Writer’s Block - Blog Posts
Writer's Block
As an individual, struggling to finish that big novel, I must say I have tons of ideas in the back of my head.
I want to write the story of a stubborn man, whose everything is knowledge. There’s also this monumental epic about the politician, who thought she had won victory for her case, when she just became another misguided dictator. I’d like to see my short story in print, in which the narrator finds himself facing some of the emotional obstacles that I do all the time, which make life a tough run for me.
I’d love to produce movies and short films that would explore the depths of human mind, of guilt and forgiveness, of love and letting love happen. I want to direct and write and play.
I would also like to take action in diplomatic matters and bring about peace and prosperity and freedom and the understanding and common acceptance of good things.
Oh, there’s so much I desire to do. I desire these things with all my heart, to the core of my being. But then I’m reminded that I’m just a youth, sitting before a computer screen, having his novel rest, unfinished, unsatisfactory.
I’m totally honest when I say that I’d put my heart in all my ideas that I shared above. I believe I could write some beautiful stories that would contain some of my truth. But at the same time it’s aching me that I can’t seem to finish my first beautiful and great thing.
I may be afraid, you know. As a matter of fact, I do feel genuine fear.
If I could send my novel to Fitzgerald, what would he say? He’d comment it’s not enough—that’s my fear.
If Hemingway saw the text, would he be satisfied? I’d just get a flap on the back and he’d tell me that I’m not brave enough and I don’t know what it takes to be a man or to be alive—really alive. Yes, this idea also seems pretty frightening to me.
And what would Bram Stoker think of my work? I can almost hear him say: well, it’s a curious piece and noteworthy in some respect, however, I’m not convinced it is of true value. Sometimes this fantasy keeps me up at night.
Oh, and William Dafoe, wouldn’t he be out of his mind to read this blasphemy? He could only say this: To say that it reaches its goal to cultivate good in people would be too much and to compliment it for mere form would only be a lie. This makes me quite terrified, too.
Maybe I’m not good enough as a person or as a writer, I don’t know. But maybe that’s the true potential in me—maybe an inadequate personality is what’s required for the job to be done and done well. I don’t really know.
What I do know and there’s no mistake, I’m certain, is that I must write it. And that’s what I’ll do. I’ll put my inadequacies, my fears and everything beside and complete the work.
It is my prayer to be made free and capable to write it.
WEIRDLY SPECIFIC BUT HELPFUL CHARACTER BUILDING QUESTIONS
What’s the lie your character says most often?
How loosely or strictly do they use the word ‘friend’?
How often do they show their genuine emotions to others versus just the audience knowing?
What’s a hobby they used to have that they miss?
Can they cry on command? If so, what do they think about to make it happen?
What’s their favorite [insert anything] that they’ve never recommended to anyone before?
What would you (mun) yell in the middle of a crowd to find them? What would their best friend and/or romantic partner yell?
How loose is their use of the phrase ‘I love you’?
Do they give tough love or gentle love most often? Which do they prefer to receive?
What fact do they excitedly tell everyone about at every opportunity?
If someone was impersonating them, what would friends / family ask or do to tell the difference?
What’s something that makes them laugh every single time? Be specific!
When do they fake a smile? How often?
How do they put out a candle?
What’s the most obvious difference between their behavior at home, at work, at school, with friends, and when they’re alone?
What kinds of people do they have arguments with in their head?
What do they notice first in the mirror versus what most people first notice looking at them?
Who do they love truly, 100% unconditionally (if anyone)?
What would they do if stuck in a room with the person they’ve been avoiding?
Who do they like as a person but hate their work? Vice versa, whose work do they like but don’t like the person?
What common etiquette do they disagree with? Do they still follow it?
What simple activity that most people do / can do scares your character?
What do they feel guilty for that the other person(s) doesn’t / don’t even remember?
Did they take a cookie from the cookie jar? What kind of cookie was it?
