A Quick Note on Writer's Block for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

A Quick Note on Writer's Block for the Novice Writer

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

Writing is not always an easy task. There are times when your mind gets stuck and you can't seem to find the right direction to take your story. You may feel alone in the middle of the woods, unsure of which path to take. In moments like these, it's important to remember the advice, "Don't sit down in the middle of the woods. If you're lost in the plot or blocked, retrace your steps to where you went wrong. Then take the other road. and/or change the person. Change the tense. Change the opening page."

Retracing your steps is a crucial step in writing. It allows you to go back to a point where you felt more confident and had a clear direction. This can be compared to having a map that you can refer to when you get lost. By retracing your steps, you can see where you went wrong and determine what caused you to feel stuck. You can then take a different path and move in a new direction.

Changing the person or tense is another way to find inspiration and get back on track. Sometimes the issue may not be with your plot or characters but with the way you are telling the story. Changing the person or tense can give you a fresh perspective and help you see the story from a different angle. This might be exactly what you need to jumpstart your creativity and make progress in your writing.

Changing your opening page can also be a helpful strategy. The opening page is the first impression your reader will have of your story, so it's important to make it engaging and captivating. If you're struggling with the rest of your story, going back to the beginning and changing the opening can help you find the spark you need to continue. You might find that a different opening sets a different tone for the whole story and that new inspiration comes flooding in.

When faced with writer's block, it's important to stay calm and not give up. Everyone, even the most successful writers, goes through periods of creative drought. I have to reiterate the advice to "Don't sit down in the middle of the woods. If you're lost in the plot or blocked, retrace your steps to where you went wrong. Then take the other road. and/or change the person. Change the tense. If you change the opening page, you can get back on track and continue making progress on your story.

It's important to note that every writer's creative process is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. However, these strategies are time-tested and have helped countless writers overcome writer's block. It's up to you to experiment and find what works best for you.

For some writers, taking a break is the best way to overcome writer's block. This may mean stepping away from your writing for a few hours, days, or even weeks. During this time, you can focus on other aspects of your life and allow your mind to reset. This can be particularly helpful if you've been working on the same project for an extended period of time. When you come back to it, you might find that you have a new perspective and fresh ideas.

Another helpful strategy is to do writing exercises. This can be a great way to challenge yourself and flex your creative muscles. Writing exercises can range from simple prompts that give you a starting point to more elaborate exercises that require you to think outside the box. Some writers also find it helpful to keep a journal to jot down ideas or freewrite when they're feeling stuck.

In conclusion, writer's block can be a frustrating and discouraging experience, but it doesn't have to stop you in your tracks. By retracing your steps, changing the person or tense, changing the opening page, taking a break, or doing writing exercises, you can overcome writer's block and continue making progress on your story. Remember that everyone experiences writer's block from time to time and that it's a natural part of the creative process. With patience, persistence, and a willingness to try new things, you can push through and produce work that you're proud of.

Also see:

• How to Force the Muse and Eliminate Writer's Block

 

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A Quick Note on Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love and Follow from Beginning to End, for the Novice Writer

A Quick Note on Creating Characters Your Readers Will Love and Follow from Beginning to End, for the Novice Writer

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 
 

Who are the characters that make up your story, and how have they developed and grown throughout the narrative? Without their depth, emotions, and motivations, a story can feel lifeless and unfulfilling.

First, strong and well-developed characters allow readers to connect with the story on a deeper level. A reader invests time and energy in caring about characters and their journeys. They want to see them grow, succeed, and overcome their obstacles. For instance, Harry Potter would not have become one of the most beloved book series of all time without distinctly unique and well-developed characters such as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Severus Snape. Readers were fully invested in their lives, and because of the individual complexity and depth of each character, the story became more relatable and engaging.

Furthermore, audience engagement is what sets apart good stories from great ones. Characters are what drive the plot and enable the action to occur. Without the unique perspectives and motivations of each character, every event and interaction would take on a generic and uninteresting tone. For example, in the epic Game of Thrones, the nuanced and flawed characters give depth and meaning to the conflicts and political schemes of the fictional world of Westeros. The characters' complex moral and ethical codes reveal the human nature of each one, giving readers a deep understanding of the challenges the characters face.

In addition, the character arc, which leads to their evolution and growth throughout the story, is a significant factor in the audience's engagement. Characters who experience growth and change are more memorable and relatable as they overcome the trials they face. A character who always remains static may become dull and predictable, and the audience may quickly lose interest. For example, the character of Walter White in Breaking Bad goes from a mundane chemistry teacher to a ruthless drug kingpin, showcasing his gradual transformation throughout the series. Walter White's evolution increases viewer engagement and keeps readers hooked until the end of the story.

In conclusion, strong, compelling, and well-developed characters are essential to a captivating plot. Without this element, a story can fall flat and leave readers unsatisfied. The depth and complexity of characters their motivations and their growth contribute to their relatability and evoke the audience's emotions. Ultimately, the characters leave lasting impressions in the minds of the readers, making them the heart of any great story.

