Thread "Writers Block! HELP!" in forum "Comic Talk and General Discussion *"

Posted at 7:01AM, Jan. 11, 2007

You can't run out of ideas. Yeah, maybe for one comic series, but then put it away for a while, make another series, make a few extra comics (of another subject), or introduce a new character. Ideas WILL come eventually. Also it doesn't have to be funny. You can make a comic about everything and it doesn't even have to contain a joke. If that's not good enough and you especially want to make a joke and not change your comic, then stop for a while and wait for ideas.
I tought I've had trouble of a writers block lots of times, but that was just that I wanted to try something new, I have a book where I write all of my ideas and I haven't even used the half of it, it's more that I want something fresh most of the time and when I really want that it will just happen. The only time I had a REAL writers block was during the 24 Hour Comic Day, but that was because of the short amount of time and even than I got an idea and finished my 24-paged comic and still had time left. Be patient, or stop being to critical is my advice.

Posted at 7:01AM, Jan. 11, 2007

Just Freak Out.

Posted at 8:01AM, Jan. 11, 2007

Sometimes we get the Block because of a particular storyline. maybe it was under- or over-thought. Maybe the characters are acting in a way that differs from their consistent behavior (think Calvin and Hobbes). Maybe the idea is really good but needs to rest.

Whatever it is, the big question remains: is it better to plow ahead and suck or take a breather? I sometimes find when I'm stuck that drawing characters helps me out (the current Clench and Cheese took a big sweep once I drew the bugeyed gentleman who is in today's strip, for example, and the resulting punchline made me laugh out loud because I was surprised by it). If all else fails, try this:

First, make sure you have no interruptions for at least an hour. Go somewhere unusual if you can. Bring a legal pad and a pen and/or pencil. Have a drink or a cup of coffee. Maybe smoke a bowl if that's your thing. Whatever… get out of your rigid mindset however you can.

Then, make a list of random words. Write down the left side of the page until you reach the bottom. Take another piece of paper and cover up what you've just written. Write another list of words down the other side. Look at the lists side by side. Draw random lines between pairs of words. Take a pair and try to think of everything that relates them. Write it down. Make some sketches.

This is kind of a jumpstart method, you know? Like: potted plant—washing machine. Why would you put a potted plant in a washing machine? Washing machines shake. Potted plants would quiver if set on one. What would a plant say? Where would the soil go? What would your wife say when she saw you washing a plant in the washing machine? Make a sketch of it…

This is an extremely effective way to bring the fun back into your work. It's like taking a vacation.

Posted at 9:01AM, Jan. 11, 2007

ummmmmm….im not really good about writers block but i do have a story idea…i made a short story called the villians win. it origially started out w/ darth vader but ended up with buzz lightyear…the whole point is that villians actually take over the world. heroes cheat i tell you! villians monologue, and heroes don't! damn cheaters…

Posted at 9:01AM, Jan. 11, 2007

sorry i like to rant sometimes…the story is also where i got my name kimiko…

Posted at 12:01AM, Jan. 12, 2007

Argh, writer's block…always happens at the worst of times, huh?
Personally, the Shower Method works for me, but I've looked a little deeper into it and realised something.

Your mind only produces great ideas when you can't write them down.

Say, you're in the shower. Can't get near pen and paper or a computer…BAM! Great idea. If you're as scatterbrained as me, you'll have forgotten the idea by the time you get out of the shower.
Same for just drifting off to sleep (the time when you are scientifically least likely to feel like getting up again and writing) or in an hour-long car/bus/train journey with no notepad.
And if you carry a notepad around everywhere? The ideas don't come!

This is my advice. It might only be my mind plotting against me, though. :D

Posted at 4:01AM, Jan. 14, 2007

So freaking true.
Not only that, but I seem to have a problem where no normal period during my year is good for idea. When I'm at Uni, I'm busy, and when I'm on holidays, I'm either distracted by friends, or bored off my ass with nothing in the way of inspiration.