#writer's block

[novlr]

What is a good way to start a novel? (sentence frames)

Are you a creative writer struggling to get started on your next project? Do you find yourself staring at a blank page, unsure of where to begin? Fear not! Here are some sentence frames designed to inspire your creativity and help you generate story ideas.

Get to know your main character

[Character name] was not your typical [profession/role]; in fact, they…

Despite being [adjective], [character name] had always felt…

[Character name] had a secret, one that they had kept hidden for [time period]…

As [character name] looked out the window, they couldn’t help but wonder what life would be like if…

[Character name] had always been drawn to [hobby/interest], but had never had the courage to pursue it until…

The day [character name] met [another character], everything changed…

Setting the scene

The town of [name] was known for its [unique characteristic], but beneath the surface…

In a world where [fantastical element] was commonplace, [character name] stood out because…

The [building/location] had stood abandoned for [time period], but on this particular night there was [an event]…

The [place/location] was famed for its [unique characteristic], but [character] found themselves drawn to [thing]…

Introduce conflict

[Character name] had always believed that [belief], until [event] forced them to question everything.

When [character name] discovered [secret/revelation], they knew they had to…

The arrival of [character/object] in [setting] threw [character name]’s life into chaos, as they…

[Character name] had always been content with their [status quo], but when [event] occurred, they realised that they could no longer ignore their true calling.

The arrival of [character name] in [place/location] set off a chain of events that would uncover long-buried secrets and force the [people of location] to confront their darkest demons.

Show character growth

[Character name] had spent their entire life [doing/believing something], but now they began to wonder if…

As [event] unfolded, [character name] realised that they were capable of…

[Character name] had always been afraid of [fear], but in the face of [challenge], they discovered…

[Character name] used to [old behaviour], but now they [new behaviour]…

As [character name] faced [challenge], they discovered a [new strength/quality] within themselves…

[Character name] never thought they could [achievement], but with [catalyst], they learned to [lesson]…

Create suspense and mystery

[Character name] knew that [mystery/secret] held the key to [goal], but the closer they got to the truth…

As [character name] delved deeper into [investigation/quest], they began to suspect that…

The [object/clue] seemed insignificant at first, but as [character name] examined it more closely, they saw [detail].

[Character name] had a nagging feeling that something was off about [person/place/thing], but couldn’t quite put their finger on it until [event].

The [sound/smell/sight] was hauntingly familiar to [character name], but they couldn’t remember why until [event].

Explore character relationships

[Character name] had always looked up to [other character], but now they began to see them in a different light because [event/change].

Despite their differences, [character name] and [other character] found themselves drawn to each other because of [detail].

[Character name] knew that [other character] was hiding something, but they never expected [revelation].

[Character name] and [other character] were once inseparable, but [change] meant they grew apart.

[Character name] never expected to find a friend in [other character], but [character detail/event/location] brought them together.

[Character name] couldn’t shake the feeling that [other character] was hiding [secret] from them.

Remember, these sentence frames are just a starting point to help you generate ideas and get your creative juices flowing. Feel free to adapt, combine, or expand upon them to suit your unique story and writing style. The most important thing is to let your imagination run wild and enjoy the process of writing your novel!

#writing prompts #writing ideas #story ideas #writing inspiration #sentence frames #writing resources #writers #creative writing #writing #writing community #writers of tumblr #creative writers #writeblr #writerblr #writing tips #writing advice #writers on tumblr #creative writing prompt #fic prompt #story prompt #writing prompt #story prompts #let's write #writing asks #writers and poets #writer community #writers block #writer #beat writers block #writer's block

[cinematicnomad]

(tweet 1) (tweet 2) (article)

#ok so #should i do this??? #writer's block #for future reference

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

I’m not a perfectionist, but finding a typo or a grammatical error in my own already-published fic is like stepping on a Lego honestly

#writing #writeblr #writer #ao3 #archive of our own #writers #writing challenge #writing community #whumpblr #fanfic #fanfiction #whump #angst #whump community #whump blog #writers on ao3 #writer on ao3 #writing memes #writing meme #writer's block

[orphancains]

Saw this advice on Twitter today, and I think it's going to end up being useful for me. 🥹 Thought I'd share it with y'all, too.

#fanfic writing #writer's block #writing tips

[radley-writes]

My enjoyment of writing, my productivity, and the quality of my work improved tenfold when I started embracing slumps and taking them as an opportunity to read everything I could get my hands on, watch lots of films and shows, go to the theatre, play games, hang out with friends, visit new places, and generally absorb life and marinate my brain in the art of storytelling.

