Writer's Block

This is a question for all of the playwrights out there. What techniques do you use to get around writer's block?

Sometimes, all it takes is a little break - stop what you're doing, go and do something else for a while, and then come back. I find most of my writer's blocks clear away after mulling over the script in the shower, or while I'm walking. Sometimes though, things take a little longer... after writing for Arts Hub for about eight months, I haven't written any new scripts. I still have writer's block after all that time (I left there July last year).... Even well-known writers have dry spells. The best thing you can do is to take a break. Although there's another point: perhaps you're having writer's block because you're not comfortable with the way the script is going, or a character is leading you in another direction to how you want it to go. Step back and reassess. Things will seem clearer when you do. (Said with all due respect, since I have no idea what's in your head or how you feel about the script) Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

If you get an answer tell me I haven't written a new word for almost 6 months. I used to solve it by working on several projects at once that meant that when I was stuck on one I could swap to another. Doesn't seem to be working at the moment. William Tenn ( a science fiction writer) was in a block for forty years until Harlen Ellison bullied him out of it/ Isaac Asimov on the other hand used to speak with horror of the whole forty minutes he was once unable to write for. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Oh hey, Logos reminded me of another one. He said that working on a couple of projects helps; I've found lately that when designing puppets, I'll have more ideas if I'm working on a set of puppets, than if I'm working on just one. I also remembered that it's possible I'm having a writer's block at the moment because I'm spending most of my time creating puppets - and therefore I'm using up all my creativity on one craft, and not able to use it for another. Just a thought. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

Time there was a thread on this site about this very topic. . .and . . .I found it! If you're intersted. http://www.theatre.asn.au/forum_topic/writers_block I remembered posting some handy links - one of which is still active - from another site I am a member of. I've spoken to so many writers about this aggrivating problem and they all have different answers. Just find a trick that works for you and your particular piece of work. Trial and error - the only advice I can really offer. ~ Tari The Writer is a child forever listening at the keyhole of the adult world.

Douglas Adams swore by Writer's block. It helped him through some difficult deadlines. They got around that by locking him in his hotel room, and telling him he could only come out once the first draft was finished. A popular method to get the brain started is to write anything: just anything! If there's a blank page in front of you, just write about the time you slew the Gargoo beast of Nephtrol-12 with a paperclip and some time of adhesive poisonous to omnocretes. That way, you 'll have two onegatrmnicon pieces of work unfinished. PS remember it's supposed to be fun. If it's not fun, then why are you doing it? PPS That applies to any artform or endeavour, IMO

You could also try some short writing exercises, that teachers often use to get students penning something or other. My playwrighting lecturer used to have us write out a short scene with character A and character B - and either just write a line each, or introduce a prop, or locate it somewhere. It helped us get thinking about what we were writing, while still keeping it free form enough to be relaxed about it. Sticky Apple Legs www.freewebs.com/stickyapplelegs Puppets in Melbourne www.thepromptcopy.com/pip My puppets www.collectzing.com/collection/137/

There is no such thing as writers' block. Just write and don''t worry about it. You can delete it all later if it's a pile of shit. Does this help?