How Do You Deal With Writer's Block?

[Cleveraptor]

I've been RPing for quite a long time (since I was in middle school), and one thing that's always been an issue for me is the dreaded writer's block. In particular, it rears its head with me when my depression picks up; specifically this tends to happen to me most in fall and winter (because of my seasonal affective disorder). In all my time writing, I've never found a surefire way to get past writer's block for myself. I know that doing things to alleviate my depression can help, but I'd like some thoughts and opinions from other people on the forum, especially if they're old experienced writers.

[Carlyle]

Take a break and recharge. Go do something else, seriously. Read a book. Watch a show. Play a game. You'll come back refreshed, and who knows, maybe with more ideas to steal for incorporate into your RPs.

[RickyG85]

Something that helps me with creative writing/rp, when I'm having a hard time? Just write any random/stupid stuff that pops into your head. Drift in and out of streams of consciousness, prattle on incoherently, and even spout random nonsense, and it isn't long before my mind starts coming up with ideas I can really work with.

Even if it doesn't work 100% of the time, it's still 100% better than staring at the screen and "waiting for inspiration".

[Mole]

I read, watch something (I noticed children shows more so), listen to music, and/or go for a jog.

Alexandre Dumas summed it up pretty well, ironically or not ironically: “Wait and hope.” Being patient and continuing in life endeavors helps loosen the rigidity of my imagination.

[The Elvenqueen]

What usually helps me to get out of a funk is I have a particular playlist of songs that are "vibes" for either a specific character or even a specific rp/setting if there's not enough to separate the characters individually. So I just have that on in the background and see if it kick-starts anything.

Going back and re-reading some of your old posts for that thread/character can also help too, maybe it's been a while since you wrote them and your brain is abit stuck because its forgotten what their "inner voice" sounds like, for instance. So re-reading old posts can help with that :)

If you're genuinely just tired/burnt out tho, definitely don't try and force force it to the point where you start to hate the hobby tho, that's the opposite of helping. You could try doing some other stuff for abit like watching a comfort show or movie, or if you're into that doing another art and craft project like colouring or sewing or something! Hope you've managed to get some good tips here and it helps ya out somehow! <3

[Penny]

Panic and start like 6 more rps @POOHEAD189

[Bobo Del Rey]

Writer's block tends to have a pattern of happening to me when things are too stagnant or routine. So I usually get rid of it by starting a little drama at work. That added bit of pressure and stress kick-starts my creative flow.

[Ariamis]

What I have found to help is taking some time out of writing to read through not only your own writing, but also the writing of others: whether it's posts in the same RP you've written to, other RP's, or even just books and other forms of literature. You may find something in your old writing you want to expand on, or become inspired by concepts and narrative tools that you noticed and realize might make for a fresh change of pace. The important point is to detach from what caused the original writer's block and shift perspective to beyond the block. Of course, take it with a grain of salt: I know it doesn't always work, but it's something to consider.