Struggling Writers discussion

Hello!!

So I've been writing this short story/novella/novel (I don't know what it's going to be yet because I'm not done) and it had been coming out very well, but then I came to one part, and it seemed sort of forced to write. Like, previously, the writing just flowed, but now I really have to think, and when I think like that, it feels forced and awkward.

What should I do?

Step back and take time to smell the roses. Clear your mind, find your inner balance, and sooner rather than later your inner voice will be back.

Write something else for a while = I have several projects on the go at once, until one takes over when the story flows. If it stops I try a different story, or just give it a rest. Read go for a walk. Mind you I have to work so every writing hour is precious.

I would scrap the chapter, personally, Emma and start it over again, unless you can salvage parts of it that is. I only ever work on one project at a time, that way you don't mix your storylines!

If you know what happens in the future, skip ahead a scene or two, until your writing flows again. Then go back to it.

When your writing just flowed, as you say, you were no doubt in an inspired state, but you cannot be so all the time, as you will know, to your regret. The part you have written that seems forced and awkward may be improved when you feel finely tuned again, if not, it may have to go in the waste paper basket or severely edited. You cannot be in an inspired state all the time, so that sometimes what you write can seem flat and not up to your usual standard. Have a happy Easter, anyway.

Yep, the delete button is the most used on my keyboard, I go back and change stuff until I am happy...and then I change it again! Happy Easter to one and all!

Read. Seriously, it can help to take a break and read something else. Sometimes, reading in a similar genre that I'm writing helps, and sometimes it helps me to completely step outside in a genre I usually don't read (I'm reading a fantasy book series now, but I write sci-fi and mysteries). I really think that one of the most important things we can do as writers to grow in our craft is continue to read - a lot!

Emma wrote: "Hello!!

Like, previously, the writing just flowed, but now I really have to think, and when I think like that, it feels forced and awkward.

What should I do? "

Recently had a dilemma like that with a novella I just published. The middle part just didn't flow like the rest when I wrote the rough draft and I hated it. Second draft I totally changed the middle and still hated it. Third draft - hated it.

So, I put the thing aside for a while. I wrote a couple of short stories and didn't think about the novella. When I finally came back to it, I realized that it wasn't really that important what happened during that twenty hour period of my story, got the main character drunk and let him chase cockroaches in a motel room for a while. So, try taking your mind off it a while and then come back to it and hopefully you'll have a fresh idea to approach it with.

Sometimes if your writing feels forced it is because you are becoming too focused on the goal (say of producing a novel) and not enough on enjoying the process of writing.

I remember having an instance like this where I knew what would happen in two scenes, but not in the bit that connected them. That bit felt forced because I was rushing it, trying to get to the next bit that worked.

Alternatively, as someone suggested above, try another idea - sometimes something seems like an exciting concept, but proves to be a dead-end when you explore it.
One day you may be able to reuse part of the idea in something else.

HM Reynolds

Do what I do, bake a cake or make bread. Baking is very therapeutic! Or draw/paint, do some embroidery, clean your bathroom anything but sit and stare at your computer hoping for inspiration. Happy New Year to one and all!

When I hit a point like that, I switch gears. Generally, it's a signal from the unconscious mind that what the conscious mind is doing isn't right. By working on something else, you loosen up whatever is causing the log jam in your brain. When you come back to the project, you can see where you really wanted to go.

If your writing feels forced/awkward, maybe it's time to give some leeway to your characters. They know what they can do better than we do. Check what you're writing. You might be forcing them into situations that make no sense to them.

G.G. wrote: "If your writing feels forced/awkward, maybe it's time to give some leeway to your characters. They know what they can do better than we do. Check what you're writing. You might be forcing them int..."

That's true, too. Sometimes you end up writing something you don't really understand, but if you give it enough time it makes it clearer. I encountered that not too long ago.

I move on to the next part of the story that I know what I want to say. When I figure out the part I skipped I go back to it.

For myself when this happens I write whatever comes to mind, even if I feel that I won't keep it. I make the entire section bold, so it stands out and then move on to a part of the story that I know exactly what is going to happen. When it comes to me what the previous section should say I go back to it. And I know this seems cliché, but a nice walk or bike ride through a park is always a help me as well.

I keep pushing forward and finish the rest. eventually a better idea comes to mind that works better

i cut it out and put it in a separate file. then come back later to it by working on a different project. sometimes the scene gets used, other times it gets repurposed. most times it just rots. i have to get inspired to write. sometimes its music or how im feeling at the moment

Hi! I'm Canadian, my name is Nick. I'm a professional writer. And you know, when I'm stuck and betrayed by my inspiration, I just help other people with their writing. The thing is, I also work for PapersOwl Canada that is one of the online writing services. When I assist somebody else it's like exercising and refreshing my writing ability. After that I'm inspired again. At the conclusion, I wish you all to be happy with your writing.

Inspiration is very difficult to acquire, and unfortunately, it can not be called by name so that it comes in literally. Because there are certain things or people who inspire, such as https://sky-writer.com/aresearchguide... for me, by selecting the best and professional writers. In college, I constantly get assignments to write an essay or research work and not always the topic concerns what I like, but you can always get inspired

It usually all comes down to an idea. To me personally, awkwardness comes not from my writing style but from stuff I am trying to write. Sometimes I come up with an idea that sounds great in my head but as soon as I start writing I instantly realize that it's not that interesting, or that I myself know pretty much nothing about the subject. I try to find inspiration somewhere, or I try to write something different. It usually helps

How would I do ?! Postponed writing. And she was looking for inspiration in her favorite thing. Or do something I never dared to do.