1. Solitude.
Sometimes I find myself acting out expressions or mumbling lines I'm considering to use. Being alone makes this a whole lot less awkward.
2. Music.
There have been scientific studies that suggest that music helps some people concentrate, while some people need absolute silence, etc.
3. PRACTICE.
I have never finished a story. I've set a goal to get at least one book's first draft done by the end of the year. You won't get very far if you don't set goals.
But what if you sit down to write, open a notebook/laptop/whatever, revved to go, then- nothing?
You stare at the blank space for an eternity, but any idea that comes to mind sounds dumb, like something you wouldn't want to hear a month later, but you really want to write and you've got to get this done before dinner-time and nothing's working and all you see is this:
BUT NOTHING'S COMING!!!
I've been there, believe me.
Here's some hints to avoid writer's block/stress paralysis:
1. Experiment.
Experiment with what time you sit down to write, where you write, what's around you when you write.
It does make a difference.
2. Be prepared, but flexible.
Don't just sit down to write. Sit down knowing what you want to write about. It doesn't have to be choreographed. You can write a scene from the end or middle, then work on the beginning later.
3. Don't delete unless it's something you really will regret.
I made a decision a while ago when I used notebook paper to write. I was going to use a pen. I know it doesn't sound big, but actually it forbade me from erasing what I wrote. No matter what I wrote, it was staying. Then I made myself save the papers. Now I can look at what I wrote and compare it to what I have now. Sometimes it's rather helpful.
If you just don't feel motivated to write, do something new.
I was going through writer's depression once, then I saw Guardians of the Galaxy. It gave me just enough positivity to get through another few months of writing.
Feel free to comment your questions!
Bye!