What subject / topic do they know a lot about that’s completely useless to the direct plot?
How would they respond to being fired by a good boss?
What’s the worst gift they ever received? How did they respond?
What do they tell people they want? What do they actually want?
How do they respond when someone doesn’t believe them?
When they make a mistake and feel bad, does the guilt differ when it’s personal versus when it’s professional?
When do they feel the most guilt? How do they respond to it?
If they committed one petty crime / misdemeanor, what would it be? Why?
How do they greet someone they dislike / hate?
How do they greet someone they like / love?
What is the smallest, morally questionable choice they’ve made?
Who do they keep in their life for professional gain? Is it for malicious intent?
What’s a secret they haven’t told serious romantic partners and don’t plan to tell?
What hobby are they good at in private, but bad at in front of others? Why?
Would they rather be invited to an event to feel included or be excluded from an event if they were not genuinely wanted there?
How do they respond to a loose handshake? What goes through their head?
What phrases, pronunciations, or mannerisms did they pick up from someone / somewhere else?
If invited to a TED Talk, what topic would they present on? What would the title of their presentation be?
What do they commonly misinterpret because of their own upbringing / environment / biases? How do they respond when realizing the misunderstanding?
What language would be easiest for them to learn? Why?
What’s something unimportant / frivolous that they hate passionately?
Are they a listener or a talker? If they’re a listener, what makes them talk? If they’re a talker, what makes them listen?
Who have they forgotten about that remembers them very well?
Who would they say ‘yes’ to if invited to do something they abhorred / strongly didn’t want to do?
Would they eat something they find gross to be polite?
What belief / moral / personality trait do they stand by that you (mun) personally don’t agree with?
What’s a phrase they say a lot?
Do they act on their immediate emotions, or do they wait for the facts before acting?
Who would / do they believe without question?
What’s their instinct in a fight / flight / freeze / fawn situation?
What’s something they’re expected to enjoy based on their hobbies / profession that they actually dislike / hate?
If they’re scared, who do they want comfort from? Does this answer change depending on the type of fear?
What’s a simple daily activity / motion that they mess up often?
How many hobbies have they attempted to have over their lifetime? Is there a common theme?
📚 The Art of Subtext in Writing 📚
Let’s talk about subtext. It’s one of those things you feel when you read, but maybe don’t consciously notice, and yet—it’s everywhere. It’s in the way characters talk to each other, the details they avoid, the glances that linger, and the things left unsaid. Subtext is what gives a story depth, pulling readers into the unspoken layers underneath the surface. It’s like the heartbeat of a scene, or the feeling you get when you’re reading and know there’s more to what’s happening than meets the eye.
So, why is subtext important? Because it makes stories feel real. Life isn’t always clear-cut; people don’t say exactly what they mean, emotions can be complex, and motives aren’t always laid out on the table. Subtext reflects that complexity, making your characters and situations feel richer and more relatable.
Here are a few types of subtext and how to use them effectively:
1. Romantic/Emotional Tension
This is probably the most common type of subtext, especially in romance or drama. Think of characters who clearly like each other but won’t admit it. They argue, they bicker, they avoid eye contact, but all that is subtext for “I’m secretly into you.” Use this when you want your readers to root for a connection that isn’t obvious or acknowledged yet.
2. Conflict Subtext
Not all conflict is overt—sometimes it’s in the snappy dialogue or forced politeness. A character might “agree” with something on the surface while feeling the complete opposite. This kind of subtext is powerful because it lets readers see two conflicting layers: the polite conversation happening outwardly, and the resentment or anger bubbling underneath.
3. Dramatic Irony
This is when the reader knows something the character doesn’t, creating tension or humor. Subtext here involves leaving hints in the writing that make readers feel “in on it.” For example, if a character is convinced their plan is foolproof but readers already know something’s about to go wrong, you create an undercurrent of impending doom or anticipation.
