Working through a plot stick point

Comments: 10

Ernie (Author of DESTINY OF THE DIVAS) Johnson Jul 28, 2007, 8:04pm EDT

Being an author of six novels, I can tell you definitely yes, I've been there. The way I work it is I always have a project in the fire. Which means that I have more than one project going at a time. When I run into those "WRITER'S BLOCKS" as they've been called, I simply switch roads and go onto a different project. When I switrch back I'm looking at it with a fresh pair of eyes.

Ernie - aka Author Ernie Johnson

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Roberta A. Jul 28, 2007, 8:06pm EDT

I just read them, I don't write them. Sorry, but it's a comment.

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ELLEN B. Jul 28, 2007, 8:52pm EDT

This works for me with everything almost, and I love to write, I squeeze it in whenever I can. Get a big bowl, fill with Anaretto and chocolate ice cream, sit in front of the TV for a few hours, explore with the remote, I am usually glad to return to my projects for a variety of reasons, or it is the woods, in the silent mornings, ( GO WHERE IT IS SAFE!) Good luck! Ellen B

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Theresa S. Jul 28, 2007, 9:31pm EDT

I just keep writing. I usually only know a few scenes and the ending when I start writing. I write my first drafts fast. The rewrites are what takes some time.
But I'm with Ernie above. Right now, I'm working on three different manuscripts. For two of them I'm doing revisions. One almost finished; the second I'm planning on rewriting completely. Right now I'm writing my first draft of my third one.
It's a good thing I love to write.

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Trish A. Jul 28, 2007, 9:38pm EDT

I'm with Ernie, I switch to another project, usually in a different genre.

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Michael N. Jul 28, 2007, 9:59pm EDT

First I walk away from the computer. Having taken a few deep breaths, pondered on the world's issues a bit, confirm that the world would have been better off not having been created to begin with, I take a running start head first into the nearest pillow covered wall. Afterward I would remember that I haven't a pillow covered wall, take two-ten asprin, and begin anew.

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golds g. Jul 28, 2007, 11:13pm EDT

if it was all smooth sailing I think you would enjoy writng less I'm sure your kids appreciated the desserts

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J. G. Weddle Jul 29, 2007, 10:11am EDT

I walk away from the computer and let my mind work on it while not directly thinking of the plot twist I am stuck on. Sometimes in hours, sometimes days, it hits me, I make notes, then jump back in with a solution. Other times I will work on a different area of the book, or even a different book. I hope this helps.

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Al Allaway Jul 29, 2007, 5:44pm EDT

All good advice above... I have five novels plus some other stuff. Early on whenever I read a plot twist by some other author that seemed to grab me, I'd make a brief note of the idea in a special file in my computer. (Not plagerizing; but just listing unusual ideas). Years later, when I'm up against a stick point, I've dozens and dozens of ideas to explore until I find one that fits my story. If that doesn't work, you can make an options list. Write down every conceivable direction the plot can go (logical and illogical). Study the list next day and viola! There's usually an answer.

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Working through a plot stick point

Comments: 10

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