Writer's Block Instant Cure

[@studiompodcastnetwork5119]

"You can always edit a bad page, but you can never edit a blank page."

[@fastscreenplay]

Mark Valdez Exactly! Or as I like to say... "There's no such thing as a bad screenplay -- there are only early drafts!"

[@fastscreenplay]

Thanks. :)

[@definitelynotofficial7350]

+FAST Screenplay My problem is that I have a concept in my mind, but I have no idea where to begin at. Any advice on that please?

[@fastscreenplay]

DefinitelyNotOfficial If you have concept, you should begin and the beginning. FAST is the 4-part writing process. The first phase is the F -- Focus -- where you "focus" your ideas into a story. The next phase is the A -- Apply -- where you apply your story to the page (write a first draft). Then comes the S -- Strengthen -- where you strengthen your work by rewriting it, until it's solid. Lastly is the T -- Tweak -- where you polish the actual words and make it an extraordinary reader experience. The complete system also has 3 additional phases -- first is the Setup Phase, where you prepare your brain for the writing process. Then you go through F, A, S and T. Then is the Alignment Phase, where you get notes and feedback and make sure to align your work with the reader's needs. And finally is the Payoff Phase, where you find and connect with your target (producer, publisher, etc). Most people just leap into the typing... and then get lost (or distracted). But if you go step by step through the whole process, you make creativity intuitive. Try starting at the beginning with our 10-Day Free Start. Those first 10 steps help any writer, no matter what you're writing: fastscreenplay.com/10-Day.html From there, you can keep going if you like. It's up to you. Hope this helps!

[@definitelynotofficial7350]

FAST Screenplay Yeah... Well, the problem is that I'm not sure where to place the beginning, and the events are very influenced by the characters and circumstances, and I don't really have a clear image of them in my mind. Maybe I could start by doing that, deciding what the characters etc. are.

[@FrostByteFilms]

Finally someone who doesn’t just say “Just write”

[@fastscreenplay]

Well... I *do* say that... but there's more to it than "just write". You also need to get in the right headspace, and then add new skills every day. But if you're doing those things, then at some point you DO have to "just write". ;)

[@michaelgrella]

Or calls writer's block a myth

[@margaritakouzi5630]

I mean, it IS true. Just write, *then* fix anything that's bad.

[@byventrex7597]

yeah it's kinda literally what he said in the video lol.. but it's the only solution

[@SHOKNI]

Brah i know Right!!!!!

[@saimai4630]

"... its trying to criticise something that doesn't even exist yet. And that doesn't protect you, that blocks you." Life Lessons!

[@nene61988]

Thank you so much. I love writing

[@svono_svono_music]

truly great video, will help millions of people. thanks for this. I loved the concept that the inner critic is useful, but is acting before it is required (criticizing something that isn't close to finalization yet). saved and subscribed.

[@eoner4786]

Write when you're happy. Write when you're sad. Write at your home. Write at your school/work. Write as much as you want. Write as little as you want. But don't never give up on the goal. Write even then, when everything seems gone, because of those moments brings you the most powerful feelings that you've ever experienced. As long as you write for the goal which you've set, you're taking steps towards achieving that goal.

[@fastscreenplay]

***** Could not agree more. :)

[@brookearcher856]

this was so poetic. thank you for this comment.

[@kodymileski5541]

why do you write like your'e running out of time?

[@Lazy105-g9z]

Thanks I needed this 🙏🏻

[@blacat2168]

Four years late, but that's beautifully written :)

[@urmom-or8mc]

I opened a file and wrote the word garbage

[@fastscreenplay]

Well, it's a start.

[@urmom-or8mc]

FAST Screenplay BAHAHAHAHA

[@eggvoid9670]

lmfao

[@blabla-eb8wm]

@@urmom-or8mc 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@doctorforesight1480]

Junkpunk novel?

[@cholkymilkmirage4984]

turn the faucet and let the shit flow out, eventually youll see the clear water

[@blme6716]

King Me Fck. That's beautiful.

[@blme6716]

Mind if I use it in a song?

[@ryfrz]

🖤

[@EmiTheLoomistar]

That is, no joke the most beautiful thing i have ever heard

[@jdhd2652]

Lol Ed Sheehan

[@duchessnellie6255]

"give yourself permission to write garbage." the first time he said that my whole mind was cleared and I realized that's exactly what I needed to do. I've been stuck on how I'll continue my creative writing without {as my Writer's block tells me} "ruining the whole thing." thank you so much.