4. Thematic Subtext
Subtext isn’t just for characters; it can also layer meaning into the theme of a story. If your book’s theme is about, say, identity, you might use subtext to show how a character hides certain parts of themselves around certain people. They might be saying one thing while subconsciously revealing their discomfort or need for acceptance.
5. Cultural/Social Commentary
Sometimes the best social commentary is subtle. Rather than outright saying, “This society values material wealth over happiness,” you might show a character who’s obsessed with buying status symbols while feeling deeply unfulfilled. This approach can make readers reflect on the message more personally and deeply.
How to Use Subtext
To work subtext into your writing, trust your readers. Give them just enough so they can pick up on what’s below the surface without spelling it all out. Here’s a small exercise: write a scene between two characters who are pretending to be friendly but actually dislike each other. Notice how tone, body language, and word choice convey the tension without anyone actually saying, “I don’t like you.” It’s all about restraint.
A Single Word Written is Better Than None
I took a few months off from writing. Not voluntarily. I just couldn’t seem to write a single word. Whenever I would open up a new document, I would simply shut down and freeze up.
I’m a writer who hasn’t written anything in months.
Even writing in my journal became difficult. If someone were to unbury my journal after the apocalypse, they might think I took a four-month hibernation. I was shut off from the world, adding nothing to the world. Not even a single word.
For the past couple of weeks, however, it feels like I’ve gotten a little bit of that writing bug back. Nothing like Stephen King’s two thousand words a day. About five to seven hundred words on a good day.
Even though I’m writing, it feels more like a slow crawl. I look at these low word counts and put myself down for not doing more. I know I’m not the only writer who focuses too much on their word counts and feels bad when we can’t reach the professional levels.
So to you out there who are in the same position, telling yourself you’re not a real writer because you’re not writing a full novel each month. I have a message for you that I need to do a better job of remembering myself.
You Are a Writer Even if You’re Not Published
This holds back a lot of writers. I write mainly short stories, but the fact that none of them have been chosen for a publication journal does weigh heavily on my head.
Still, just because they haven’t been published doesn’t mean they haven’t been written. I wrote those stories, and I am still a writer because of it.
If you’ve finished a story or a whole novel but it hasn’t been published, don’t beat yourself up! You are a writer! Write another one and another one till the world finally acknowledges you!
Having Moments of Writer’s Block Doesn’t Mean You Are Failing
I struggle with this a lot. The idea that if my writer’s block lasts more than a few days, I have somehow failed as a writer and the title should be stripped from me.
Just because I had a few bad months doesn’t mean I’m no longer a writer. And if you’ve had a few bad months too, or even a few bad years of writing, that doesn’t mean you’re not a writer anymore either!
When a pitcher strains his wrist and has to take a hiatus while it heals, is he no longer a pitcher?
A Single Word Written is Better Than None
Don’t feel bad if you’re coming out of a writing slump and it feels like you’re coming out of it very slowly. The pitcher who returns from his injury won’t be throwing shutouts the minute he steps onto the mound. He eases into it.
And so should you!
If you’re only writing a few words a day and you’re feeling disappointed that it’s not at the high word count standard that most professionals hold themselves to, just remind yourself that progress is progress! Whether you’ve written one, two, or a thousand words. It is still more than the absolute zero you wrote during your slump.
Feel proud of your progress!
And remember, no matter what, you are still a writer.
How to avoid White Room Syndrome
by Writerthreads on Instagram
A common problem writers face is "white room syndrome"—when scenes feel like they’re happening in an empty white room. To avoid this, it's important to describe settings in a way that makes them feel real and alive, without overloading readers with too much detail. Here are a few tips below to help!
Focus on a few key details
You don’t need to describe everything in the scene—just pick a couple of specific, memorable details to bring the setting to life. Maybe it’s the creaky floorboards in an old house, the musty smell of a forgotten attic, or the soft hum of a refrigerator in a small kitchen. These little details help anchor the scene and give readers something to picture, without dragging the action with heaps of descriptions.
