Writer's block is one of the toughest things to get over as a writer. I also experience this as artist's block as well when I have no idea what I want to draw, or how I want to draw it. For me, I have three different ways to combat writer's block. I hope some of these ideas can help you too.
My first method is to ask myself questions about the story. What else could happen in this story? Is there a character that I can introduce? Is this scene meaningful to the story? Those questions could be more specific as well. Would that character really say something like that? How much detail about the scenery should I add in? The classic way is to ask a yes or no question and then answer it with either for "Yes, but" or No, and" to keep the story going.
My second method is to listen to music. It's a shame that when I read I want to be able to hear the type of music or tone that the author wants to convey. I imagine that I'm seeing it as a show or a play. What type of music belongs with the story or scene? How may that guide to what might happen next? Music normally helps me get into the creative zone as I think of new ideas for scenes or bits of the story. The type of music will vary depending on what I am writing. For my fantasy story, I try to listen to Celtic music, tavern music, and other pieces for fantasy settings. For my horror story, I listen to some slightly darker music or spooky ambient sounds.
My final method is to read similar material. As a huge fantasy fan, I am reading multiple books with similar plots, themes, and characters. It's good to see what professionals and other published authors have used for their stories that I can adapt to make my own. Like most artists, it is good to start or have a reference from which to look back on and take inspiration from. What good ideas did I have that an author may have left out, and how can I use that in my own story?
Like anything else, writing can be challenging, frustrating and tedious. I have many worries about how my writing is and if I paint the best pictures for the stories that I want to create. I'll still continue to improve, find more ways to beat writer's block and share what has worked for me to those willing to listen.
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