What's your flavor?

Although writers are known for being the artistic type, many of us still categorize motifs, plots, characters, even writing styles. Generally there are two types of writers—Pantsers and Plotters. Pantsers are those who write by the seat of their pants, who write scenes as they come and piece it all together in the end. On the other hand, Plotters are those who plan out the story plot and generally know how it all happens before the story is finished.

Although plotters write with the big picture in mind and a goal at the end of the tunnel, they are sometimes stubborn when the story doesn't work out the way they planned. One lesson I quickly learned when I began writing so long ago is that characters have their own personality and minds (as bizarre as that sounds to non-writers, we writers are NOT Schizophrenic) and therefore don’t give a damn what I had planned out. But that’s okay. It always works out in the end. Plotters are also known for over-planning, i.e. they become so engrossed in backstories and outlines, character sheets and creating a new world (if writing fiction/fantasy) that it takes forever for them to actually start writing the story! In short, it can become procrastination hidden behind productivity.

No matter which type of writer you might be (possibly even a little of both!), each has advantages and disadvantages. Incidentally, the advantage of foresight and planning so prized by Plotters is the downfall of Pantsers. The majority of writers are Pantsers, so called because they rite by the seat of their pants. They are passionate writers often found frantically writing as their muses whisper sweet inspiration. However their muses can be little devils that have a tendency to wander away just when you thought you were getting somewhere, resulting in writer’s block. One can only get so far before looking back on the story to realize that it is only an interesting pile conversations, action scenes, etc. with no real direction. Without direction there can be no plot and without a plot, there's not much of a story.

Thus, the most common form of writers block happens when your characters begin meandering around, talking aimlessly, when the pace slows to a crawl and you’ve lost the plot, whether you had any idea where it was going or not.

On a positive note, do not be discouraged, my friends. Writer’s block is temporary and there are several ways to kick a hole through that barrier.

• When you get stuck on a story with part A written, some vague idea of part C and a black hole where part B was supposed to be, just keep going! Don’t stop the flow. Skip ahead and write part C. Part B will come around, all in good time.
• If you catch yourself staring at ellipses or a white screen, the best thing to do is write. I know. I know. That’s the problem. But seriously, write anything. Anything at all! Describe the cicada husk on the tree outside your window. Write about the suspicious stain mark on the wall or that weird dream about aliens you had the other night.
• Still can’t think of anything? Try looking up writing exercises. Pull out that creative writing book you have tucked away in a corner bookshelf writing exercises. Or search for some prompts online!
• If you're lacking inspiration, go to your happy place, be that a physical location or your mental sanctuary. Remind yourself why life is interesting and why you want to write about it!
• If all else fails, stop trying so hard! Give your brain a rest and chill for a few hours, days, a week. Sometimes inspiration will take longer to hit than other times. The key is not to force it.

Anyway, I hope this was informative, if not helpful. Stay tuned for more!

EDIT: P.S. I wanted to share this cool poem/artwork that I found.
Writer's Block by Patronus4000