Engage the senses
Instead of just focusing on what characters can see, try to incorporate all five senses—what do they hear, smell, feel, or even taste? Describe the smell of fresh bread from a nearby bakery, or the damp chill of a foggy morning. This adds a lot of depth and make the location feel more real and imaginable.
Mix descriptions with actions
Have characters interact with the environment. How do your characters move through the space? Are they brushing their hands over a dusty bookshelf, shuffling through fallen leaves, or squeezing through a crowded subway car? Instead of dumping a paragraph of description, mix it in with the action or dialogue.
Use the setting to reflect a mood or theme
Sometimes, the setting can do more than just provide a backdrop—it can reinforce the mood of a scene or even reflect a theme in the story. A stormy night might enhance tension, while a warm, sunny day might highlight a moment of peace. The environment can add an extra layer to what’s happening symbolically.
Here's an example of writing a description that hopefully feels alive and realistic, without dragging the action:
The bookstore was tucked between two brick buildings, its faded sign creaking with every gust of wind. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of worn paper and dust, mingling with the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee from a corner café down the street. The wooden floorboards groaned as Ella wandered between the shelves, her fingertips brushing the spines of forgotten novels. Somewhere in the back, the soft sound of jazz crackled from an ancient radio.
Hope these tips help in your writing!
Types Of Writer’s Block (And How To Fix Them)
1. High inspiration, low motivation. You have so many ideas to write, but you just don’t have the motivation to actually get them down, and even if you can make yourself start writing it you’ll often find yourself getting distracted or disengaged in favour of imagining everything playing out
Try just bullet pointing the ideas you have instead of writing them properly, especially if you won’t remember it afterwards if you don’t. At least you’ll have the ideas ready to use when you have the motivation later on
2. Low inspiration, high motivation. You’re all prepared, you’re so pumped to write, you open your document aaaaand… three hours later, that cursor is still blinking at the top of a blank page
RIP pantsers but this is where plotting wins out; refer back to your plans and figure out where to go from here. You can also use your bullet points from the last point if this is applicable
3. No inspiration, no motivation. You don’t have any ideas, you don’t feel like writing, all in all everything is just sucky when you think about it
Make a deal with yourself; usually when I’m feeling this way I can tell myself “Okay, just write anyway for ten minutes and after that, if you really want to stop, you can stop” and then once my ten minutes is up I’ve often found my flow. Just remember that, if you still don’t want to keep writing after your ten minutes is up, don’t keep writing anyway and break your deal - it’ll be harder to make deals with yourself in future if your brain knows you don’t honour them
4. Can’t bridge the gap. When you’re stuck on this one sentence/paragraph that you just don’t know how to progress through. Until you figure it out, productivity has slowed to a halt
Mark it up, bullet point what you want to happen here, then move on. A lot of people don’t know how to keep writing after skipping a part because they don’t know exactly what happened to lead up to this moment - but you have a general idea just like you do for everything else you’re writing, and that’s enough. Just keep it generic and know you can go back to edit later, at the same time as when you’re filling in the blank. It’ll give editing you a clear purpose, if nothing else
5. Perfectionism and self-doubt. You don’t think your writing is perfect first time, so you struggle to accept that it’s anything better than a total failure. Whether or not you’re aware of the fact that this is an unrealistic standard makes no difference
Perfection is stagnant. If you write the perfect story, which would require you to turn a good story into something objective rather than subjective, then after that you’d never write again, because nothing will ever meet that standard again. That or you would only ever write the same kind of stories over and over, never growing or developing as a writer. If you’re looking back on your writing and saying “This is so bad, I hate it”, that’s generally a good thing; it means you’ve grown and improved. Maybe your current writing isn’t bad, if just matched your skill level at the time, and since then you’re able to maintain a higher standard since you’ve learned more about your craft as time went on
You know that feeling when you have a great idea for a fic but your words aren't wording and nothing works and it's such an amazing idea in your head but its so shitty on paper and AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
This is important, also might help avoid procrastination as leaving a project unfinished does not equal abandoning it, you can always come back to it
Friendly reminder to all the writers on here:
You don’t owe anyone good writing.
