Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- And How To Beat Them

Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or text-to-speech

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse and neurodiverse writing communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of motivation- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

How to Make Grian in DnD

Welcome to my first guide on making Life SMP members into DnD 5e characters!

I’ll go level by level and explain the reasoning behind my decisions and how I think it fits them in character. This build assumes starting at level 8 but includes notes on differences if you start at level 1 and progress to 8. Keep in mind that this isn’t intended as a guide on how to play dnd, just how to build this character. I also don't explain every feature but I may briefly touch on it and explain my reasoning for taking it.

Class: Fighter 6 (Eldritch Knight)/Cleric 2 (War Domain)

Race: Aarakocra* (can be humanised)

Base Ability Scores:

Str 10 (+0)

Dex 15 (+0) +2 from race = 17 (+3)

Con 13 (+1) +1 from race = 14 (+2)

Int 10 (+0)

Wis 13 (+1)

Cha 12 (+1)

Background: Courtier

Grian is a well-rounded character with no clear weaknesses but a couple of fields he excels at. He’s good at almost all aspects of the game whether it be combat, social interactions or even just survival. I gave him the Fighter/Cleric multiclass because I felt like it would be an interesting build and made him a dexterity-based fighter because Aarakocra cant fly with any armour other than light armour.

Before moving on to classes, let’s go over the race and background features.

Aarakocra race*:

Flight**: Flying speed equal to walk speed, only works with light or no armour.

Talons: Your unarmed attacks do more damage. Not super good because this is a dex build.

Wind Caller: At lvl 3 you can cast Gust of Wind. A cool spell, find some fun situations to use it in.

*The Aarakocra version used here is the nerfed version from “Mordekainnen Presents: Monsters of the Multiverse”.

**If having a flying speed is a problem, a compromise I usually default to is only letting flying speed let you move vertically during your turn, but you cannot end your turn in mid-air or you fall.

Courtier background:

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Persuasion

Court Functionary: You are good at hearing things about important people, as you are one of them. Perfect for if you want to start wars.

At 1st lvl, we start with a level in Fighter. This grants us:

Proficiency in heavy, medium, and light armour, shields

Proficiency in simple and martial weapons

Proficiency in Strength and Constitution saving throws.

Skill Proficiencies: Take Survival and Athletics.

Fighting Style: Choose Duelling if you want to use a sword mostly. Archery is fine too if you want to use a bow.

Second Wind: Bonus action healing. Nice to have.

As a dex build, Grian will be using light armour and finesse or ranged weapons mostly. Ideal weapon would be a rapier and a longbow. The Courtier background involves knowing what’s happening amongst a group of interest, much like how Grian is involved with many major Minecrafters

At 2nd lvl, we take a second level in Fighter, which grants us:

Action Surge: Have a second action in one round once per short rest. Good early for having another attack and scales very well.

At 3rd lvl, we take a third level in Fighter, which grants us:

Subclass: Eldritch Knight

Eldritch Knight grants:

Weapon Bond: Find a shiny weapon? It’s yours now and no one else can have it!

Two Cantrips: Mage Hand (lots of trickery you can do with this) and Blade Ward (in case taking damage is inevitable)

Three 1st lvl spells: Magic Missile (just in case), Shield (good defensive spell) and Fog Cloud (cause lots of chaos and confusion)

As Grian’s Intelligence stat hasn’t been prioritised, I chose spells that don’t involve any rolls so that it’s not really a problem. He’ll get more chaotic use out of the cleric spells that we get later.

At 4th lvl, we take a fourth level in Fighter, which grants us:

Ability Score Improvement OR Feat. Take the Ability Score Improvement and +1 your Dex up to 18 (+4) and your Wisdom up to 14 (+2).

One more spell: Take Tenser’s Floating disk (Take people’s doors and stack them on the disk and then run away without being weighed down)

The dex is always important, improves your stealth so you’re less likely to be caught placing tnt and the wisdom helps your perception but more importantly helps after becoming a cleric.

At 5th lvl, we take a fifth level in Fighter, which grants us:

Extra Attack: More damage output!

With this fifth level in Fighter, we hit the important damage power spike. Now we can get to the more chaotic side of Grian.

At 6th lvl, we multiclass into Cleric, which grants us:

Three Cantrips: Take Guidance (good spell), Thaumaturgy (fun spell) and Spare the Dying (mainly for Scar)

1st lvl spells: As a prepared caster, Clerics can swap out their spells after a long rest. My suggested default spells are: Bless, Sanctuary and Ceremony (get that marriage buff).

Subclass: War Domain

War Domain grants:

Extra Prepared Spells: Divine Favor and Shield of Faith

Bonus Proficiencies: Martial Weapons and Heavy Armour. Both redundant because we started Fighter.

War Priest: Another attack as a bonus action with number of uses scaling with Wisdom. Goes well with being a fighter.

Ready to start a war? Cleric and this subclass especially makes Grian extra ready to start a war and fight his way to victory. As a Cleric, Grian of course worships the mighty Boatem Pole!