[@fastscreenplay]

Duchess Nellie! Happy to help! Enjoy your writing... you can always refine or improve it later; that’s the beauty of writing! :)

[@Scarlynx]

Literally same

[@xoquinnnn]

i felt this

[@deandanielle]

Same! This actually helped immediately

[@codysparks1454]

Same. This is actually golden advice

[@OrionoftheStar]

Words. Words! WORDS! _THEY HAVE _*_RETURNED!_*

[@spottedgeckgo]

They do that. Glad you found them. They always try to hide, but never run very far. I think mine hide in the reservoir of my fountain pen, because scribbling with that always brings them to the surface.

[@acemzy7149]

OrionoftheStar *AGREED*

[@yebook]

Thank you very much... I will try this out... I am seriously facing writers block...

[@devlinmcguire7543]

take a shower! NO JOKE!!! JUST sleep, rest your mind, (generally TAKE A BREAK), and then the most important part... TAKE A SHOWER. i'm sirius it really works, like 15-20 min after your done it kicks in.

[@pianorelaxing8330]

Devlin McGuire you’re Sirius? Hello, Padfoot!

[@jessicastone2179]

poor u :(

[@jessicastone2179]

@@pianorelaxing8330 lololol

[@urb7355]

Sir ap yaha bhi? 😀

[@Aethuviel]

After watching this some months ago, I realized that's why I wrote whatever I wanted as a kid/teen - but I don't anymore, as an adult. I plan and plan and plan for YEARS because it has to be "perfect" - but that's like planning a painting that has to be "perfect", and never actually practice painting. I wrote as a kid because I wasn't afraid it would suck.

[@fastscreenplay]

This is EXACTLY right. We often look at kids with nostalgia and envy at how free they are. But we can do the same thing. We can stop worrying about outcomes and just see where it takes us. And the beauty of a first draft is that once it’s on the page, we can THEN reshape it until it’s what we’d like it to be. Thanks for this comment. You really nailed it.

[@MrBlueboy6666]

Oh my god... for a full day I wrote ZERO words for my essay (due in 3 days). Watched this video in hysterical desperation and wow... I'm 2.5 pages into it. You rock!

[@fastscreenplay]

Nate Fantastic! Keep up the good work!

[@MrBlueboy6666]

@@fastscreenplay Thanks. I've used this for 5 years now. About to get a bachelors, this has helped me a ton.

[@fastscreenplay]

Nate That is truly awesome. So happy to have contributed even a little. Keep on writing! Your ideas are important.

[@Watashiwakira420]

@@MrBlueboy6666 proud of you brother

[@judithlopez8796]

I accomplished in a matter of *MINUTES* what had taken me *DAYS* to do!!! Thank you sooooo much!! You just saved my grade!! 📝💯

[@fastscreenplay]

Great! Don't forget to share the video if you liked it. Good luck!

[@teendailymotivation9817]

@Judith Lopez Amazing I totally relate

[@ithinklikeawesome]

11 years and this still the best video on writers block.

[@srixianeditz9407]

Giving myself permission to write garbage actually sounds good. I'm always stressing abt making it perfect

[@fnc_]

“That voice, is the block” I was legit just thinking you were gonna say that Also thank you for this I’m going to continue my fanfiction now

[@fastscreenplay]

Keep at it! Mastery requires lots of practice. Write on! :)

[@fnc_]

FAST Screenplay I just finished the next chapter thanks

[@bubblesblue7410]

Give this man a gold metal.

[@slayertony4850]

4 years too late but wouldnt a gold metal just be gold?

[@austinmoore3785]

@@slayertony4850 lmao

[@nikkijubilant]

medal, :)

[@kylebennett4196]

Slayer Tony I’d definitely just prefer the metal than a medal

[@yusuhani]

yeah pls

[@Jociebear]

i can finally finish my fanfiction

[@madisonnorthup]

Jociebear2012 ME

[@fnc_]

Jociebear2012 THATS THE ACTUAL REASON IM HERE 😂 I’m writing a FanFiction for Jack and Auggie (Wonder) On wattpad

[@charopinero4110]

IM DEAD!! LITERALLY THE REASON IM HERE

[@maxxreeves4887]

Same..I got 13 things goin on for Wattpad rn,,,me and my gay ships man😂

[@charopinero4110]

Me w my larry fics

[@shaneydacosta9845]

I thought I was going to hear things like, "Go out and get inspiration or do something that will inspire you." but instead I hear this and it really helped a lot. I tell myself to do that sometimes but it's just the fear of not writing something perfect. My 'critic voice' is saying, "Seriously Sash, would you feel drawn to a book if it had a part like this?" then I would delete it. Thank you for that small meaningful speech. I shall continue writing garbage with pride now😂😂😂

[@yeniferescobar2224]

The hardest part about writing an essay is getting started and figuring out what it is I want to say. This really helped me get going and I plan to watch it every time I begin to feel that block return. Thank you.

