One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a writer is the onset of writer's block. Writer's block (WB) usually occurs at a transition point. This could be the first line of your novel, the beginning of a chapter, the transition of character point-of-view or the transition from dialog to action. No matter where it occurs, it creates a feeling of anxiety in the writer.
What causes WB? I'm sure there's a lot of explanations and theories already posted on the Internet and in books, so I'll only go into what causes it for me. The beginning of anything is never easy. The act of giving life would never in and of itself be described as pleasurable for either mother or child - so goes the start of a novel. In this instance, it has to do with the numerous options available to you, which at times can be so overwhelming that you can't decide how to pen that first line. This is the area of WB that gives me the most trouble. I usually start off a novel in one of two ways. I either use narration to bring the reader up to date with the buildup of conflict (easiest way), or I jump right in with the protagonist facing an initial conflict (best chance of getting hit with WB).
The start of a new chapter can present problems similar to that of starting the novel, but usually not as dumbfounding. The end of the previous chapter should occur naturally in the scheme of things - and if it does, then you should have a "natural" starting point to begin the next chapter (change in POV, location, time or conflict/resolution). The single greatest tool to avoiding WB at chapter transitions is the outline. I write up a thorough outline prior to the start of any novel. I also put together character "sketches" of all characters. For primary characters this can be quite broad. I sometimes include the family background - even though those characters themselves will never be part of my story, they have exerted influence in the values and behaviors of my primary character. When I do my outline - I put censorship to the side and let my creative juices flow. For me, this is when the real creativity takes place. Once I have my outline, writing the novel is nothing more than an extrapolation of those ideas. And of course my outline guides me smoothly through the transition from one chapter to the next.
Transitioning from POV will never be a problem if you let your characters live their life. You've done your background on your characters - you've given them the experiences that will shape their values and behaviors - now let them live. If WB is the most frustrating aspect of writing, then giving your characters life is the most enjoyable. Sure...giving them this luxury may create little diversions off the path to the end of your story, but hey, that's what makes the story real.
Transitioning from dialog to action is probably the least source of WB. If you've written dialog that adds to the movement of the story, then that dialog should "push" the characters into action (whether that be a kiss, a punch to the gut, storming out of the room or something as simple as ignoring the other character). So keep your dialog crisp and meaningful and you shouldn't have a problem.
How to overcome WB? First and foremost - use an outline to help guide your creative decisions. Second, spend the extra time to sketch out your characters - give them motives and behaviors - in short make them real. Third, make sure you dialog adds movement to the story's progression. If all else fails, and I use this myself, mentally picture the transition like a scene from a movie. Determine what you'd like to see in that movie and then put it down on paper. Of course sometimes, even if you've done all this, you'll still find that you can't get past the block. In these cases all you can do is walk away. Let your mind clear and come back later when you can look at the issue with a fresh set of eyes.
Until next time, keep writing. J/W
J/W, your post on writer’s block is a great one, and you are right in that what works for one will not work for another. So I thought I’d add a little trick I use as far as the start of my stories if you don’t mind.
With hooking an editor or agent’s eye in the first few lines or paragraphs being of such utmost importance now a days, a strong start is a must. If jumping right into that critical moment sometimes causes writer’s block because of the endless options available to the character, then go ahead and start your story in a narrative voice. Later in editing, you can always cut that narrative so the start of your novel is intense, important. If need be, work those little necessary bits you cut at the start into the story as needed.
Sometimes, I know my opening line as soon as I picture the characters and their overall situation and I love when that happens. Sometimes I don’t have a clue. But an intense or intriguing first line, be it dialogue or pov, anything that brings about some sort of immediate reaction by the reader, either disbelief that anyone would say such outloud or a desire on the readers own part to have that kind of nerve, will undoubtedly work to keep the reader reading. ~Annalise
Hi Annalise,
Another fine point. In fact that’s probably much better than getting up and walking away to clear your mind. Start with a “temporary” beginning so that you can get down to the real business of writing. In most cases, once you have a few chapters under your belt, the proper beginning hits you like an epiphany. And you’re right on about getting that initial conflict in there to grab the reader/agent/publisher. It’s easy to see from your comments why you’ve enjoyed the success you’ve had – you appear to have a really good handle on the business of writing. That’s an aspect that I’m still working on. Thanks for the comment! J/W