5 answers
Aura
Student
Stamford, VT
1
Question
Asked
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what are some tips for when someone feels uninspired?
I'm writing a story currently and I'm stuck as to what should happen for the scene when the main character meets someone for the first time during lunch with a friend.
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5 answers
Tom Foster
Freelance writer
28
Answers
Forest Grove, Oregon
Updated
Tom’s Answer
This kind of depends on what's going on in the scene and what the emotional content needs. If you feel as though you need a break, take one, but let your subconscious mind think of something while you do. Otherwise, think your way around it. What experience do you have in meeting people? Think if a personal story that might have happened in your life, or in the life of someone you know. Human interaction isn't too tough, it's fitting it into your story that presents a challenge. Think about what you know and your personal experience, then see how it meshes with what you need. Writing is fluid and is meant to evolve, so if something comes to you while trying to piece together the scene, go with it and see what happens. Just write, and you'll surprise yourself more often than not.
Abraham Loorig
Academic Coaching/ Counseling
8
Answers
Athens, Ohio
Updated
Abraham’s Answer
It is normal to lose the inspiration and the drive to complete a story, especially if you put it off for a while; in other words, you lose your creative spark.
Two major things I will suggest you do when you are uninspired to continue your story are; i) Internal Motivation ii) External Motivation
As writers, our Muse (god of creativity/that thing in us which inspires creativity), can often be ignited internally or by external factors.
Internally, ask yourself the question; 'What is my WHY?' Why did I start this story, why am I writing it in the first place? This can be a very powerful way of reigniting that positive adrenaline to get fresh ideas to continue the story. Anytime I lack the passion/motivation to complete a writing task, I tell myself; 'My writing will put my mum in that big house by the lake; my writing will help me realize my dream of becoming the first in my family to become a billionaire through writing books; my writing will help me feed 100 million children every year, if I don't keep writing I'll never get to work with the best publishers in the world.' Once I say these words over and over,it sinks deep into my system and it sparks some strong energy in me to get on with it.
Externally, think of places that inspire you to write; a coffee shop, the library, the lake side, a visit to nature, the tree house,, go there; things that inspire you, do them; and people who encourage you, be around them , if you can.
In all, you can adopt a system I call "Uncle Loorig's W5H approach."
What-What is the goal of the story?
Why-Why is it important that you achieve this goal?
Who-Who inspires you to write?
Where-Where do you see your writing taking to?
When-When do you intend to complete the piece of writing
How-How do you envision the ending of the story to be?
By keeping these questions in mind, you will restore your motivation and inspiration to continue your story. You are on your way to achieving wonderful things through your writing! Keep going, and remember that every word you write brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams.
Write down a series of possible outcomes from the meeting between the lead character and the person he/she is meeting; you could even put yourself in the main character's place and ask what you would do if you were meeting someone for the first time..
Think out loud about each of the scenerios and ask yourself; 'Which of these outcomes will make my story unique and at the same time, generate other ideas to finish my story faster?'
You will realize that, that one outcome will automatically pop out in your face.
Put it in your story and see how it fits into the story.
Two major things I will suggest you do when you are uninspired to continue your story are; i) Internal Motivation ii) External Motivation
As writers, our Muse (god of creativity/that thing in us which inspires creativity), can often be ignited internally or by external factors.
Internally, ask yourself the question; 'What is my WHY?' Why did I start this story, why am I writing it in the first place? This can be a very powerful way of reigniting that positive adrenaline to get fresh ideas to continue the story. Anytime I lack the passion/motivation to complete a writing task, I tell myself; 'My writing will put my mum in that big house by the lake; my writing will help me realize my dream of becoming the first in my family to become a billionaire through writing books; my writing will help me feed 100 million children every year, if I don't keep writing I'll never get to work with the best publishers in the world.' Once I say these words over and over,it sinks deep into my system and it sparks some strong energy in me to get on with it.
Externally, think of places that inspire you to write; a coffee shop, the library, the lake side, a visit to nature, the tree house,, go there; things that inspire you, do them; and people who encourage you, be around them , if you can.
In all, you can adopt a system I call "Uncle Loorig's W5H approach."
What-What is the goal of the story?
Why-Why is it important that you achieve this goal?
Who-Who inspires you to write?
Where-Where do you see your writing taking to?
When-When do you intend to complete the piece of writing
How-How do you envision the ending of the story to be?
By keeping these questions in mind, you will restore your motivation and inspiration to continue your story. You are on your way to achieving wonderful things through your writing! Keep going, and remember that every word you write brings you closer to fulfilling your dreams.