At 7th lvl, we take a second level in Cleric, which grants us:

Channel Divinity: Turn Undead. Good for all the zombies and skeletons that keep spawning around you.

Channel Divinity: Guided Strike. Give yourself a +10 to an attack roll once per long rest. Really good if you just desperately need to land a hit.

One more prepared spell: Command (Need a war started? Just point at a button and tell someone else to “Press”!)

At 8th lvl, we take a sixth level in Fighter, which grants us:

Ability Score Improvement OR Feat: Take the ASI to bring your dex from 18 (+4) to 20 (+5)

Maxed out dex is good. Alternatively, you could bump your wisdom up to 16 instead if you want stronger spells.

Summary:

Final stats:

Str 10 (+0)

Dex 20 (+5)

Con 14 (+2)

Int 10 (+0)

Wis 14 (+2)

Cha 12 (+1)

Two Attacks as an action, a third as a bonus action (limited uses)

Rapier (if Duelling was chosen): +5 (dex) +3 (prof. bonus) = +8 to hit. 1d8 + 5 (dex) + 2 (duelling) piercing dmg.

Longbow (if Archery was chosen): +5 (dex) +3 (prof. bonus) +2 (archery) = +10 to hit. 1d8 + 5 piercing.

And that’s it for Grian! I hope this build captures the chaotic nature of Grian while also maintaining his prowess a just about everything. If you have any feedback or questions, I’d love to read them! ^^

Next will be Scar!

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imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

Hello I'm A Normal Person Here's Some Stuff I Drew To Illustrate Different Traits Different "person Getting

Hello i'm a normal person here's some stuff i drew to illustrate different traits different "person getting controlled" tropes can have

edit: obligatory possession shorthand code link because people seem to be using this like the possession code but just. without the code part

edit: DO NOT BE HORNY ON MY POST 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

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imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

The fact that Microsoft Word has to be a subscription is upsetting. I already paid for it why do I have to pay again

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imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

Panel 1: two sets of legs walking. Panel 2: The legs on the left come to a stop as the legs on the right keep walking. Panel 3: The legs on the left stand still. The legs on the right start to disappear off panel as they keep walking. Panel 4: The legs on the left stand alone.

Panel 1: kid on the right wearing a backpack walking. Panel 2: Kid on the right turns, noticing their friend is gone, and stops walking. Panel 3: kid on the right is standing a couple paces behind, looking down at the ground with their hands gripping the straps of their backpack. Kid on the right has stopped and turned around. They say, "what's wrong?"

Panel 1: kid on the left looks downcast and says, "I don't wanna go to school. It's scary." Panel 2: kid on the right walks up beside kid on the left. Panel 3: Kid on the right says, "yeah, it is." Panel 4: kid on the left says, "But we have to go."

Panel 1: kid on the right stares. Panel 2: kid on the right starts to take off their backpack. Panel 3: Kid on the left is staring down at nothing. Panel 4: something catches their attention and the kid on the left looks up towards their friend. Panel 5: The kid on the right says, "here, give me your hand." They hold out their hand towards the kid on the left and holds an uncapped permanent marker in their other hand.

Panel 1: Kid on the right holds the kid on the left's hand as they writes in it. Their backpack leans up against their leg as it rests against the ground. They say, "I'm gonna write the biggest, strongest thing I know on your hand so you can take it to class. Panel 2: kid on the left asks, "What is it? A cassowary?" Panel 3: Kid on the right says from off-page as the kid on the left covers their face and turns away, "Stronger than that. But you can't peek right now. You can only look when you get reeeeeally scared." Kid on the left says, "why?"

kid on the right says from off-page, "The trick is that when you know what it is it'll be so big and so strong, you won't be able to be as scared anymore." Panel 1: kid on the left's hand being held by the kid on the right as they continue writing on it with a permanent marker. Panel 2: kid on the right closing the kid on the left's hand for them. Kid on the right says, "So you gotta save it." Bottom of the page is black gradient.

Dark hallway with a large billboard on the wall that has pages stapled to it extending off the page. Single looming door about four times the height of the kid on the left who is standing looking at it with their backpack on. The single long rectangular window above the door's handle casts a shadow over the kid. Panel 1: close-up on the kid on the left as they look up nervously at the door. They're holding the straps of their backpack. Panel 2: The kid on the left fiddling with their hands, their right hand in a fist where something had been written.

Panel 1: kid on the left stretches to reach for the door handle overhead. The door is very oversized. Panel 2: Kid on the left's small hand gripping the giant door handle. Panel 3: Kid on the left says, "A hippo..." as they pull the door handle down to open it. Panel 4: Kid on the left says, "a hippo with lasers..." as they begin to step through the open door. Only their feet and the bottom of their backpack can be seen. Panel 5: The gap through the open door shows a harsh light compared to the dark hallway where the door and it's handle is still in shadow. Panel 6: From the outside the door closes with a "click."