[@fastscreenplay]

I've refined my words over the years, and now describe writing (and try to remind all people who are attempting to write something) that ALL writing is a "process of discovery". Use this exercise to kickstart that process. Enjoy!

[@krystinamccandless4197]

This made me laugh, cause I've been trying to write songs and I never was able to really realize just how easy it was to get rid of writers block until someone really just explained it so simply. Wow.

[@fastscreenplay]

Thanks for the comment... don't forget to share! :)

[@Ispeakforthetrë]

I know!!

[@DeadFleshPariah]

I'm a producer that has two solo projects and a band, and even if this is intended for a different kind of writing, this has helped me immensely in being productive with my music.

[@hooves2noodles_art]

Same here, I've had songwritet's block for almost a week now. This is actually helpful

[@linikedemarco]

This squashed my writer's block almost instantly. Thanks!

[@fastscreenplay]

Thanks for sharing! Don't forget to spread the word. :)

[@cherylproffer1594]

As a professional writer, I just had to hear your “4-minute” solution. I was shocked and just laughed. You made total sense. I sat down and wrote 14 pages, none of it garbage! Thanks for reminding me that I control my thoughts. 👍🏻👍🏻😎

[@fastscreenplay]

Love it! Thanks for the comment. Sometimes we just need a little nudge in the right direction. Just always remember that "ideas spark ideas" so when you get stuck (we all get fixated on an idea from time to time), just write whatever garbage comes to mind, and it will spark other ideas that will eventually get you back on track. And you're right: It's almost never actually garbage. :)

[@tiathechosen1]

This is soooo true! I am very much a perfectionist but I’ve noticed that I write the best when I just brainstorm ideas, and edit the rough drafts.

[@Lizzie-ve7kt]

THIS!!! I literally did this with an assignment I had yesterday (I’m an advertising copywriter) and I just went with whatever was in my head and aside from some needing a little editing I did today, it was one of the best things I’ve written in MONTHS.

[@fastscreenplay]

Love it!! Happy to help!

[@ArtAttack98]

The need to write perfectly was always my biggest problem! I always start with my most professional writing style and then sit on a single paragraph for half an hour… thank you so much for your advice on writing garbage! That really helped me!

[@fastscreenplay]

Happy to help! Always remember: If you get the “garbage” out, you can always fix or improve it afterwards.

[@Mzduckjasmine]

I usually do not make comments but Thank you so much when i gave my self the right to produce garbage and the three minute limited I wrote great things I was very mad at myself but thanks for everything

[@fastscreenplay]

+Kiara Smith, Thank you for making an exception, and commenting here. It's a great pleasure to hear that I've helped people along the way, and I thank you for sharing. Now, no more getting mad at yourself! :) You have stories inside you and things to say, that no one else will ever have. It's up to you to share them, and you cannot be wrong. It's never a search for perfection -- it's only a search for finding the most EFFECTIVE way to say what you want to say. Keep on writing!

[@808_dream]

9 years later and this video is helping people like me! Thanks on behalf of all of us

[@fastscreenplay]

Happy to help!

[@thestorywasbetterinmyhead6990]

?????? I really didn't think this was going to work but omg! Giving me, an overthinker, 3 minutes to write anything I wish was genius. I haven't written anything in weeks. Thank you! 10 years later and this is still great advice!!

[@fastscreenplay]

I actually came up with this exercise spontaneously in a live workshop I did in 1999. And it has worked for every writer I’ve ever seen follow its instructions. So it’s been working great for even more than 10 years, haha. Happy writing! Your voice matters.

