Writer's Block

[Bookishbunny]

This is a little random but, I need some writing advice.

I have been writing for enjoyment since middle school, since then I have completed and torn apart many manuscripts. I've been struggling with depression for months and I haven't written since well before. I'm about to start a full-time job. I have been weighing what's most important to me and what I should spend my time on, my novels are always at the back of my mind. The fact of the matter is that I want to be published. I need to finish my novel before I start working full time but I have no motivation. I'm stuck in the plot of all four stories I am writing. So my question is are there any depressed writers out there that can help me get through this. How can I get motivated to write? Think of new ideas? Force myself to work while I can't bring myself to do much else. Thanks

[LuceRM]

Hey there! I’m sorry you’re experiencing a low period at the moment, and ultimately, writers block. When I was in counselling, my therapist used to explain that writing when we feel low doesn’t have to be in a format which is understood by others. She recommended a change in scenery. For example, she would encourage me to go on walks or visit little serene places and just write emotions and one-liners or thoughts that popped into my head. Subconsciously, we can all write amazing stories but it’s the execution which people struggle with. Change the format of how you progress in the narrative - draw ideas, bullet point them, think of quotes or find images and quotes which describe what you want to be writing.

If you have four on the go, focus on a new section of each over the course of a few days. Dedicate a set amount of time per day to writing or editing or reading one of the unfinished narratives. If you don’t write anything or can’t think of anything - that’s ok, move on for the time being.

We do some of our best thinking at night, when we’ve got nothing else going on. Whenever you are resting or chilling, go through the story in your head and any ideas that pop up (no matter how minor) you just write them down on paper. The next time you come to edit that work, look at the points you made previously and work something out.

Best of luck with it all! You will finish them! ❤️❤️

[Adlon57 in reply to LuceRM]

Thanks LuceRM that might help me as well, a change in scenery might help me as well, pandemic period on a wane🤞 retirement in a couple of weeks🤭maybe👍

[Adlon57]

Tell me about it, I have been writing a true crime book for thirteen years, but because it is against the "accepted" versions written before, I am being ignored, I try to look inside myself "Why are people not interested in this?", publishers all over the world, written to newspapers, people, past authors, museums, 85% new fully indexed and acknowledged material, I am a researcher not really a writer but rapidly wanting to throw this major novel 50,000 words into the bin, friends and relatives trying to give me 'advice' this is NOT helping my health mentally or physically, now on the verge of full retirement but essentially getting nowhere? The book is finished but cannot afford to get published, but it needs to be edited via a fresh source, as I have run out of ghost writers! I also now have early dementia in my wings? I am vulnerably disabled, bad health all my life, a retired professional genealogist/historical researcher so fully qualified to do this? What sort of novels are you writing about?

[Bookishbunny in reply to Adlon57]

Thanks for sharing! I have been working on an adult fantasy trilogy, a YA fantasy, a YA romance following a support group of mentally unwell teens, and a series of dystopian novels. Basically I write for the reader I once was. My goal is to make everyone see themselves in one of my characters. I want to tell the stories that no one thinks are important. Sorry if I rambled… ☺️

[Melancholy12 in reply to Adlon57]

How about self publishing. I have a friend who self published and his book is on amazon

[Adlon57 in reply to Melancholy12]

If I had about £3,000 I would?

[Adlon57 in reply to Adlon57]

I could have had it published five years ago, except for the 'blind alley's' of Facebook and twitter 🥴🙄😤

[Adlon57 in reply to Melancholy12]

50,000 words complete, doubtful, it is a major work!🥴🙄🙃🤭

[Melancholy12]

I totally understand and when I’m in a depressive episode I can’t write! You are only 19 thank goodness you have time on your side. Write before and after work.I have a memoir in me and a children’s book. Good luck on your novel!!!

[tofler]

Hi, I'm not a writer but when reading your post I had a couple of thoughts about goal setting, which might be relevant. If we set ourselves a goal which is too big it can feel overwhelming, too difficult, not achievable etc, which makes it difficult to get motivated. So I was wondering if working on four stories at the same time is too much and maybe it would be more realistic and achievable if you chose just one of them to work on? Also, you've set yourself a deadline of finishing a novel before you start working full-time. Again, is that realistic, or are you putting too much pressure on yourself? Even once you're working full-time, won't you still have some spare time to keep working on your novels? It's can be really helpful to have other things to think about and focus on, apart from our jobs.

[designguy]

You might check out "The Artist's Way" by Julia Cameron for unblocking your creativity. A number of years ago I belonged to a creativity support group and we used it, I found it very helpful and doable. I also really enjoyed the group experience and support from the other members. This was way before covid so i'm not sure those kind of groups are available now but the good thing about The Artist's Way is that you can also do it without a group.

[Melancholy12]

Yea artists way wonderful