You don’t owe anyone a complete storyline written in order.
You can jump around. You can abandon projects. You can write really shitty stories! Writing is about telling stories and creating worlds. Not about what makes your followers happy.
I have to remind myself of this a lot, because in most of my stories I’ve gotten stuck and don’t know where to go. But you can jump around. You can skip parts. It doesn’t matter.
Write what makes you happy.
Hi Neil, as someone who wants to write and can't bring themselves to write, despite loving writing and wanting to write; how do you write? Is there a magical way to make yourself write? Or is the truth more honest and genuine: that writing is the way to write?
I have half a novel, a deep desire to write, and an inability to make my fingers type the words.
How do I circumvent this? Or, as I suspect, is there truly no shortcut?
There's no shortcut. You polish a chair with your bottom, get through the backache and the bad days and you write it, one word at a time.
Imposter sindrome:..FUCK YOU!
Who do you think you are:...FUCK YOU TOO!
me when the plot won't plot like it should
*writes two paragraphs after months of literally nothing and it took three hours*
please please please please reblog if you’re a writer and have at some point felt like your writing is getting worse. I need to know if I’m the only one who’s struggling with these thoughts
Same :)
writers wishing they could draw whats in their head 🤝 artists wishing they could write whats in their head
Realizing you're in writer's block while writing is the worst feeling in the world
Deep down the core within this big heart of mine lies an unhealed wound that when touched aches as if it was stabbed a million times right at that moment but that’s not what’s peculiar about it, the fact that the pain seems to satisfy my soul is what’s peculiar. When the pain comes, it’s like a reuniting with a long lost friend. I welcome it with all my might.
My heart
When will you realize that you and I belong together
We may be toxic for one another but living another day with you is painful
The pain eats me away day by day
The moons calls to me at night, reflecting all our memories
The frosty cold night breeze prickles through my skin, reminding me of our romantic walks by the park and how you kissed me breathlessly as if I was your oxygen
I want to right it but I have no clue how to start it!! ...... I hate writers block.
Okay but like, a fantasy/no capes au where Tim is a selkie, one who was fiercely protective over his pelt- but none of the Bats know that. One day, when Dick tried picking the innocuous-looking coat up from the floor, Tim “randomly” lashed out and bit him.
I drew this at the beginning of the summer and I love her so much. She is the realistic drawing of the MC of a story I'm writing. She is my baby.
I drew this at the beginning of the summer and I love her so much. She is the realistic drawing of the MC of a story I'm writing. She is my baby.
This is Lex and she is the MC of a story that I am trying desperately to write and do it well but writer's block. 🤷♀️
Okay y'all I have major writers block so drop me a promt or even just a word and the characters you'd like to be in it. Ships or not. 🙃
I love writing because sometimes its like this
And then other times... 😅
Never lose sight of why you started
Something I always tell myself, "You can not have beauty without imperfections." Im not sure where I originally heard this or if its my own, but I do know for certain it helps me on projects, it could be anywhere from painting to writing, all forms of art are simply beautiful in their mistakes.
Just realized I’ve finished Assassination Classroom, yet have no idea what to write so.. hehe…
For context: I don’t start writing fanfiction until I’m finished with the series it’s based on.
Mind block - Me thinking nothing else would suffice the filter that says – “good enough to write upon”. Then it hit me, how about I write on the mindblock itself? Yes, I know, very original.
Read the rest here.
Honest comments, guys. That's all I want.
A period of mental standstill between one ponderous spark and another is an excruciating time, where your head is muddled and foggy but give in to it.
For light is light only after darkness.