Trouble getting back into writing

Do you have a "candy bar" scene? The one scene you've been dying to write? Try that one. If not, try putting your character in a situation that will definitely NOT end up in the book. You'll feel less pressure, but you'll still be inside the character's head.

This might sound weird, but what the heck...

When I can't write I grab a notebook, write my main characters name at the top of the page, then try to describe them. Like - "Shy but strong". Then I go on to the next character. Eventually something sparks in me and I can write again.

August, that actually isn't a bad idea. I advise to always dwell within your characters.

cmtruesd also has a great idea, but, I think every scene should make you want to write it.



In all, do want to write this? Or do you need to write this?
It is a pleasure? Or a chore?


Maybe that sounds rough, but if you wanted to write it, you'd be writing.

And August's and cmtruesd's comments would help in that regard.


Aside from that, you might be hesitating, by thinking, "my writing will never be good enough," or "I can't write this scene the way I wish."

For that, get to writing. Really. Write the scene and at the end, if it doesn't sound good to you, write it again.

There's no progress in not writing something. But when you do write it, that's when you can learn.


Chinese Proverb:

“The man who moved a mountain was the one who began carrying away small stones.”

I've been stuggling too. Nothing as drastic as yours (which I see has picked up anyways) but I've been easing myself back in gently by writing short pieces and fun pieces.

I put my characters in a boat on a lake, fishing with some mentor type persona. Usually the 'crusty, experienced older fisherman'.

Then start writing. I usually get a lot of good characterization out of it and there's no pressure to use it since it's 'outside' the plot/idea.

WillSauger said:

In all, do want to write this? Or do you need to write this?
It is a pleasure? Or a chore?

Maybe that sounds rough, but if you wanted to write it, you'd be writing.


”

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That's how I always feel whenever I read about people who 'try' to write. For me it's harder not to, so I wonder why some people write at all.

I have writing music. When the words are slow in coming and the internet beckons, then I put on the music and write without letting myself edit or reread. Then when I've written enough to feel accomplished I allow myself a short internet break to prevent it from feeling too much like work. (Then I come on AW so I can pretend even my breaks are productive.)

There are some really great suggestions here. I'm trying to get back into my writing after a couple of months off. I'm going to go nad try these and see what I turn up with.