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A Quick Note on Characters: Round and Flat, Major and Minor Writing for the Novice Writer

 

 

A Quick Note on Characters: Round and Flat, Major and Minor Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 Characters are the heart of any good story, and they come in many different forms. In literature, characters can be divided into several categories, including round and flat characters, and major and minor characters. Understanding these distinctions can help readers better understand the role that characters play in the story and the different ways in which they are developed.

Flat characters are those that are relatively one-dimensional and do not undergo significant changes throughout the course of the story. These characters are often used to provide exposition or to move the plot forward, but they do not typically have complex motivations or relationships. Examples of flat characters might include the sidekick in a superhero movie or the stock characters that populate a romance novel.

On the other hand, round characters are those that are multi-dimensional and have more complex motivations and relationships. These characters undergo significant development throughout the course of the story, and readers are able to see them grow and change over time. Round characters often have internal conflicts, motivations that are not immediately apparent, and unexpected actions or decisions that challenge readers' expectations.

Major characters are those that play a significant role in the story and are often central to the plot. They are typically the characters that the story revolves around, and they may have dynamic relationships with other characters or experience significant shifts in their own personalities or values. Examples of major characters include the protagonist in a novel or the main character in a film.

Minor characters, on the other hand, are those that play a smaller role in the story. They may provide secondary plotlines or support for the major characters, but they do not typically have as much development or screen time as major characters. Examples of minor characters might include the friends or coworkers of the main character or the supporting players in a sports movie.

Understanding the distinctions between round and flat characters and major and minor characters can help readers better appreciate the complexity of the characters in a story and the ways in which they contribute to the narrative. By examining the traits, motivations, and relationships of each character, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the story's themes and messages. Whether in literature, film, or television, well-developed characters are key to creating engaging and memorable storytelling experiences.

 

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Writing a Novel is Like Cutting a Path Through the Jungle by James Salter | Writing Quote

Writing a Novel is Like Cutting a Path Through the Jungle

 

by James Salter

 

 If you’re writing a novel, I would say it’s like cutting a path through the jungle. You’ve got a machete and you don’t know exactly where you’re going except you’re heading east and the rest of it is luck each day and you get tired. You’re exhausted on this long march, which is the book, so if you don’t have some discipline, it’s going to take you a very long time. You may not finish; as a matter of fact, you may abandon it, turn back. 

 

About the Author 

James Arnold Horowitz (June 10, 1925 – June 19, 2015), better known as James Salter, his pen name and later-adopted legal name, was an American novelist and short-story writer. Originally a career officer and pilot in the United States Air Force, he resigned from the military in 1957 following the successful publication of his first novel, The Hunters. Wikipedia

James Salter books at Amazon

A Quick Note on Tropes in Genre Writing in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

A Quick Note on Tropes in Genre Writing in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 Tropes are often used in literature as a way to create familiarity and provide a sense of structure to the story. They are commonly used because theyhave been successful in the past and resonate with readers. However, overuse of tropes can lead to predictable and mundane storytelling.

A trope can be a plot device, such as the hero's journey or love triangle, or a character attribute, suchas the brooding anti-hero or the wise mentor. These tropes have become so ingrained in the genre that they are now seen as commonplace and expected by readers.

One of the most common tropes in literature is the love triangle. This occurs when a protagonist is torn between two love interests, often with very different personalities or backgrounds. The love triangle trope can be found in many genres, including romance, young adult, and even science fiction.

While the love triangle can add drama and tension to a story, the overuse of this trope can become formulaic and predictable. The same can be said for other popular tropes such as the chosen one, the underdog, and the revenge plot. These are all tropes that have been used so often that they have lost their originality and impact.

One of the dangers of relying too heavily on tropes is that they can lead to flat and stereotypical characters. For example, the "damsel in distress" trope portrays women as weak and helpless, while the "macho hero" trope depicts men as emotionless and invincible. Using these tropes perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes and limits the range of character development.

However, when used effectively, tropes can add depth and nuance to a story. They can be subverted or twisted to create unexpected twists and turns. For example, in the movie "Frozen," the true love between sisters subverted the traditional romantic love triangle trope.

In conclusion, tropes are a common and expected part of literature. While they can be effective in creating familiarity and structure, they should be used carefully and judiciously. Overusing tropes can lead to predictable and formulaic storytelling, while subverting tropes can add depth and nuance. Ultimately, it is up to the writer to use tropes in a way that enriches the story and breaks new ground.

 

Also see:

• Romantic Tropes: Guide to Help Romance Novel Writers
•  4 YA Fantasy Tropes That Aren't Overdone and How to Write Them
•  80 Sci-Fi Tropes for Writers
•  Why You Should Create Your Own Genre
   

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