[@latricewillins-butler5403]

I've always been introverted and a bit on the shy side. I remember when I was too shy to read what I had wrote for assignments in school in front of my classmates, so much, until I just took a failing grade. I had allowed fear to get the best of me. I've always had a passion for writing since I was a kid. I eventually overcame and put aside those fears, and now so far, I've written and published 21 ebooks. I've written and published 12 alone in 2021. I only do it for fun, and my entertainment purposes, because I love to write. So, my work is out there in the world for all to read. It's a blessing in itself to do what few people in this world will ever do😇

[@SarahCrookall]

Thanks for the tips on how to overcome writer's block. I enjoy the advice about writing garbage for 3 minutes. I feel it's super important to try, and included it in one of my own videos. Perfectionism can definitely be a killer!

[@fastscreenplay]

Happy to help. Don't forget to share! :)

[@PixelTrainer.]

0:05 did this man really said "Forever", and not 1 second after "If you ever experience it again"?

[@fastscreenplay]

That’s exactly what I said. It cures the block forever, but most writers forget or ignore it. Did you actually do the exercise? Or did you just write the same snarky comment that’s been written a hundred times here (scroll and see)? If you actually did it, you’d see what I mean.

[@calebwhite4983]

I think every person that has struggled with writer's block needs to watch it. I, myself, was writing a book today and my writer's block came over me. This video pretty much solved my writing problems. Thank you so much, you pretty much just saved my writing life.

[@fastscreenplay]

Caleb White I couldn't agree more. Don't forget to share it! ;) Thanks for the comment, and happy writing!

[@marketingdigest6884]

Writer’s block is a constant struggle that doesn’t have an instant cure, but your tips are really worth trying. Thanks for sharing!

[@fastscreenplay]

Marketing Digest Thanks for the comment. I do have to say that while writer's block *is* a constant struggle, it's because of the reasons in the video -- so I'd argue that it *does* have an instant cure (the exercise in the video). What is *not* instant is "good writing", or finding just the right way to say what we're trying to say, which may take a considerable amount of thought, and of playing around with possible variations to find the most effective wording. But that's not "block"; that's just artistry and craft, and that's where the "how to write FAST" video comes into play. Hope this helps!

[@isntlifebetter]

Thank you again so much for giving me this advice. Tonight after 3 months of having writers block I literally did what you said and wrote crap! AND GUESS WHAT THE BLOCK WAS GONEEE! The words just started flowing. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

[@TheUltimateGC]

Wow this is brilliant. So simple that it made me smile. Thanks for the video!

[@TheUltimateGC]

simple and true*

[@fastscreenplay]

TheUltimateGC Thanks for the kind words. You can help me out by sharing it. :)

[@Lily-pg5cr]

I need to have a draft of an assessment due tomorrow. I think you saved my life.

[@firstworldproblems2177]

i always try and write everyday. it could be a long paragraph, entire page or just a sentence, but it definitely improved writers block, and i can think of ideas much faster and efficiently

[@nomasan]

This video is 10 years old and yet... I am fascinated that it's so well made. Congrats! You know what? I'm going to put the garbage that I do write in a special folder called "Read for dumbness" and that folder will be open for all ideas. By the way my writer's block has gone so far as to stop me from writing ANYTHING... even this comment. Any idea sounds bad, everything sounds bad. But I'll write this.. just so it starts to understand: It's okay to not write perfect stuff ... it's okay to write garbage

[@fastscreenplay]

And ironically, that was actually a very good comment! (Well, I’m biased, of course, but I liked it, at least.) So hopefully this is the start of a whole new era for you. Because the bigger message of this video is that you only THINK it’s going to be garbage - it’s almost never as bad as you imagine. But even if it was, it will still show you what to write. So let go, allow “garbage” to pour out of you, and see where your imagination takes you. If you do, it’s gonna be even better than you think. Enjoy!

[@jebediahhonker-tonker5901]

At first I started writing a self-deprecating rant, but then I wrote a short little excerpt from the heart that I really liked. Thank you very much

[@fastscreenplay]

Perfect! That's exactly what this exercise is designed to do. Happy writing!

[@fastscreenplay]

Thanks, Smith Savinon, for your comments. I am so pleased when my videos help people. Wishing you the best of success in your writing.

[@tiamassey5491]

guess what? listing for renting garbage but we're never writing garbage you don't even need to fix it it just gives you an idea and you use that idea you write that idea you're amazing thank you so much

[@fastscreenplay]

Angie Angieprettybird, what happened when you did the exercise?

[@judithlopez8796]

No, thank you!! 😄

[@LP-rn6id]

Thank you so much!

