Writer's Block

It varies. I just have to trust in the process. I've started and scrapped so many sim stories but am sticking to my current one. I remember when I was in college, I struggled with essays. I went to the writing center and they advised me to keep what I've written in a draft but tweak it as needed. It was a game changer! I used to write whole essays then scrap them on a whim/out of frustration. Hope that helps a bit!

Thanks. I think I will just accept (slight?) dissatisfaction and move on, which is what I tend to do, because it's never that big of a deal. I'm the type who could tweak something forever. 

First off, I find it's often best for me to stand away from the piece I view as not up to par, as it were. Sometimes, leaving it alone overnight and re-reading it with fresh eyes can do a lot for the perspective. You may find there are things worth salvaging. Secondly, you may wish to play your game for a bit. Let your Sims be themselves and see if that doesn't inspire something.  Or take a slight break and watch a movie. What I'm suggesting, which is often true for myself, is I get into a mood wherein nothing is good. It could be great, but I am incapable of seeing it. This is not the time to throw the piece out, by any means. Also, sometimes, in the morning, I'll get a line or two of dialogue that takes the update/chapter I was trying to write in a whole different direction. I may grab a description or two from the ill-fated update, but I let the new inspiration have full reign.

As for the battle against Writer's Block, allow yourself to act on the inspiration. Jot down that thought, that bit of dialogue. Give your subconscious mind permission to get creative. If you keep ignoring it, that's when you run into trouble. I know, I suffered and eight-year bout of Writer's Block. I got to the point where I thought I would never write again.

Hope this helps, even a little. Oh, and be kind to yourself.

Yes, do be careful about the endless edits. I have a very good friend, who, herself is a wonderfully talented writer, warn me once about that stroke too many, (putting it in painter's terms). We can edit the life out of a piece if we aren't careful. I had to lock my own Critic in the closet.  I have also likened the rupture of the aneurysm in my brain as my need to send said Critic to the moon, or farther.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. 💜 Not because of you, but I seem to be more indecisive than ever. I will either keep editing or scrap a huge part of it and start over.  Hmm...

We can edit the life out of a piece if we aren't careful. 

This is true. It makes me realize how much I dislike what I've written though, because it already feels lifeless. I like it when people prepare to go to war with an editor/boss/etc. over a certain phrase, word or even punctuation mark. I need to get more into what I'm writing, so that I can at least write a sentence or something that I feel passionate about, that I'd want to defend against critics. I probably need to scrap things. For me, sometimes switching to paper from computer or vice versa helps. 

Sorry to hear about your brain aneurysm. I hope you've been able to get everything treated! 

Thank you. I ended up having to endure a craniotomy due to the size and location of it.  Normally, the less invasive method of coiling is done. What can I say. I did have some interesting moments while reoperating in the ICU. There is nothing like seeing your main character from the book you were writing, standing in the doorway of your room, just gazing at you over her shoulder as if to say, "Are you going to finish my story, now?" As for me, I'm doing very well. I managed to live through it, by God's grace, and I now have fourteen grandchildren.