Take from that what you will.

#writing advice #writing #writeblr #writers on tumblr #writer problems #radley writes #creative writing #writer's block #writers #writer's block is to be cuddled and nurtured not loathed x #unless you are beholden to deadlines in which case - HATE HATE HATE #radley rambles #my experience will not be your experience etc. etc. etc. #if 'write every day' works for you great!! #if not... this post may be for you

[lyralit]

all the dialogue tags you'll ever need

agreed

allowed

assented

assured

babbled

begged

blurted

boomed

breathed

cajoled

chimed (in)

chortled

clarified

concluded

confirmed

consoled

cried

cursed

declared

demanded

disclaimed

exclaimed

gasped

glowered

groaned

grumbled

grunted

gushed

hissed

insisted

jabbed

lamented

laughed

moaned

mumbled

murmured

mutter

noted

offered

ordered

promised

proposed

protested

queried

questioned

quipped

rambled

rasped

realized

recalled

relented

replied

reprimanded

retorted

said

scolded

screeched

shrieked

sneered

sneered

spat

swore

threatened

wailed

warned

whined

#for personal reference #writers block #writerblr #writblr #dialogue tags #dialogue #long post #writing #writer's block #writer #creative writing #writing dialogue #writing tips #writing help #writing list #prompt list #for reference

[so-many-ocs]

"writing is hard" to YOU. to me, it's impossible

#🌿 writing #writeblr #writer's block #writerblr #writing memes #writer memes

[o-writers-woes]

#aspiring author #aspiring writer #author meme #wip #write #writer's block #writers #writing #writing meme #young adult #fanfiction #fanfic #ficwriting

[immarainbowpatooie]

Me opening up the word doc and getting stuck in the exact same place as last time

#writing problems #writing struggles #writing #creative writing #writers block #writer's block #here's the rebloggable version of this post

[concentfortea]

#funny #memes #funny memes #writing #funny writing memes #writing memes #author #writeblr #writing community #writers of tumblr #writing problems #writer stuff #writer's block #writing humor

[novlr]

#worldbuilding #fantasy worldbuilding #writers #creative writing #writing #writing community #writers of tumblr #creative writers #writing inspiration #writeblr #writerblr #writing tips #helping writers #writing science fiction #fantasy world building #writing fantasy #writing games #writing exercise #writing exercises #let's write #resources for writers #writers on tumblr #how to write #writers and poets #writer's block #beat writers block #writers block #story inspiration #writer #writing advice

[writers-hq]

WHY IS WRITING IS SO FUCKING HARD?

Ten types of fuckery that stop you from writing the thing:

1. Imposter syndrome

You think you're not good enough or everyone else is better than you and you're just winging it AKA ye olde imposter syndrome bullshit. Yeah nah you're fine. No really, you're exactly where you need to be right now, and you'll keep getting better and better so long as you don't stop. Chances are, if you're filled with doubt about your abilities it means you've actually improved to the point where you can really start to understand what makes good writing. It means you know where you wanna end up and goshdarn it you're gonna get there.

Read this: 4 tips to kick imposter syndrome in the face and also genitals

And also this: How to silence the inner critic

2. Fear of rejection and/or failure

Yeah, us too. It fuckin sucks. BUT. Not all rejections are equal. And rejection is a necessary part of the process. Sometimes it takes a rejection to realise that a story isn't ready. Sometimes a rejection is entirely subjective and has ZERO reflection on the quality of your work. But shying away from the very idea of possibly maybe hypothetically getting rejected is only going to hold you back from even trying. And knowing why you got rejected and how to learn from it is one of the most valuable writing skills.

Read this: The different types of rejection (and how to deal with 'em)

Then read this: How to cope with rejection

And also this: Writing lessons from Groundhog Day

3. Not enough planning / too much planning

Leaping into a new story with nothing but a glimmer of an idea is exciting as heck (and can sometimes be a great way to begin) but at some point you're gonna need some sort of outline or plan to keep you on track. HOWEVER. Planning your story to within an inch of its life can also sometimes be a hindrance - leaving you stuck in the hypothetical stage of the process where your story doesn't quite exist yet (and therefore avoiding the prospect of it sucking). The sweet spot is in the middle. Having just enough of a plan to know where tf you're going, but enough freedom and flexibility to let the story lead the way...