[@ktbffh4ever]

Thanks a ton!! I can't believe after days of stalling, I finished my assignment in a couple of hours :)

[@AmalRafeeq]

My writers block is seasonal. It happens when there is no rain and when there is rain. Screwed up life :(

[@kenrickbautista6141]

UGH, thank you so much for that. When I started coming up with ideas for T.V. and movie, I began developing writers block, but now I feel better. Writer's block is contagious to all aspiring writers everywhere. Now that I am free to create ideas, I no longer have to worry about writers block anymore. So thank you for telling me about how to get rid of writers block. It's inspiring and helpful.

[@reagonvarone6918]

i almost didnt give this video a chance i thought it wasnt going to help even made me laugh in the beginning but i stayed tuned in i listened and im glad i did

[@erty8305]

Thanks I needed this for a school creative writing challenge

[@jcanivan]

Great advice I never heard it explained this way

[@natachadaniel3696]

I needed this! Thank you! Looking forward to finishing my script.

[@goodlife6145]

I've just applied the advice. Gave myself three minutes to jot down ideas. I was surprised because they aren't 'garbage'. Laughing my head off here, thinking 'You mean it can be THIS easy?!' Fun as well. Many thanks from England, UK.

[@fastscreenplay]

This part of the writing process should be pure joy. If it’s not, you’re getting in your own way. Refining it to make it effective for a reader can be challenging, but that’s for another day. ;)

[@funmioh]

this is the most help I have gotten for writers block. and it has been cured. thank you.

[@KitTaylorMusic]

omg thankyou so much. this helped me during my song writing

[@The.Real.Jordan]

Katie-Marie Anastasiades that's why I'm here too. Two straight months. I used to have like 40 new notes a month.

[@gaborbalog8028]

Kit Taylor - Saviour. I've come here for the same reason...how is it going for you at the moment?

[@mazzystars]

@@gaborbalog8028 I guess we will never know.

[@andalltheangelssay212]

Calling Kit Taylor.....?

[@KitTaylorMusic]

@@andalltheangelssay212 I’m here, what’s up

[@staceblue1519]

1:57 seriously me I'm such a perfectionist

[@danieluwu4235]

Same, and it stresses me out. I'm thankful for this video. :)

[@KawahaghiteiDyler]

@@danieluwu4235 after watching this video, I can say that my Writer block still there and still immensely strong. It hard to overcome this bullsit "perfectionist" or this great "laziness". I still have tons of ideas to put into words, but most of time I can't and I don't want to. But at least this video highlight a solution that I never thought before. I will update when the time come

[@GumballsLollipopsAJisAwesome]

I WISH I WATCHED THIS SOONER! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Now I can write my fanfics without constant writers block!

[@patrickbrown33]

I'm so happy I found this. I'd been struggling to get some progress done on this book I'm writing. After watching this, I decided I'd just write whatever to move the plot ahead. At first, I wrote garbage, but after a paragraph or so, I realized I was just flowing and was loving the work I was doing! I can't believe how well this worked. Thank you so much for making this. Sincerely.

[@fastscreenplay]

@@patrickbrown33 Always happy to help. This is the core of what I teach (intuitive writing). Ironically, your best and most “magical” writing - the one thing AI will never be able to capture, incidentally - comes from letting go rather than from trying to “get it right”. Happy writing!

[@patrickbrown33]

@fastscreenplay you just earned yourself a new subscriber! Thank you so much!

[@priyankakapale5105]

Thanks you x 100000. It helps me a bit. I was procrastinating writing an article but now I feel a little bit motivated and wrote a half article.

[@fastscreenplay]

Happy to help. Be sure to do the exercise as it can help in many ways.

[@angellyka8670]

I've been on Hiatus for 5 or more months and I badly want to write right now. Luckily, I've seen it. 🥺😍 Wattpad writers, let's get it!

[@develliem8634]

This was truly really helpful, I had remaked a chapter on my story so many times because I just couldn't find the perfect words or I couldn't write as good as I used to. At first, I thought it wad just my mind telling me that writing in a foreign language isn't for me (english isn't my native language) but after watching this, my thoughts all changed. Thank you with all of my heart.

[@fastscreenplay]

devellie m8 Always remember that writing is iterative. It almost never comes out of your brain in its final state. Let yourself write, and then just improve it until you’re happy with it. Enjoy!

[@andalltheangelssay212]

Lol I do that, I rewrite and re edit the first three chapters of my book to perfection, convincing myself each time that this time once I get to the end of the third chapter I will be able to write the rest. Hasn’t worked so far, I will have to see if giving myself permission to write garbage helps, but not sure as I think my problem is more to do with self sabotage.

