when your writing falls into a rut

[Jackie Treehorn]

Anyone ever feel like you're writing the same story over and over?
For example: gamers that seem to fall into one of a few types, etc.

What are some tips for shaking things up and getting out of such a rut?

Thanks.

 

[thegrifter]

I usually look for patterns in my writing and experiment with trying something new. That way it helps me avoid the boredom. Or even talk to more sources after a game. I know it's only a gamer, but when you I get in that rut, I'm grasping at straws and hoping for anything to get me out of it.

 

[ServeItUp]

I quit and went to the desk.

 

[jgmacg]

Iambic pentameter.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

I quit and went to the desk.

Quality burn.
But, that's not really an option.
As a freelancer, I mostly do it for the extra money, and the fact that I kind of enjoy it.

 

[Crimson Tide]

Yes, but only because I'm using Mad Libs. I just plug in names, teams and scores and a story pops right out.  ;D

Iambic pentameter is a good suggestion.

Personally, I just like to work in random song lyrics to see if anyone notices. I even paraphrased Boston once.

 

[ServeItUp]

I quit and went to the desk.

Quality burn.
But, that's not really an option.
As a freelancer, I mostly do it for the extra money, and the fact that I kind of enjoy it.

I wasn't trying to burn anyone. That's just how I dealt with the situation. The rut lasted the better part of a year no matter what I did, in large part because I was working gobs of hours covering a college, which I'm told is what you're supposed to do. I finally said "Enough" and took back my personal life. I don't miss writing one bit but I admire you for taking the steps to correct the situation.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

I quit and went to the desk.

Quality burn.
But, that's not really an option.
As a freelancer, I mostly do it for the extra money, and the fact that I kind of enjoy it.

I wasn't trying to burn anyone. That's just how I dealt with the situation. The rut lasted the better part of a year no matter what I did, in large part because I was working gobs of hours covering a college, which I'm told is what you're supposed to do. I finally said "Enough" and took back my personal life. I don't miss writing one bit but I admire you for taking the steps to correct the situation.

I'm not sure it's admirable, and in fact I may be overly critical of my writing.
Thanks for the input, and it did make a good burn when read a certain way.

 

[pallister]

I quit and went to the desk.

I didn't quit, but I did shift to more of a desk/supervisory role years ago. Of course, now I get in a rut where all my fronts start looking the same (to me anyway).

 

[Evil ... Thy name is Orville Redenbacher!!]

Trying punching yourself in the balls until you find a newer angle. then write about it.
Or write in Haiku...

 

[sartysnopes]

Report more and report better.

 

[SEWnSO]

Maybe a vacation.
Maybe a column.
Maybe a feature.
Maybe get some feedback from your SE.