How to get over writer's block?

[Blitz]

So, recently I've felt kind of... drained, creativity-wise. Maybe it's the time of year (which means I'll feel better once spring rolls around) or maybe it's because of this new creative writing class I'm in... Should I just force some writing out, no matter how bad it may be, or take a small break? (Though that brak might not be possible with my creative writing class.) I've tried such things as listening to different genres of music as a write, writing in silence, writing during different times of day, writing on a weekday vs. writing on the weekend... But to no avail. I know this should go away by itself eventually, but is there anyway to speed that process up? It just sucks when I read things I've written in the past and think, "I can't reproduce something of that quality right now." D: Also, yes, I'm very aware that this is something I could just Google, but I want to hear from personal experience. Any ideas?

[NuttsnBolts]

Take a break and experience some new things, like movies, music, games or hobbies. I had a similar thing when it came to signature tags in Photoshop. I had a period where I was stagnant and I do believe that it was mostly due to what I was naturally exposing myself to. So I'll take an example of music, but most people that know music are generally used to drums and guitars. However there is more out there when you look at DJs and how they rely on computers and turn tables. Some even borrow other music tracks and use them as samples. Example: Making of "The Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up" in Ableton by Jim Pavloff I could go a step further and say that you don't even need samples or musical instruments to make music. How about a gameboy? Skip Cloud - SLNCE IS GLDEN So you see a simple thing like creating music can have so many possibilities where people that don't even own a musical instruments can produce something. The exact same can be applied to story writing. Read a couple of books you normally wouldn't touch, watch a TV or even anime series that you don't know about, or even watch a movie. What you are looking for is something in that form of media to grasp your attention to the point where you want more or even want to share with others what you enjoy. Hope that helps.

[clark]

Breaks are healthy in any endeavor. Normally I'd suggest pushing through writer's block because most people don't actually write that much, but it sounds like you're writing regularly, so I think a little break wouldn't kill you. That said, the following lines make me think your issue isn't (just) writer's block.

Should I just force some writing out, no matter how bad it may be...

I can't reproduce something of that quality right now...

To me, that sounds like editor's block. I think you need to cut yourself some slack, separate the writing process from the editing process. I highly recommend giving yourself the freedom to just get the words on the page, even if it's garbage. Don't be afraid of failure. Fail often. Take some pressure off. Anyway, here's a tip I've heard but have yet to test: if you draw with your left hand for a while before writing it helps stimulate the right side of your brain.

[Blitz]

@NuttsnBolts I like how you related it to music making. I am also a fan of DJ's music (though, of course, regular ol' physical instruments are great too). Thanks so much for offering me your advice. I think I will try out some new things, maybe read a new book. By the way, that Game Boy song was epiiiiic. @clark Editor's block, you say? I've never heard of it, but that certainly fits my situation. I think I do pressure myself a bit much about quality (though, admittedly, I'm not even all that great to begin with). Anyway, thank you for the post. I'll try to keep plugging with my writing but I won't overdo it or be as self critical. Also, I happen to be left-handed! I've noticed that it helps sometimes to write something down on paper first, then type it up so I can edit it if need be. Maybe because the physical writing stimulates my right hemisphere? Dunno. Interesting.

[Allel]

A lil' personal activity I find helpful is changing my environment. When it gets hard to write, I just grab my notebook and head out to a park and write about my environment. It's pretty simple but the output product is always lacklustre, however, more often than not I get lost in thought and some fresh ideas and vitality in this regard end up coming to me. My most recent venture produced two paragraphs of a first person perception of a bee that was buzzing around me. Good luck!

[NuttsnBolts]

@BlitzThat's cool. I just find it easier to explain things with music. Art and writing I find can be ambiguous depending on what people like, but music tends to sound great, or just simply crap. Not to mention you have to dedicate time to listen, not a few seconds to view like with art.

[Ruby]

I stop writing. Stupid, maybe, but effective. Eventually I'll recharge my literary batteries, and be back at it. If that's no option, just continue to write a little bit each day, forced or not. Just limit how much you write--you'll make up for it by writing SOMETHING every single day.