Full page art of a giant featureless teacher at the front of the classroom writing on a blackboard with a piece of chalk. Comparatively tiny students who are also featureless face the front while sat at their desks. Only the backs of their heads and shoulders can be seen. The kid on the left is sitting down in their midst, their backpack slung on the back of their chair. There are some stairs that go up to the too-high black board at the front of the room. There are two pieces of chalk and a black board eraser resting at the bottom of the black board. The teacher has written, "mushroom + mushroom = mushroom" "disease - disease = disease" "giraffe × gi"

Panel 1: the kid on the left looking forwards with their hands folded in front of them on their desk. They look apprehensive and they're surrounded by the other students at their desks. The other students all have sticky notes on their faces with an emotionless simple expression drawn on. Everyone faces forward.
Panel 2: the kid on the left looks at their hands as they fiddle with them, still clasped together.
Panel 3: the kid on the left continues fiddling with their hands without parting them, leaning further down.
Panel 4: the kid on the left has their face right up to their hands, still fiddling and now with greater concentration.
Panel 5: the kid on the left jerks to look up in shock as the teacher says, "YOU."
Panel 6: the silhouette of the kid on the left sits alone at their desk, tiny compared to the teacher's hand pointing directly at them.

Panel 1: the teacher's hand is giant in the frame as it points and says, "WHAT IS GIRAFFE." Behind them is the chalkboard that reads, "mushroom + mushroom = mushroom" "disease - disease = disease" "giraffe × giraffe = giraffe"
Panel 2: the kid on the left reels back with a scared expression, their hands clenching on their desk.
Panel 3: Close-up on the kid on the left as they hunch in on themselves and say quietly, "um."
Panel 4: The kid on the left's hands shake as they clasp together and they say quietly, "uh."
They continue, "a giraffe...?"

Panel 1: the teacher says, "WRONG." The kid on the left looks small hunched in on themselves at their desk with every other student at their desks turned towards them.
Panel 2: The kid on the left sits frozen at their desk with their hands closed together over their desk, frozen.
Panel 3: The kid on the left remains frozen, receding into the void with all the other students missing.

The kid on the left floats in the void, sitting at their desk with their hands folded and looking down. They get smaller as they begin to hunch down and rotate in further iterations of themselves down the page until they have their face in their arms. It looks like they're floating off.

Panel 1: the kid on the left has their face buried in their arms against their desk.
Panel 2: The kid on the left's eyes have tears dripping from them as they peek up from behind their hands.
Panel 3: The kid on the left rubs at the tears with one hand as their downturned mouth can be seen from behind their right hand.
Panel 4: The attention of the kid on the left is caught by something on their right hand.
Panel 5: A close-up of their right hand reveals "I love you" written on the palm.

Panel 1: The kid on the left sits up slightly, looking at their hand with a surprised expression and says, "oh." Panel 2: The kid on the left floats alone in the void without their desk or anyone around them, holding their right hand with their left and looking down with a slight smile. They say, "that's stronger than a kajillion hippos with lasers."

we go together

we go together Is a surreal slice-of-life webcomic by Pim updated three times a week

Edit: school pt 2

114K notes View Post

imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

Based

[Edit: pirate it here! It's on me. _*DOWNLOAD*_ ]

15K notes View Post

imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

staff changing dashboard again i think, all pfps are removed unless its an original post, which then it appears INSIDE the post :|

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imeatingrnleavemealone

4 months ago

It's my birthday I can do what I want

And since it's also Tails' birthday I decided to put him in Fortnite.

I mostly do 2D stuff, but @/Schollidazed on Twitter provided Sonic Rush rigs for the public a bit ago and I thought they'd be perfect for this.

There were a couple of posts that inspired this too, most of all this one from @/RikardishoGafo on Twitter that is SO good. They made a concept sheet. It's amazing.

Another person who had this 'two brothers in a trenchcoat' idea was @suieel's top tier post here.

Anyway I've never played Fortnite how'd I do?

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imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

i thought my laptop was on its last leg because it was running at six billion degrees and using 100% disk space at all times and then i turned off shadows and some other windows effects and it was immediately cured. i just did the same to my roommate's computer and its performance issues were also immediately cured. okay. i guess.

so i guess if you have creaky freezy windows 10/11 try searching "advanced system settings", go to performance settings, and uncheck "show shadows under windows" and anything else you don't want. hope that helps someone else.

224K notes View Post

imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

squishies for when you need a nap

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imeatingrnleavemealone

1 year ago

8 useful websites & apps for writers

Notion

Desktop app for organizing your notes with tons of views and functions - works like a mini personal website.

Ommwriter

A peaceful writing program with focus options and ambience settings - complete with typing sound effects!

Reedsy

A massive website for writers with tools, generators, prompts, programs, tips and services.

Figma

A free-form editable and collaborative mind-map interface, for laying all your notes out visually.

Novlr

Free online writing software with goal setting and thorough tracking options, now with in-app courses as well.

Freedom

Distraction-muting app that blocks attention-sucking websites for a set period of time.

Milanote

Another visual board organizer for your notes and plans.

Wordtune

Editing app to rephrase your sentences depending on length or tone.

Do you need help getting your WIP organized?

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Grab it through the [link here] or below!