When the Creative Stream Stops Flowing

            So often people complain they have writer’s block. They stare at a page, whether paper or computer, and nothing comes. Their brain matches the page – blank. I never had that drastic a problem because my mind keeps working but perhaps can’t find just the right words, can’t get that just right description, or can’t decide how to create a word bridge between scenes. So, all authors need ways to turn those creative blocks back to a full stream again. First, we need to consider a few reasons for any block before we look at some ways to overcome the problem.

            Jeff Goins lists the main reasons he discovered for the creative stream stoppage:

• Timing: It’s simply not the right time to write. Your ideas may need to stew a little longer before writing them down.
• Fear: Many writers struggle with being afraid, with putting their ideas (and themselves) out there for everyone to see and critique. Fear is a major reason some writers never become writers.
• Perfectionism: You want everything to be just right before you ever put pen to paper or touch a keyboard. You try to get it perfect in your head and never do, so you never begin. 

Although, Goins wrote about blogging, writing is writing. Most ideas cross between all types of writing to a certain extent.

Goins also gives suggestions of what not to do to try to overcome writer’s block:

·        You do not overcome writer’s block by refusing to write until you feel “inspired.”

·        You do not overcome writer’s block by wallowing in self-pity.

·        You do not overcome writer’s block by procrastinating or making excuses.

·        You do not overcome writer’s block by watching TV.

·        You do not overcome writer’s block by reading articles on how to overcome writer’s block.

The strange thing is one way to restart the muse working is to distract oneself from the problem and watching TV distracts. Interesting.

            Now, let’s discuss some ways to restart the creative stream. Both Goins and Pete Croatto suggestion moving away from the situation. Croatto says to change location to find inspiration. Goins says to go for a walk. By removing ourselves from the “blank” page, our minds can be sidetracked from the problem and have an opportunity to find stimulation or inspiration. 

            Another way to unblock the block would be to eliminate distractions. Here is where a writer should avoid watching TV: When one tries to write, distractions can provide a mental block to creating. Therefore, when we try to write, we should avoid visiting someone, watching TV, texting, and other activities that take our mind off writing. Sometimes, though, when we can’t write, watching a TV show could actually help us mentally relax and discover the writing begins again.

            Ironically, another way to unblock the logjam in the creative stream is to do other things, to be distracted. Croatto states the following activities could help get the words flowing again: run errands or do chores; talk to another writer; research. Some ways Goins suggests include: go for a walk; spend time with someone who makes you feel good; play (a game on your computer, a card game with a friend or friends, a basketball game with a child or grandchild). One idea I use quite often is to begin another project or go back to a project I laid aside.

            Some people can relax the creative muse by listening to music, pushing the blank page or stopped page to one side. After the mind relaxes, the words may begin to flow again.

            When I can’t decide how to transition from one scene to another or from one event to another, I sit back and run the “movie” of the story through my mind. Letting myself remember and rewind the story often gives me the needed words to continue.

            Are these the only ways to motivate the creative stream to flow again? Of course not, but they are a few that worked for others. When anyone gets stuck, he needs something to unblock the logjam and to allow the stream to flow.

Sources:

     Croatto, Pete, “Parallel work,” The Writer, May 2018, page 10.

     Goins, Jeff, “How to Overcome Writer’s Block: 14 Tricks that Work,” https://goinswriter.com/how-to-overcome-writers-block/

     Zabel, Vivian, experience and methods from the past

What Makes a Good Fiction Story? Plot Driven OR Character Driven

By Karen Cioffi

Stories can be plot driven or character driven, so which is the best formula to use when writing a story? Knowing a little about both methods should help in making a decision.

Plot Driven Story

A story’s plot moves the story forward, from point A to point B. It doesn’t necessarily have to be in a straight line; in fact a course that twists and turns is much better. This type of plot creates movement and interest. It’s the twists and turns that will keep the forward momentum fresh, as well as creates anticipation. Anticipation will hold a reader’s attention.

The plot also provides reasons and explanations for the occurrences in the story, as well as offers conflict and obstacles that the protagonist must overcome to hopefully create growth. These elements create a connection with the reader. It entices the reader to keep turning the pages. Without a plot it is difficult to create growth and movement for the protagonist. It might be comparable to looking at a still photo. It might be a beautiful photo and may even conjure up emotions in the viewer, but how long do you think it would hold a reader’s attention?

Along with this, the plot molds the protagonist. It causes growth and movement in the character. Assume you have a timid woman who through circumstances, the plot, transforms into a brave, strong, forceful hero. Where would the story be without the events that lead this timid woman to move past herself and into a new existence?

Character Driven Story

On the other hand, a character driven story creates a bond between the protagonist and reader. It is the development and growth of the character, the character’s personal journey, which motivates the reader to connect. There doesn’t need to be twists and turns, or fire works. The reader becomes involved with the character and this is all the enticement the reader needs to keep reading.

In addition to this, the character works hand in hand with the plot to move the story forward. As the character begins her transformation the plot moves in the same direction.

In some instances, such as short stories, a character driven story can work amazingly well, such as in The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin. In cases such as this, the connection developed between the character and the reader can be more than enough to satisfy the reader. But, all in all, it seems to be the combined efforts of a well plotted and character driven story that works the best.

The Best of Both Worlds

According to science fiction and fantasy writer, L.E. Modesitt, Jr., “The best fiction should be an intertwined blend of character, plot, setting, and style.”

I agree. All elements of a story working together create stories that will be remembered.

All the aspects of a story should complement each other, should move each other forward to a satisfying conclusion, and should draw the reader in. If you have an action packed plot driven story, but it lacks believable and sympathetic characters, you’re story will be lacking. The same holds true if you have a believable and sympathetic character, but the story lacks movement, it will usually also fall short. As with all things in life balance is necessary, the same holds true when writing a story.

Karen Cioffi is an award-winning children’s author, successful children’s ghostwriter, and online author platform instructor with WOW! Women on Writing. For must-know writing and marketing tips, get free access to The Writing World.