Every writer has encountered the dreaded mental block. It might build up gradually over time or drain a writer's mind of every last spark of creativity all at once. No matter how much a writer grasps for a concept that works and makes sense, the mental block swoops in and creates doubt.
Writer's block may feel like an unbeatable force, but it's really just a sign that the brain is working overtime to get your creative planning back on track. Think of a mental block as a harmless fever. You can wait it out and it will eventually break. On the other hand, the right medicine can give the immune system the kick it needs to fight off the fever right away.
Instead of letting writer's block leave you drained and frustrated, take control of your writing and beat the idea drought today. Whether you're stuck on a stubborn character or can't figure out how to start that next scene, trying using these quick tips to power your brain and get those creative juices flowing again.
Point of Interest
A great idea is forming. The setting is perfect. The plot is unexpected. The characters are sure to yank heartstrings and inspire angry teeth-grinding. The story is so incredible that finding a way to start it has proved impossible. So, how can a writer find an engaging way to start a story?
The key is to find a compelling point of interest. The opening lines of a story have to be inviting enough to make readers want to know more. One surefire way of drafting an exciting opener is to create contrast. For example, if the story is a dark, suspenseful tale of crime and betrayal, try launching the story with an unexpectedly pleasant and normal moment.
From the title and blurb, the reader already knows the story will be dark. If the opening lines are about an average home in a quiet town where a family is sitting down to a pleasant dinner, the reader is just waiting for this quaint scene to be interrupted.
Work Backward
At the start of a story, most writers are still ironing out the details of style, diction and pacing. There's little or no existing framework to guide the writer in drafting those first lines. This is where working backward can be a useful tactic.
Envision the concluding thoughts, revelations and character arc you want to convey at the end of the story. When a writer can determine how a character will think, talk and feel at the end of their narrative journey, it's easier to go back to the start and conceptualize a starting point for the character and setting.
Working backward is effective at any point in a story when a writer wanders off track. It isn't necessary to write out the conclusion to work backward. Just knowing how the story is going to unfold is enough to chisel through a tough mental block.
Fantasy and Reality
When there's no new ideas on the horizon, mixing a bit of fantasy with reality can lead to an exciting writing project. Every writer has a distinct background full of personal experiences all their own. Writing what you know is a timeless trick for getting out of a rut, but without a sprinkle of mystery to kick it up a notch, the story can become too boring and familiar to keep a writer's mind stimulated.
Pick a significant personal moment as a starting point for a story. It can be tragic, cheerful, unexpected, successful, divisive, antagonistic or anything else with a profound effect. Combine that realistic moment with at least three fictional details that drastically differentiate the story idea from the original experience. Some of the most important details that influence a story are setting, character background, conflict, antagonists, and social structure.
Consider the following example: on the popular TV show, Dexter, the protagonist was orphaned as a child following the murder of his mother. This is a realistic experience that many individuals can relate to, but this basic premise isn't enough for a compelling story. Dexter's story suddenly becomes more interesting when you add unexpected details:
- Character Background - As a result of witnessing the gruesome murder, the adult Dexter is a sociopath and a serial killer.
- Setting - Dexter works in the forensics department of the Miami Metro Police Department.
- Conflict - Dexter is inadvertently hunted by his colleagues, which includes his sister.
A serial killer living a seemingly normal life as he hunts and kills murderers, while simultaneously dodging the suspicions of his friends and family, makes for a heart-pounding viewer experience. Now, that's a bit more exciting than a simple story of losing a parent, right?
Details, Details, Details
The details are everything. They separate two seemingly similar stories from one another and deflate a lot of unfounded accusations of copyright infringement. There are a million stories about wizards, but only one in which a teenaged boy is sharing a piece of his archenemy's soul.
Details are the ultimate cure to any block. When a writer can't start a story, it's because there are still too many unanswered questions. The more a writer brainstorms about the in-depth qualities of a story's characters, setting, and plot, the easier it will be to carve out the right starting point to a great narrative.
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