How to Keep Your Fiction Fresh

I’ve encountered a writer’s demon: writer’s block. I’ve taken a break from writing because I succumbed to the feeling of “been there, done that, got the t-shirt”. I lost enthusiasm for writing because I accidentally listened to advice. I read that the best writers have at least 1 of 3 things going for them: they feel passionate about their topic, they are highly knowledgeable, or they are simply skilled at writing. I thought, I don’t have any of those, I better not try… and not fail. Bollocks to that! I’m writing because it feels good. I’m going to compile a list of techniques to keep my writing fresh.

  • Gender swap
    What if The Matrix was about a vegan girl who felt that wearing leather was wrong? Does she have to reevaluate her morals? Is killing innocent animals still wrong if the animals don’t exist outside of our minds?

 

  • Side characters
    Peeta Melark lives with an abusive mom, absent father, and brothers who are uncaring. He falls in love with a reclusive girl who lives on the outskirts of town. He has to appear tough in front of other kids, endearing in front of wealthy fans, and honest in front of this girl. In a world where men are still expected to be providers, he has to live at the charity and mercy of the girl he’s trying to win.

 

  • WW[insert philosopher]D?
    What would a Karl Marx type of person do if he was in the TV show “The Office”? Seize the means of production? What would an Epictitus character do if he were one of the Avengers? Nothing?

What do you think? Right? Wrong? Pure poppycock?