Abraham recommends the following next steps:
Neha Ingle
Software Engineer
1
Answer
San Jose, California
Updated
Neha’s Answer
It is often a good idea to find inspiration else where when one is stuck doing something. You must go out for an errand run, spend some time in a cafe, library or a book/art shop, try a new activity/class, watch a movie or just stroll around some place and try to observe organically whatever transpires around you throughout that time. This way, I think you will find a lot of material to work with and also feel energized to write something new or different than what you expected. Good Luck!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Aura,
Some effective tips for overcoming a lack of inspiration in creative writing, particularly when facing a writing block during the scene where a main character meets someone new for the first time during lunch with a friend, are as follows:
Change your environment: A change of scenery can often stimulate creativity. Try writing in a different location, such as a park, café, or library. The new environment may provide fresh perspectives and ideas.
Free write: Set aside a specific amount of time to write freely without worrying about grammar, spelling, or coherence. This can help you generate new ideas and get the creative juices flowing.
Brainstorm: Make a list of potential ideas or plot points related to the scene. Use mind mapping techniques or brainstorming sessions to explore different possibilities and find inspiration.
Research: Conduct research on the topic or setting of your story to gain new insights and ideas. This can help add depth and authenticity to your writing and provide inspiration for new directions in your story.
Take breaks: Sometimes taking a break from writing can help clear your mind and renew your focus when you return to the task. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading, taking a walk, or listening to music.
Seek feedback: Share your work with others and ask for their feedback and suggestions. Constructive criticism can help identify areas for improvement and provide new perspectives on your writing that may inspire new ideas or approaches.
Reflect on past experiences: Draw on personal experiences or observations to add authenticity and depth to your writing. Reflecting on past experiences can also provide inspiration for characters, settings, or plot points in your story.**
Authoritative References Used:
King, S., & Silverman, P., (2018). Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craftsmanship (9th ed.). Pearson Education Inc., New York City, NY USA
Grant Faulkner (n.d.). National Novel Writing Month: Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block [Online]. Retrieved from https://nanowrimo.org/p/writers-block
The Writers Workshop (n.d.). Overcoming Writer’s Block [Online]. Retrieved from https://www.writersworkshoppe-llc.com/overcoming-writers-block/
Cheat - take vitamins and minerals as per Professor Linus Pauling, winner of 2 Nobel Prizes!!! Just research orthomolecular nutrition on Google, referencing memory, brain function, neurological performance, and academic prowess!
God Bless You, Richly, JC.
Some effective tips for overcoming a lack of inspiration in creative writing, particularly when facing a writing block during the scene where a main character meets someone new for the first time during lunch with a friend, are as follows:
Change your environment: A change of scenery can often stimulate creativity. Try writing in a different location, such as a park, café, or library. The new environment may provide fresh perspectives and ideas.
Free write: Set aside a specific amount of time to write freely without worrying about grammar, spelling, or coherence. This can help you generate new ideas and get the creative juices flowing.
Brainstorm: Make a list of potential ideas or plot points related to the scene. Use mind mapping techniques or brainstorming sessions to explore different possibilities and find inspiration.
Research: Conduct research on the topic or setting of your story to gain new insights and ideas. This can help add depth and authenticity to your writing and provide inspiration for new directions in your story.
Take breaks: Sometimes taking a break from writing can help clear your mind and renew your focus when you return to the task. Engage in activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading, taking a walk, or listening to music.
Seek feedback: Share your work with others and ask for their feedback and suggestions. Constructive criticism can help identify areas for improvement and provide new perspectives on your writing that may inspire new ideas or approaches.
Reflect on past experiences: Draw on personal experiences or observations to add authenticity and depth to your writing. Reflecting on past experiences can also provide inspiration for characters, settings, or plot points in your story.**
Authoritative References Used:
King, S., & Silverman, P., (2018). Writing Fiction: A Guide to Narrative Craftsmanship (9th ed.). Pearson Education Inc., New York City, NY USA
Grant Faulkner (n.d.). National Novel Writing Month: Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block [Online]. Retrieved from https://nanowrimo.org/p/writers-block
The Writers Workshop (n.d.). Overcoming Writer’s Block [Online]. Retrieved from https://www.writersworkshoppe-llc.com/overcoming-writers-block/
Cheat - take vitamins and minerals as per Professor Linus Pauling, winner of 2 Nobel Prizes!!! Just research orthomolecular nutrition on Google, referencing memory, brain function, neurological performance, and academic prowess!
God Bless You, Richly, JC.
Ricardo Islas
producer
26
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Why is the character having lunch with a friend? Does it matter for the story, or is it just filler? If it's filler, consider removing it; this could be why you're feeling stuck. Is the friend significant later on, or just a way to introduce the main character? If you're only trying to establish the character, keep the scene short and move forward. Being stuck can be a sign. Like a headache might indicate a cold or flu, feeling stuck could mean the scene or character isn't crucial, and it's better to proceed.