How to Become an Idea Factory

My post today is for all the writers out there- specifically those writers who feel like writer’s block rears its ugly head more often than not. Trust me, I feel your pain. I’ve gone months without picking up a pen or worrying the keyboard, and all for some pretty silly reasons. I didn’t feel like I had enough time to do my ideas justice, I didn’t feel skilled enough, writing was just too tough, and wouldn’t it just be easier to pick up a book and read the words someone else painstakingly crafted?

Have you been there?

Well, what I’m going to talk about in this post might come as good news to you, then. Are you listening?

YOU CAN BANISH WRITER’S BLOCK AND BECOME AN IDEA FACTORY INSTEAD.

Want to know how? Well, first, you need to know what kind of writer’s block you’re dealing with. Read on to discover the different types of blocks, and my suggestions for how to eradicate them.

Block #1: You have the most traditional form of writer’s block- you can’t come up with any ideas at all.

• Use writing prompts. There are tons of prompt books you could buy online, request from your local library, or you can search online (Pinterest has loads of ideas.).
• Write fan-fic. Having setting, characters,  or even bare-bones story lines set up for you in advance can provide the support you need to get your own creative juices flowing. Since you don’t have to expend all your creative energy world-building, you’re free to develop your brilliant idea without getting bogged down.
• Grab a journal. Capture your frustration at not being able to write; sometimes a tiny bit of whining to yourself can unlock your emotions. If you journal frequently, scan old entries to see if you can turn any content into a fictional scene.
• Read a section from a book with writing (or characters, setting, etc.) that you love. I do this every time I write poetry, and it’s a real lifesaver.
• Try changing your scenery. Your surroundings often spark ideas- why do you think writers hang out at coffeehouses? Where there are people, you’ll find tons of ideas to turn into story fodder.
• Watch a tv show or movie you haven’t seen before, then hit pause (if it’s recorded) partway through the program. See if you can figure out what should happen next. This is a great exercise in learning to link events in a causal way, which for some reason, is often tough to remember when you’re writing.
• Simplify! All you need to start a piece is someone doing something to achieve something else. Character. Conflict. Conclusion.

Block #2: Your idea keeps morphing as you write, changing setting or introducing a surprising new character, every few chapters.

• Ask yourself if you have the right format. Are you trying to stretch a short story idea into a novel? Or force a complicated story into a succinct poem?
• Are you invested in your idea? You can’t write about something you don’t care about.
• When you do get rolling with an idea, but it still feels cumbersome or boring, just for an experiment, try switching up the following:
  • your setting
  • your character’s age or occupation
  • your time period
• Despite your wealth of ideas, maybe you truly just haven’t hit on that one sparkling gem yet. Keep gathering new ideas until you hit one that does stick.

Block #3: Your writer’s block stems from fear of criticism- either your own internal editor or anticipated negative feedback from others. 

• Try to write poorly. Actually put effort into it, and you’ll likely see the pressure lessen, and your writing soar.
• Tell yourself you’ll fix it later- because this is the truth- you can always revise and fix messy sentences later. You can’t revise a blank page. Don’t tinker with the writing details too much at first, if it’s holding you back. Your piece won’t be sunk if you choose “guttering candle” or “flickering candle”. Let language be the final layer, the icing on the cake, especially if it’s distracting you too much now.
• Use dictation software on your computer or your phone. You don’t self-censor as much when you talk versus when you write.
• Try different tools. Write with pen and paper if you normally type, and vice-versa.
• Try writing at your peak energy level. Is it morning? Afternoon? Night? It’s easy to feel more critical of everything, including yourself and your writing ability, when you’re tired or weighed down by the day’s demands.

Block #4: Everything’s already been done. You feel like you can’t bring anything new to the mix.

• Tread old ground with new shoes. You have a unique life experience and way of viewing the world that no one else has. I firmly believe that everyone has something valuable to say.
• Try to find your own unique twist. What’s your particular strength? Do you write awesome settings? Are you great at capturing character voices? Do you have tons of knowledge about a particular career field that could tie into a character’s occupation? Do you have an unusual writing style or voice?
• Brainstorm the impossible- then write it.

Block #5: You feel so new to writing that you’re not even sure how to create an effective story/ poem/ screenplay/ whatever.

• Figure out what genre you like most, then read, read, and read some more! Reading good (and bad!) literature is the most natural way to train your instincts to write well.
• Study the top examples with a writer’s eye. Think about what works and what doesn’t, as well as why this is the case. Why do you like a certain character or believe what they say? What do you remember about a particularly vivid setting?
• Dig into some writing manuals- just don’t psych yourself out. I have fallen into this trap before. Remember that there’s more than one “right” way to write, and different teachers will have different, even conflicting methods. You have to use manuals and other advice as tools, then trust that you alone possess knowledge of your own particular voice and story.
• Figure out your strengths and weaknesses. This one overlaps slightly with advice given for beating Block #4, but it’s still true. Writing groups, also known as critique groups, are widely available online or at many public libraries and are a great place to get feedback on this. Are you a genius at creating natural-sounding dialogue? Does your language shine? Do you know how to create a page-turning plot?
• Realize you’re in it for the long haul. The writer’s road is a lifelong journey, not a quick destination. Enjoy the trip, including the roadblocks.

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If you’re a writer, I hope this post was encouraging to you, and if you’re a reader, I hope you enjoyed getting a peek under the hood of the creative process!

Let me know in the comments below which block you’re dealing with. Most of the time, my problem is #3. Criticism is a real creativity killer for me personally and something that my husband and I will talking about soon on The Inspired Creative podcast. 

Keep reading!

Shaen