Writer's Block

Introduction
This page is to explain what writer's block is, and how to deal with it. To answer, edit the page so it has your way to deal with writer's block. Don't forget to add your name! If someone has the same idea, please just add your name next to theirs. This way we can avoid repeats and people can see the most recommended way.

What is writer's block?
Writer's block is such a common issue and roadblock for writers. Writer's block is a phenomenon experienced by writers that is best described as an overwhelming feeling of being stuck in the writing process without the ability to move forward and write anything new. Most people believe that writer's block is caused by not having ideas, or inspiration. In reality, it can be caused by having too many ideas too. One of the two scenarios below is how most people experience writer's block. Which one have you experienced before?

Dried Up Well
You sit down to write your story, but you can't think of a single idea. You know what's supposed to happen in the story, you just can't write it out. The story seems stuck in its place, and you start feeling frustrated, and begin wondering if you have any creativity left to write anything. You finally give up, and stop writing that specific piece. You may work on other writings, but you don't touch the one you were stuck on.

Overflowing Toilet
You sit down to write your story, and ideas seem to rush into your brain, at an increasing rate. At first it feels thrilling, refreshing, but you quickly realize that you can't concentrate on any single thought. Ideas continue to rush into your head at an alarming rate. You suddenly feel anxious, and overwhelmed at the very thought of writing. You probably walk away from your work, and don't touch it again because you don't feel confident enough to write. You might slowly start writing other pieces, but you never write the one you were stuck on again.

While neither of these blocks seem very similar at first, they both have the same outcome. The answers below are ways that some writers deal with writer's block.

Answers
Walk away from your story and come back to it. You shouldn't leave it for more than 24 hours or else you probably won't go back. However if you have a better idea feel free to do that instead - @SOKEEFEFOREVER1

I would just say to go take a break and do something fun to clear your mind so that when you get back to writing it you’ll have a clear mind. It also helps to take a nap lol. Another way is to read more books that might give you inspiration. - @Ollie the Imp @Skylarkanimalover @CloverthePurpleThumbedGnome

Normally when I have writer's block, I need inspiration. I find that inspiration can be found everywhere, even by taking a walk in your neighborhood, or at a park, you can see a detail as small as the dew on a leaf, and get an idea. Also, sometimes you just need some motivation. I think the simplest way to get motivated to write is to ask friends or family how they like your writing so far. - @CloverthePurpleThumbedGnome

Brainstorm, or take a break. Write something else, write one-shots with the same characters in different universes. (College/HS/Church/Blind Date/End of the world... etc...) More often than not, writer's block (for me) comes from over-planning- I'm not a planner in general, but if I OVER-plan, I will get discouraged so fast and feel far too confined. But hey, not having a plan is what gets ME out of a funk- maybe you just need to plan more and have a more concrete ideas, depending on your style. Remember, not everything needs to be perfect. ; ) - @Goldy_Empress

Just write. Sometimes, you just need to keep writing. It could be complete gibberish, but eventually you'll get an idea. If that doesn't work, try looking at your story from another way. Maybe you need to write from another point of view, or change what one of your characters did in a previous scene. Or maybe you just aren't interested in what you're writing. If you aren't, that's okay. Remember, you have to write something you're interested in, to tell the story well. ;) - @Fluffyneondinosaur @Forest200

I would recommend writing a short story or oneshot, maybe even reading other writing. I also think looking at pictures can help give you ideas, as odd as it may sound. Notice things you like around you and find ways to incorporate relatable things into your story. ~@SuniFlare