Do you think it's possible to be able to write stories perfectly fine but than you can't write anymore...?

Question

In grade 9 for fun I would write stories and they'd go on until they reached hundred(s) of pages. They'd be fictional, some corny some not. Suddenly though in grade 10 I haven't been able to write one story, this possibly started happening before the end of my first semester and now my exams are coming up next week...
I know it may not seem like a big deal but writing used to be a passion for me and a time I could personally enjoy and share with others and now I feel as though it's been taken from me. I never used to think this way until just recently. I try and try but no matter what I simply can't write or continue a story... And yes I've tried taking breaks and even tried other approaches for beginning/writing stories.

What do you think could do this or would have caused this?

Thank you,

Megan

Answer 1

Whenever I lose motivation to write, I try to find a new writing spot. Where do you write? Do you write in the same place most of the time? Maybe new surroundings will stir up that passion, somehow. I can't explain it.



I'm always jumping from place to place: the library, to the park, to a train station, to a dormitory lounge--like every 3 weeks, because it seems like I burn out all the writing energy that floats around in that one spot lol.



Or try buying new supplies? Like a pretty notebook or some very nice pens? (Silly, but it works sometimes--anything to get that motivation back!)



One way or the other, it'll come back--maybe. If you're on your 4th year of your writer's block, then it's most likely doubt in yourself that's bringing you down. They say it's better to write crappy stuff than to not write at all.



But, this sort of thing happens to writers often--so it's not like you're committing an unforgivable crime in the creative writing world. lol.



I wish you the best!

Answer 2

I'm a writer and there are times when I have great story ideas and can just sit down for days on end and write until the story is done. Then I can go for months without a single idea popping noticeably into my head.



There's an ad with Gwen Stefani in it talking about her music process (it's a computer ad I think). She expresses the same sentiment that creativity isn't something that can be pushed. It just comes but you have to wait for it sometimes.



Most likely when your exams are over with and school's out for the summer, you'll find you can access that creative mode again. Sometimes when you're working on new subject matter that's really taking up mental space, creativity gets shut off for a little while.

Answer 3

i would agree that it sounds a bit like writer's block. i wonder though if it might be brought on by the pressure you put on yourself to suddenly do it again. i lost interest in my own writing for a time because i had to do so much of it for classes and was restricted on what i could do in many ways. it was a lot harder to really honestly be myself in my writing which is something i've only recently been able to pick up again.

The fact of the matter is that some people just sort of run out of ideas after a little while. some writers constantly have ideas and others just need breaks. maybe you're just needing the right inspiration. the thing is that you shouldn't worry about it because then you're always thinking about it. and always thinking about it means it's harder to get over. I know that's hard to do sometimes, but really, just do something different now and then, talk to some new people and maybe, just maybe you'll get an idea.

My best advice really, then, is to hang in there. It'll come back in time.

Answer 4

Yes, it does sound like a case of Writer's Block.



But what caused it? What made you suddenly lose you confidence? Did someone criticise your writing at any point? That can be a killer.



I remember when I was at school, I'd write and write non-stop - I'd fill up exercise books at the speed of light - it was a real passion, and it was all I wanted to do.



Then I changed schools, and my new English (Creative Writing) teacher made a criticism which crippled me for years - she made the observation that I only ever wrote my fiction in first person, and made me feel like it was a real sin. I couldn't write for years after that, and like you, I mourned the loss of my "obsession."



But take heart, it'll come back. It sounds like you were born to write, and soon the need to create will flood back and drown out all self-doubts you may have.



Just believe in yourself. Trust that you have a precious gift, and no-one can take that away from you. And trust that you'll never run out of ideas. Do you keep a journal? Jot down every interesting thing you hear, cut inspiring things out of the newspaper and glue them in. You'll amass a wonderful treasure chest of ideas that will inspire you during a "dry spell" - it definitely works for me!



Good luck, and I hope your writing bug comes back VERY soon!



Hafwen x

Answer 5

I think it's because you feel that you are out of new ideas or that your own stories aren't measuring up to your expectations. Remember that no one knows if you cheat a bit and reuse a general idea!



Also it might be because you are expected to conform to certain guidelines in your writing that weren't there before. (new rules?)



Whatever you do, remember that you are supposed to ENJOY this, not make it a chore!

Answer 6

Harper Lee wrote ONE book. To Kill a Mockingbird. Sometimes that is all someone has in them. Other times it is writers block. You are young - time will tell. Pax-C

Answer 7

It is just writers block. It will come back. I experience it and it bums me out then when I least expect it....it's back and I write like crazy.