is usually my problem is I lose interest. The book has reached a dull point, where there's no new characters, forming plots, or battles.
Or when I have just started a book with no clue where I'll go with it, I tend to quit. I'll just make up a character, and then try and write a story around her/him. And unless you have a random idea where the plot is going, that won't work.
Izori
Monday, August 24, 2009
Question
I'm up early--it's 6:15 AM where I live right now. Anyway, can anyone give me some suggestions for curing writers block? I could use them right now.
Thanks,
Izori
Thanks,
Izori
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