Help for if you struggle with writer's block
Hello. Since I've started writing my first fanfic over 40k words recently, I've run into a wall probably at least once every 2 days and decided to compile a list of (possible) solutions I've found for this problem. I'd like to hear you guys' tips as well, if you have any, in the comments, because I do get.. very desperate.
Join a writing community irl or online / write with other people nearby to hold you accountable
Write in new or unfamiliar environments every so often, such as coffee shops, libraries or other public spaces. Or just.. a different part of your house works too, I guess
I use a website called Ellipsus (this isn't promo I swear) which has a function where you can set a timer and the site tells you exactly how many words you've written before the timer goes off. You can set one for ex. 30 mins and see if you can beat your previous record of most words written in that time (turns writing into a game and stops you overthinking the words you put on the page)
In the same vein, if you often find yourself distracted by other websites while facing a boring / difficult scene, set a 5 minute timer and say you're not allowed to click away until it runs out. I find I can usually write 100-300 words more in this time, and often by then the desire for instant dopamine isn't as strong bc I've gotten past the blockage that made me crave it
If you can't face writing a chapter right now, try writing outlines / summaries for future chapters instead so you can think ahead (it sometimes helps with motivation when you don't know where you're going or what the point is). It reminds you of what scenes you might be looking forward to 2, 6 or even 15 chapters from now
If you can't even write that (sometimes the word gods just abandon you), focus on your story from another lens and interact with it a different way. Playlists of songs that remind you of the characters / plot, make Pinterest boards about it, draw sketches of scenes and characters, ect. If you're writing fanfic, you can even use this art as promo to reach a wider audience on platforms if you post it.
Message a friend to info dump / talk about your plot, character arcs or designs / favourite scenes to get excited about them again and get positive engagement for it
Observe the successful fic writers in your fandom and let your unbridled, bitter jealousy fuel you to finish what you started so you can one day join their ranks
If a scene feels too daunting or difficult to write right now, skip it. Skip it immediately. Write a short summary of everything that needs to happen in that scene, maybe some details to get you excited later, then move on. You can go back and write all these missing scenes later on while editing, when you have a fresh perspective or different mood. Never stop writing because of difficult scenes, or you'll lose momentum
Also, NEVER edit while you're still writing. Don't go back and read what you just wrote. Never look back. You'll realise how shitty it is and lose all your motivation to finish because you think you're a terrible writer. You can deal with that stuff during your big edit (or your only edit if you post chapters as you write them). Save the mental breakdowns for later
Try summarising the plot or important details of your next scene in 200 words or less before you start writing it. I've found having a reference can make for a far less overwhelming writing process
If you must procrastinate, write a lengthy Tumblr post pretending you know what you're doing to make you feel good about yourself and trick you into believing you're being productive, when really you're just doing anything you can not to focus on what you know you should actually be doing, which is writing!! your!! story!!!
(Again, more tips are welcome in the comments)
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