Read this: Planning vs pantsing

Then read this: Five plotting techniques

And also this: The perils of overplanning

4. Your WIP just isn't working

Sometimes things just fall flat. Sometimes you work on the same story for yeeeeears and then it just kinda... dies. Sometimes you have the best plans (see above) and the best intentions and things still don't work out. Sometimes it's just time to move on. And sometimes it's not! Sometimes a story can be revived, fixed or changed. Sometimes you just need time. Sometimes YOU'RE the one that's changed and this isn't the story you need to be writing right now. Many variables. Muchly personal. Read the things below for more advice cos this is a big question:

Read this: What to do when your WIP isn't working

And also this: Give it space - how to grow a story in your head

Or how about this? Editing 101

5. You keep deprioritising it

Ah the irony of writing being the thing you love/want to do most of all AND YET the thing you procrastinate over and avoid and shove to the very bottom of your to-do list all the freakin' time. Maybe it's the comodification of art destroying our freedom to create without pressure. Maybe it's late capitalism sucking up all our available time and energy. Maybe it's a lack of self-belief subconsciously telling us our 'little hobby' doesn't really matter. Maybe it's maybelline. Whatever it is, you have the power to reclaim and revalue your writing. To say, "I'm a fucking writer, goddamnit!" and mean it. To ringfence your creative time so nothing and nobody gets to interrupt it. To do that thing you love.

Read this: Prioritise your writing

Read this: How to write in 30 second bursts

6. Shiny Thing Syndrome

You know that feeling when you're just getting stuck into a writing project and then — SQUIRREL! — you get distracted by another, better, more shiny writing project? Or maybe you're deep in the editing phase and your current WIP just isn't feeling very shiny at all and pretty much ANYTHING seems more exciting? Or you simply can't decide which of the many squirrelly writing ideas to actually start? You, fine writerperson, may be suffering from Shiny Thing Syndrome (STS). But fear not! There are a few ways to combat it, depending on the cause, and most of them involve embracing the squirrel-brain and injecting a bit of fun into your writing, like so:

Read this: Shiny thing syndrome - a writer's malady

Aaaand read this: Get excited about your writing again

And also this: Write like a kid

7. Perfectionism/self-sabotage

Look. Writing is scary as shit. What if someone READS it? What if they don't like it? What if they see into your soul and gain a deeper understanding of you through your words? Writing your truth, being vulnerable, smearing your heart juice all over the page? No thank you. But also, that's where the good shit is, so actually yes please. Just make sure you smear responsibly. And rest assured, even the most 'successful' and experienced writers ALSO feel like this sometimes, so you're in good company. It's just part of the art, bruh.

Read this: Why writing is scary (and why that's a good thing)

Read this: Beginning a story - what stops us starting?

And also this: Get out of your own way

8. The dreaded blank page

Oh godddd the blank page. It should be an exciting palimseset of possibility but is somehow also the most terrifying thing known to humankind. You wanna write something but where to start? HOW to start? You type that first line and immediately delete it. You watch the cursor blinking at you—taunting you—until you just give up and shut your laptop again. It's probably tied up with a bunch of things we've already covered so far: perfectionism, imposter syndrome, fear of failure, maybe a lack of planning or faith in your story or whatever. But it doesn't have to be this way. A blank page IS exciting and full of possibility. We just have to get over ourselves and learn to embrace the unknown...

Read this: Don't fear the blank page

And also this: The moaning method

9. Not enough time/energy/motivation/gnuuuughh

Dude, same x 1000. But you don't have to get up at 5am, do hot yoga, drink a kale smoothie and write a thousand words before sunrise to be a Proper Writer. You don't even have to write every day. But what you can do is hack your writing brain and figure out when, where, how, and why you write most effectively. Then tweak your schedule, your habits, and your attitude to ensure you're making the most of your time. Productivity is a big ol' lie but finding the secret to getting in your own personal writing zone is actual MAGIC.

Read this: Maximise your writing time

And also this: Get in the writing zone

And also unto this: The Writers' HQ Guide to Productivity

10. You're just fucken stuck

Got the writing morbs? In need of some literary sudafed? Stuck as a pig in a poke? Writing is a whole puzzle of a process—and to be honest that's what makes it so fun and exciting and addictive, because your writing brain is hardwired to both create AND solve the wordy puzzles within your story. Sometimes the answer is time. Sometimes it's a second opinion or a fresh eye. Sometimes a totally different approach or just a hefty kick up the bum. But whatever the problem, there IS a solution. You just gotta keep going and trust that you'll find it...