[@GrantDavis]

I approve.

[@tamrajackson23]

When the person is at the desk with the paper it gave me a idea to write about an essay the characters have to do. Thanks!

[@fastscreenplay]

Nice! Ideas spark ideas... let them run free!

[@7option205]

Im in the first minute of this video and I already feel so much better

[@louievaldivia6661]

As a comedian, I thank you for sharing the cure. (: THANK YOU!

[@jamesmanning5159]

Whoever disliked this probably meant to like it but accidentally hit the wrong button. This is exactly what I need

[@bibekgautam512]

Wow, simple, flawless and totally convincing!

[@kalyssamcwilliams8615]

I took my first what I thought "complete" book was to a publisher and they said it was amazing. Little did I know I needed to put more into it that I didn't before. So far it's coming together ❤

[@chloechlarson4469]

Thank you so much. This has been killing me sooooo bad. 10 MONTHS. That's how long I've been suffering. I just stare at the screen for HOURS trying to get my thoughts on paper. But after this I was able to write about 100 pages, so thank you SOOO much.

[@fastscreenplay]

Chloe Chlarson Fantastic! Trust the process. You have great stuff inside. You can do it. :)

[@TrailBlazer65]

I am a music composer and I often find that I will start a piece one day with a seemingly endless supply of ideas only to come back the next day and stare at the edge of my score thinking "what the fuck can I write????". This video really helped to get around that!

[@MrVitalic85]

Genius. I write electronic music and sometimes I simply erase ( destroy ) what I have created...

[@thomaslifedaily]

Me too. This helped a lot for me

[@ivozoer2635]

MrVitalic85 yea same!

[@lorenzoluizdesouza1215]

Good advice, you save my life. *Saved*

[@Kyoto99952]

This is honestly one of the best videos I have ever watched on KZbin. This is all I needed to get the confidence to finish my dissertation. Thank you so so much. You’re a hero!!

[@fastscreenplay]

Thanks for the comment. Very happy to help!

[@Inkwellvintage]

How.. How did you do that??? THANK YOU! I have been struggling for months and i have barely written anything and just a 1:40 in and I'm able to put words on paper. Thank you so so much! This is absolutely priceless.

[@fastscreenplay]

I discovered this exercise spontaneously in a workshop I did almost 25 years ago. And I’ve found that it works every time. So if you ever forget the basic ideas, bookmark this and give it a quick rewatch and you’ll be writing again. Until then, enjoy!

[@niniii2550]

This video is so amazing. It helped me so much and I always come back when I'm facing the problem again. It reminds me of how I shouldn't be this criticising. And that lesson does not only apply to writing but rather to life, as a whole. Thanks!

[@fastscreenplay]

Love this, and I agree completely. Happy writing (and happy living)!

[@Aprion]

huh, I never looked at it this way. I must give this a try.

[@TheHManShow]

Dude you are a freaking genius!! Thank you so much for this!! I'm writing my own musical and writers block is the worst thing

[@fastscreenplay]

+Harper Craven, happy to help!

[@TheCharacterConsultancy]

Giving yourself permission is a good route to take. I think writer's block can happen for other reasons like stress, but this route's a good place to start.

[@fastscreenplay]

I agree that stress can be a cause, but the stress itself usually has a cause, which is that need for perfection (perhaps because of time constraints, or the worry of being judged on what you're writing or its quality, or similar causes). Breaking the block itself doesn't fix those issues (we can't just magically write like a master on a deadline if we haven't spent time developing those skills), but breaking the block with this exercise is what makes that possible, and gets the wheels turning again. Thanks for commenting.

[@TheCharacterConsultancy]

That is a fair point. I was thinking however of risk levels. I'm not that well up on my biochemistry so can't go talking that well about cortisol levels or whatever, but if a person's cortisol levels are high, isn't that likely to screw with their ability to access their creativity? Permission would likely work if stress over the pressure to entertain others with writing was the main stressor, but if the stress is coming from somewhere else and/or is about something more extreme then the fear of looking foolish, then permission may not help. But again, filtering out those who can get past their writer's block by permitting themselves to write garbage (as you put it) it a good step.

