Twitter
RSS

The Many Ways of Stopping Writer Blocks

0
This is the just a list I made on how Writers can Stop a Writer's Block and help them in getting their plots back in motion. A writer's block usually appears when you've got no ides left, you're frustrated, and there's pressure from readers for more new updates.

3 Important Blunt tips on Stopping a Writers Block:

Step 1 :  STOP and get off your computer. TAKE A BREAK!
It may sound silly, but many people don't realize that it can get tediously monotone when your just staring at the computer for too long. Take a break from the boring view of your screen. It's a good way to not force your head to think too much.

Step 2 : It's OK to skip Updates
Some people do have an update schedule for their fics. It's OK to miss them at times, as real life things step in. Just because readers are wanting you to update doesn't mean you have to do things in a hurry. Plot wise, you can develop more things if you're willing to. You're the author, and if your readers are loyal and you've got a good plot, they will read it no matter how long you take to make a new update. 

Step 3 : SHARE your problem of what's blocking you from writing
If you can't handle it on your own, take a chance to go over it with someone. This someone can be either your beta reader, community friend, best friend, whoever you wish to share it with. Remember, having a second and third opinion can create plot bunnies or seal plot holes.


Things you could/should do to get IDEAS for your fic:

READ books, comics, and WATCH movies. Enough said, this works really well if you watch different types of movies to create different plots or something that's similar. Try avoiding the same fandom as your fic. It's a good way to think out of the box. As to why I said them specifically here's the rundown...

1) Books
You can improve on your grammar, punctuation, and vocab by reading books. Get the feel of format, and see how different authors use different storytelling formats. See which one is comfortable for you to read and try it out. You can also get plot and character ideas.

2) Comics
This can also mean normal comics or manga comics. What's so good of them? Either than plot ideas, comics help you see how people move in frames.  They are already PICTURES with the WORDS. You can get a lot of inspiration from describing a person that's moving and write it down in your fic. I usually prefer American comics over Manga for plots, no offense to the Manga lovers... but American comics tend to be more rich with feeling and description. Plus, they tend to be more colorful making it easier for writing a scene.

3) Movies
Probably the best way to get ideas as it's more real (dialogue and story). Look out for movies that are local or if you're lucky to get subtitles, from abroad. Many countries have their own way and its interesting to learn it. Old movies are also good to have a watch at. You never know what idea that might look interesting.

What I usually do: Find a friend/sibling who's a movie freak and watch with them. Ask them what they liked about the movie plot and what might interest them. Read a fiction book or comic book recommended by a friend that's got a good rating (for book ratings you can go to Good Reads.) For Manga, try the online manga readers online. For comics, try downloading from here it has one of the largest downloadable comic archive that's from DC, Marvel, IDW, Dark Horse, and many more. 

Read Articles or Blogs by other on the Net. RESEARCH. Some articles may interest you in making fanfiction. For example, if your character is a mechanic have you read on what it takes to be one? If your character is a doctor have you read on medical terms? Or if you like a certain place but you've never been to try searching background info on it and what it looks like from a real photo.

What I usually do: List the places my character would go or like or what's his/her occupation. Getting realistic as it gets in the real world is a plus factor. Even if you're writing a fantasy fic, realism is a good way to connect to your readers, because they are real people too. So make sure you research the fandoms thoroughly too. People like having the average Joe who learns his way than the Mary Sue who completely knows everything without making a journey.  

ALWAYS have a piece of paper/writing pad + pen with you where ever you go. You can jot down random things you're feeling while you're doing other things, whether it's a hobby or you were just strolling through a park. Some ideas come out randomly. Even writers like J.K. Rowling did this when she was writing the Harry Potter series.    

What I usually do: Bring a pad and pen where ever I go. Ideas like to pop up suddenly when you're not thinking over the fic too much. A nice way is to always think after you see something around you: 'I wonder what would happen if that happened in my fic...'. Jot down feelings, themes, or whatever comes to your mind.   

Read other Fics (Short or Long/Continued or One Shot). It's not a crime to see what others may have done and incorporate into your fic in your own way. As long as it's your own creation (not copy + pasting) it's legal. Or if you wish to use their ideas, ask permission from them. There's no limit to the ideas you can get from other fandoms you like. Who knows that plot hasn't been used in your current fandom for the story you're writing on.  

What I usually do: Read other people's fics. See what's been overused too many times, people will get bored. Try to go something the opposite. Example: Transformers Movie fandom is dominated by Female OCs; make male OCs. Find good quality fics from other fandoms or crossovers for ideas.

Ask for Help. Again I couldn't really stress this enough, if you've got a block make sure you can help yourself to ask someone when you're stuck. Ask questions to anybody and see what sort if view you can get. We all view things differently.

What I usually do: Ask someone what they feel when they're in a situation like your character and how would they do if they faced it. You can get someone who's not apart of the fandom and ask more general questions. Set up a questionnaire if you want to have a bit of fun or detailed results.


List To Be Continued...

Having problems in making an Original Character?

0
As many people like about fanfiction, it's an awesome oppertunity to create their own character that would eventually interact with their favorite fandom. No doubt I've done this before and I'm pretty sure that all fans would wish to (unless they wish to leave it as a non-OC fic).

Simple tips to get you started:

1) Create your character:

So you got to figure out and make your character. The best thing to have when you create your character is starting off with all the 'Whats'. Name, age, sex, and etc. There's like a LONG list of 'whats' depending on your fandom so give it a go. 

The Tool 

The Trade 
  • Your character has more depth and you can keep notes on how your character develops in the story

2) When Creating your character, LOOK AROUND:

Many people tend to skip out the fandom completely (what people like reading). Make sure before you make your own character, have a look at other people's fanfiction. See what's cool and what's the not-so-cool, and what character tends to be overused. This includes namesake. If you want to avoid those nasty flamers try avoiding making the 'cliche' guy or gal or insert other being here. 

The Tools 
  • Use real names that make sense whether they are unique or not. This site can help you if you wish to have a go at making your character with a specific name. I know it's a baby naming site, but the chance of screwing up a name are more less and if you're looking for a unique name look for the uncommon used names.
The Trades
  • Makes your character sound realistic. Helps you if your character name is from a foreign country. If you're characters aren't human, be sure to check other fandom sites or the name origins from that fandom. Use what's rare.
  • Your character tends to be more balanced and not over powerful or takes over the main characters of the fandoms. If you're creating a Sue, get the highest points or just take all the points in.