a block. nothin's coming out.

[kelley]

I've seen a few posts here in the forum about this, so I hope this doesn't seem too repetitive. But.. I've got a bit of an issue. It's much larger than the zine world, but it definitely still involves my zine, so I figured someone could offer some helpful advice.

So I've been trying to work on a new issue of my zine for close to eight months. I'm not trying to force anything out, I'm just working on it here and there, whenever I feel something. Lately (as in, the past few months) I've had these amazing and beautiful ideas. I think of poetry in my head, or things I want to say/discuss in an article. Once I sit down to write or type it out, nothing comes out. It's as if the previously beautiful ideas turn into, "sadjsadfdf." literally. My brain is stuck on trying to find words for things lately. I've tried reading through my zine collection, reading novels, other people's work.. listening to inspiring music.. and nothing makes it any easier to actually get the words out.

Does this happen to anyone else? Advice?

[sandy]

Sometimes I get that too when I'm bored. It's not just writers' block, but a total brain rut.

I find it helps to find a new hobby for a little while, or try a totally different type of project - anything to inject that feeling of "new challenge" to kickstart your head.

[Hannah (Not Lonely Zine)]

I second this. Many of my zine articles start with a scribbled note on the bus, or in bed just before I fall asleep.

Chloe /Hello Stupid said:

carry a notebook and pen with you everywhere!!! :)
write down anything that comes to mind, write while your thinking. write down your feelings. think about things your passionate about or things that piss you off. thats a great writing starter.
also: dont worry about whether what your writing is shite. just write. worrying about things like that gives me writers block.
hope that helped a little.

[Megan McGory]

Mulnix said:

The only true laxative for creative constipation is alcohol. Not that you can necessarily write while using it (some can, and do), but it can open up roadblocks.

It's a balancing act, though...if you drink too much, you can't write.

Oh, I definitely did this once. I came home from playing beer pong across the street and tried writing a chapter of a novel...
...if nothing else, it makes me laugh to read it now. A LOT. I don't even know what half of the words are anymore.

Now I find that if I drink to become creative...it just makes me sleepy. Does that mean I'm getting old? LOL

[kelley]

sandy said:

Sometimes I get that too when I'm bored. It's not just writers' block, but a total brain rut.

I find it helps to find a new hobby for a little while, or try a totally different type of project - anything to inject that feeling of "new challenge" to kickstart your head.

yea, i definitely feel like it's a whole brain rut. my roommate has suggested i pick up photography (which is an old hobby of mine) and i think i may have to do that.

as for the alcohol.. lol usually im a little preoccupied while drinking to even consider writing. ;) one day i will have to try that out.