Knocking Down Writer's Block
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 Question of the day: At a Jonathan Franzen reading the other day, an audience member asked what he did to combat writers' block. Franzen suggested he didn't believe in it, and said the "blocked" feeling should be a signal to the writer that he or she isn't relating to the work correctly. Feeling a bit blocked lately, I'd love more insight. What are your thoughts on writers' block?
Hmmm, well, I kind of agree with Franzen, and I kind of don't. (But whatever works for him is clearly working for him, so hey, I'm not knocking it.) :)
I think that writer's block is a real thing, but like him, I also think there are very actionable solutions. Unlike him, I don't think it's an issue of relating to the work correctly. Though at times, certainly, it can be. If you don't know your characters well enough to know what they'll do next, then yes, relatability is the issue. And if that's the case, I'd find one of those questionnaires online - or invent one yourself - in which you have to explore every last detail about your character - likes, dislikes, history, allergies, exes, music choices, high school experiences, etc. Jonathan Tropper recently said that he keeps a running document about his protagonist (if I'm remembering correctly), that he keeps adding to as he writes - jotting down anecdotes, quirks, likes/dislikes/etc, and that most of this never makes it into the book, but that it really helps with character development, and I thought that was a really smart suggestion.
So there's that, and I suppose that's what Franzen means. (Though obviously, I wasn't there when he said it, so I apologize if I'm misinterpreting.)
But for me, when I'm struggling to write, it's almost always because I don't know where the plot, not the characters, should go next. And the way that I resolve this - and I always tell aspiring writers to resolve these sorts of things - is to create conflict, conflict, conflict. Books are spurred forward by ACTION, and the best way to add in action is to throw an obstacle in front of your character. What can go wrong in her love life? In her family? At work? In the world? Let's say your plot and character have plateaued. Throw in an affair, a heart attack, a collapsed roof, a layoff, and you force your character to keep stretching herself, keep wading through, and voila, you're writing again. This isn't to say that you should add conflict just for the hell of it, but that's what books are built on, and too often, writers forget this. You're there to screw up your characters' lives and then put them back together.
So that's how I deal with it. Other wise ones out there, what do you do when writer's block crops up or, like Franzen, do you not believe in it in the first place?
Craft
Reader Comments (11)
Oh, how I needed this today. I think there are as many theories about writer's block (and how to banish it) as there are theories on how to write. But this post is full of insights practical and philosophical. Thanks, Allison!
Good advice. Throwing a few more rocks at a character will usually get them to move in one direction or another. I also find that if I force myself to write something, even if I know it is wrong, the characters will eventually stand up and say "Hey! You're doing it wrong! It's supposed to go like THIS."
This great advice about adding conflict is the same great advice Allison gave me about six months ago and it enabled me to finish my book. Thanks Allison!
Great advice! I don't believe in writer's block, though. I think it's fear, doubt, or the daunting task ahead of finding out where to go next that makes writers think they're blocked. I believe there's always something to write about, always.
Blogs like Allison's are invaluable. It's always reassuring to read about accomplished writers who have the same problems i have.
I do think there are times when you have to sit around and dream up what happens next which is just as important as the actual writing. I suppose the time spent waiting for inspiration and the associated frustration can be seen as a block. I try to think of it as playtime.
btw: Next time maybe a post on "writers lazy" or the art of keeping your butt glued to the chair. Who was it that said the best writers have the best butt glue? And where can I buy some?
I always read a little bit of a writer whose work I admire. I keep a couple of favorites on my desk and when I feel stuck I dive into a paragraph or two. Usually reading the rhythm of someone else's sentences or seeing how they began or ended a section is enough to get me going again. Thanks for the great post, Allison.
Allison this advice is so practical and necessary to point out: the murky waters of writers 'block' or whatever you want to call it can cloud this basic, fundamental element of what drives a story forwards. Thank you for the reminder! I don't thnk I have seen this question answered before with such clear-cut advice, minus any drivel. A writer should know their characters and so plot is usually what deters us to continue past that dreaded barrier... Like you said, something has to HAPPEN :-)
Allison this advice is so practical and necessary to point out: the murky waters of writers 'block' or whatever you want to call it can cloud this basic, fundamental element of what drives a story forwards. Thank you for the reminder! I don't thnk I have seen this question answered before with such clear-cut advice, minus any drivel. A writer should know their characters and so plot is usually what deters us to continue past that dreaded barrier... Like you said, something has to HAPPEN :-)
Allison this advice is so practical and necessary to point out: the murky waters of writers 'block' or whatever you want to call it can cloud this basic, fundamental element of what drives a story forwards. Thank you for the reminder! I don't thnk I have seen this question answered before with such clear-cut advice, minus any drivel. A writer should know their characters and so plot is usually what deters us to continue past that dreaded barrier... Like you said, something has to HAPPEN :-)
Ummmm - didn't Franzen go about 10 years between books? He might not call that writer's block but the rest of us sure do....
LOL, Anon. :)
Meg - that's great advice, and advice that I forgot to include. I think reading writers you admire can really amp things up and bring out the best.