My Helpful Hints Writer'sBlock

StoryWolf's Helpful Hints

Writer's Block

The worst thing that could happen to a creative writer and
what really drives me crazy…is writer's block.

It happens to every writer at least once or multiple times.  
You have this idea in your head, but no matter how hard you try,
your brain just doesn't want to talk to your pencil and paper
(or computer).

Story:  Come on, why wont you work with me?!

Computer:  It's 4 am and you're writing this stupid skit.

Story:  Don't argue with me, I know where your power cord is.

Here are a few helpful hints that help me when I'm stuck.

#1:  Listen to Music.

Music is full of inspiration and requires the use of both sides
of the brain to listen to and sing.  The rhythm of a song can also
set the mood for a scene that you're writing and (if you're typing)
can actually give you a rhythm to type to.  I use this method a lot
because I love music.  

If you're stuck on a certain scene or if it is difficult to get a
feel for what emotion is being portrayed in a character, try looking
for a song that matches that feeling.  You'd be surprised at what
songs can help a story move along.  

(Nikki sees Story's CD player and puts the headphones on.  
The song "Witch Doctor by The Chipmunks" plays and Nikki's
look turns confused.  Story walks in to sit back down at her
computer and sees Nikki's look.)

Story:  Umm…that's just for the next scene.

Nikki:  Ah huh, sure it's is.


#2  Take a Shower.

Yeah, I know that sounds weird but this actually helped me on
more than one occasion.  And it's not necessarily a shower or a bath.  
Basically it's anything that relaxes you.  When your body and mind
are at rest, you are more likely to suddenly come up with an idea you
didn't have before.  Another thing that's relaxing to me is listening
to the rain outside my window.  So in general, if you don't think
you're getting anywhere, kick back and relax.

(Story is resting on the couch listening to the rain when Trace
walks by and sees her.)

Trace: (muttered)  Lazy bum.

(Story looks at him, unfazed.)

Story:  Careful Trace, I'll put in a scene with Nikki again.

(Trace's eyes widen.)

Trace:  I'm going.  

(Crash)

Story:  Forth wall.

#3  Sleep?  What is that?

Now I'm mostly a night owl, I prefer to stay up all night and
sleep in.  However I do wake up early if I have to, but that's
beside the point.

Most of the time, I will be up writing or drawing until 2 to 4 am
in the morning.  

(Nikki and Trace give her a look.)

Trace:  Oh, so that's what's wrong with you.

(Story shoots him an angry look.)

Anyway, believe it or not, I actually get some of my best ideas
the next morning after I've slept.  So despite wanting to stay up,
if I feel that my mind is getting too tired, I'll call it a night
and fall asleep.  Sometimes your dreams can be great inspiration for
stories and drawings.  

(Story sleeping, Nikki sleeping in her hammock in the next panel.  
Suddenly, Story jolts awake.)

Story:  EEP!  TAILS DOLL!!

(Nikki falls out of her hammock and onto the floor.)

Nikki:  Omph! Ow.

#4:  Start Another Project

Yeah, I know what you're thinking.  'Are you crazy?!   
I'm already working on a project that I'm stuck on, why start
another one?!'

Trace:  Well, I was thinking of the 'crazy' part.

Story:  Two words for you Trace, 'Thin Ice'.

For as long as I can remember, I've always been able to work
better when I multitask.  It keeps my mind busy and most of
the time, I'll have an idea that doesn't match the story I'm
working on.  

Nikki:  (Yelling)  Why is there a dragon in the living room?!

Story:  He he…oops.

For example, at the same time I'm working on writing the
novel for "Sonic's Legacy"  I am also working on the comic
version as well as my completely original six stories (which
I haven't posted anywhere yet.) and just jump back and forth.  

I also usually get ideas for a later scene that I just have
to write down, so I make sure I write a side note to remind
me of it.  Works pretty well.

(Nikki walks into Story's office and sees the piles of
papers everywhere.)

Nikki:  How the heck can you breathe in here?!

So, in short.  If your mind is too full of ideas to focus on
your one project, write your additional ideas down so you can
make room for your current project.


#5:  Get Out of the House.

Sometimes when you've just been staring at a computer for three
hours straight and your body and mind just becomes tired and nothing
seems to come to your head, the best thing to do is to take a break
and come back to the project later.  Getting out and hanging out with
your friends also gives you more ideas for your stories as well as
relieves stress from the mind so when you come back to your project,
you're ready and raring to go.

(Story and Nikki dodging lightning and Story's freaking out.)

Story:  Why the @$#% did I let you talk me into this?!

Nikki:  (laughs)

Story:  Stop laughing Nikki!

Warning!  Do Not Try and Dodge Lightning, You Will Die!

Every writer is different and has different interests, so the best
way to fight writer's block is find out what relaxes or inspires you.  
Whether that's lighting scented candles or just hanging out with your
friends.  

(Crash)

Or, if you're friends happen to be Nikki and Trace…just go with the candle.