Read this: Troubleshoot your writing - why are you stuck?

And also this: Break through the writing blockage

And also also this: Write yourself into a pit (and then dig your way out again)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alright, that's it for today. Now go write, you flithy animals.

(And if we missed anything, stick a question in our ask box or check out the rest of our shit here)

#writing #writing advice #writers of tumblr #writeblr #writing community #writers community #writing life #creative writing #national novel writing month #nanowrimo #nanowrimo 2022 #imposter syndrome #perfectionism #writer's block #writers block #writer things #procrastination #productivity #writer problems #blank page #the blank page #WIP #pantser #editing #plotting

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

fanfic writers, here’s a friendly reminder that you are not less of a writer if you haven’t posted anything in years, you are not less of a writer if your works aren’t as popular as other writers’, you are not less of a writer if some trolls left you rude comments (they either just want your attention or are simply intimidated/threatened by your talent), you are not less of a writer if you write short one-shots instead of a 100k novel-length fanfic, you are not less of a writer if you’re not satisfied with your writing (I promise you it’s so much better than you think, you should be proud of yourself), you are not less of a writer if you’re not comfortable posting any of your works at all.

you are always as valid as any other fellow writers out there.

another reminder: fanfic writing is not a competition, and it’s not a job. don’t put so much pressure on yourself. always remember, the point of writing fanfictions is that we get to have fun, escape reality into the world we create in which we can write anything we want.

it stops being a getaway and a safe place the second we treat writing fanfic as a job or a competition. no, you’re not writing for anybody. you’re writing for you. this world you create is just you and your blorbos. have fun. it’s your getaway.

#writing #fanfic #writer #writeblr #fandom #fandoms #ao3 #archive of our own #whump #angst #whumpblr #writing challenge #writer's block #writing community #writing inspo #writing inspiration #writing positivity #whump community #writers #fanfiction #writers on ao3 #writers on tumblr #positivity #writer on ao3 #writer on tumblr

[tarabyte3]

I see writing tips on here all the time that are designed to help you work through writer's block or a lack of motivation: Write it badly. Set a timer. Build an outline. Have a word goal. And they're all great tips!

Except...they don't work for me. And I could never figure out why, which was always a little frustrating. Like, what am I supposed to do then?!

Until one day, I opened a WIP document and thought, "You know what? I'm going to write 2 sentences. I can write 2 sentences. Plus, if I do, that's 2 more than I wrote yesterday." And I did! I even wrote more than 2 because once I achieved that goal it felt easier. When I eventually hit a wall, I walked away for a bit, and, after some time had passed, I started it all over again.

Then it hit me: All of those other tips focus on volume writing and just getting it done, which was still putting a lot of pressure on myself and felt overwhelming.

...Which is the same problem I have when cleaning or doing any other big, nebulous task and don't know where to start. Because I have ADHD. I'm neurodivergent. You know how I learned to cope with cleaning? By breaking everything into smaller, manageable tasks to help me focus and keep me grounded. I'm not cleaning the kitchen. I'm emptying the dishwasher, gathering dirty dishes, refilling the dishwasher, wiping down the counter, putting the mail away, sweeping, taking out the recycling, etc.

Suddenly I had a new way to approach writing—a small, easily attainable goal I could latch onto—and it's been SUCH a relief. I'm actually making progress!

So if you're stuck, don't beat yourself up or feel bad you aren't writing 2000 words a day after reading a bunch of tips. Just write 2 sentences. You can do 2 sentences.

#writing #writing tips #writer's block #adhd tips #adhd #neurodivergent

[caffeine-and-computers]

Worldbuilding is crazy, like welp guess I'll write an entire wiki page on a rare disease I just made up

#writing #creative writing #fiction writing #worldbuilding #fiction #writeblr #writer problems #write #writer #realistic writing #plotting #story planning #writer's block #writer jokes #writer things #writers #writerscorner

[lyralit]

get up and go write.

write for the people who will one day pore over the words you've chosen.

write for the people who think you could never have gotten so far.

write so you can bring words to life.

write so one day you can look back and see how far you've come.

write to inspire people who are too afraid, or who cannot, put words to paper.

write, because if you don't create this, who will?

and if anything, get up and go write for yourself. there's still so far to go. take a break, breathe, but go back. there's still so many things to share.

#writing motivation #lyralit #writing #writing prompts #motivation #writer motivation #writerblr #writers block #writer's block