I can give extra time if needed, but that may not help you with this problem.

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Perspective Alters Reality

I think we've all been there. Sometimes I make myself a task list (including things that have to get done and things that I want to do) and cycle through it until I get stuck on each. It forces me to face each task for at least a while each time I come to it. Another tactic could be to set a timer and make yourself work on it for, say, at least 10 or 15 mins at a time. Even if you don't make progress on "paper," you'll have thought about it, which can make a difference over time.

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Eagle Whisperer

This might be totally off base but maybe subconsciously you aren't buying into your original idea for the project.

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No matter how much cats fight there always seem to be plenty of kittens.

I think part of the problem is that there's an aspect of the story I'm not comfortable with -- it's not in the prompt. But, if I take out this part, there's no story. Also, I'm not one to run away from something simply because I'm uncomfortable. A couple of my pieces at gatchfanfic fall into this category. But I wasn't working on a deadline with those pieces -- I could set them aside and muddle through them later, and a little at a time.

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“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them." --Ray Bradbury

I've been having a bit of a time as well. I've been trying to force myself to write at least 200 words a day, even if it doesn't seem to work in. I figure I'll edit and try to weave everything together.

It's more I'm finding I don't like having a deadline, since this is my first gift exchange.

EW, we can egg each other on!

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I'm writing a book. I've got the page numbers so far...

I started pretty early but I've stalled (with just about everything). As far as I'm concerned at this point writing a few words is progress! I agree that sometimes when I get stuck it's because I've chosen a direction/angle that just isn't working. My subconscious figures it out before I do!

If part of it's that you're not comfortable with part of the story, maybe that's not the part that isn't working for you, believe it or not. Maybe there's some aspect of your approach to it or something else entirely that's constipating your muse. Free-writing is definitely one good way to try and push through. That's kind of what I'm trying to do. Just get anything down and fix it later!

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Eagle Whisperer