[@fastscreenplay]

The Character Consultancy I'm not a doctor (or a biochemist), so I can't really speak to the possible neurochemical causes of a block, which are outside the scope and spirit of this video. I will say, however, that I have seen over 1,200 writers do this exercise in front of me, and it has worked for every single one of them without exception. I grant that it may be possible that despite being such a large sample group, it may nonetheless not have included anyone with neurobiological issues, however I can't say for sure as it would be improper in a workshop setting to poll for such a thing. I would suspect, however, that since, statistically, that large a group of writers would likely include at least a small percentage of people with neurochemical issues, the exercise may well have the intended outcome for such individuals regardless of their neurobiological condition. Admittedly this is my intuition based on overwhelming first-hand experience with the exercise, however, and I would need to defer to someone else to test this objectively as it is not at all what I have been focused on when trying to help writers get past their blocks.

[@zalseon4746]

10 years later it still helps me bust through writer's block

[@fastscreenplay]

Happy writing!

[@BuddhirDhenki]

What is that awesome Font ou use?

[@Keplerdecorous]

Jeff. YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. Everything that you said in the video happened in the exact sequence that you mentioned it. The skeptic in me was really loud, I was able to manage it though. Thanks

[@fastscreenplay]

***** Fantastic! Thanks for the feedback, Herman! And don't forget to check out the other videos on this channel... there's a lot of helpful stuff here! :)

[@bakaiggy]

This is really good advice. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@DarthVader-ib7tl]

I did your method and wrote a bunch of garbage, spent a couple minutes writing nonsense without even planning and thinking about it and it worked! Thank you so much, this really helped me progress with my story more again and filled me with creativity to finish writing my fantasy novel!

[@fastscreenplay]

Frodo Baggins Excellent... thanks for the comment. Please be sure to share this video if you like it -- it really helps us get the word out. And check out the other videos on this channel, too. There's a lot of great help! And always remember: You can do this. It can feel challenging and scary sometimes, but just keep moving forward and you'll get there. Good luck!

[@501Patrick]

This video is old as anything. But this video just picked me up and put me back on. Hella love

[@fastscreenplay]

Like a fine wine... gettin' better with age. ;)

[@h_curly6384]

"instant cure." "One simple sentence." Those are keywords I actively avoid when looking for anything lmao

[@fastscreenplay]

H_curly If you want to stay blocked, no worries. Your loss. :) Closed minds beset with preconceived ideas don’t often produce great insights anyway, so I won’t try to convince you. But I look forward to your return when you decide results are more important than conveying an image of cleverness. But to anyone scanning the comments: It’s precisely this kind of headline-reading and knee-jerk judgment that gets your mind blocked in the first place. Stay open to new ideas and they will come flooding out of you (as you already know if you’ve done the exercise). Happy writing!

[@h_curly6384]

@@fastscreenplay So first off I think free form writing can be a productive way to get the creative juices flowing, but I think your mistaking my comment as a critique of your content rather than your title. As a viewer I'm scrolling through literally millions of web information everyday. And if I'm going to be truthful, I see a large surplus amount of the same self help/life hack videos everyday. these videos are making broad, oversimplified, hollow and grandiose statements all claiming to have "The most simple and effective solution to all my life's woes." while simultaneously attempting to sell a book or online lessons to make money. (I'm glad your not trying to push a product in this video.) Again I'm not critiquing your content I just find the words "Fast" in conjunction with "simple and effective." To have bad connotations to it.

[@fastscreenplay]

H_curly You can defend your comment all you like. Bottom line is this: You judged the book by its cover. You commented BEFORE watching the video - or at the very least BEFORE doing the exercise. That makes your comment useless to anyone who reads it, and it makes you someone who is trying to look clever to KZbin comment readers, rather than someone offering a valuable insight or counter-perspective to a video. (No judgement; that’s just the reality of what you’ve done.) It doesn’t matter AT ALL what else you’ve seen or how many videos are out there. You’re here on my page throwing shade at what is, literally, the instant cure for writer’s block. For what purpose? To make yourself look smart? Sorry, that comment didn’t make you look smart. You looked like someone with a closed mind who didn’t do the exercise. And you got called out on it. No big deal. I’m not castigating you; I’m just speaking the truth (as I always do). You can rationalize your position if that makes you feel better, but it doesn’t change anything. I read (and reply to) EVERY comment on my channel (which you’d know if you took a minute to look (and think) before commenting). So when someone posts an ignorant comment, they get called out. You’re today’s winner. Take the lesson, mate. Don’t jump into the comment section of a video (from a content creator you don’t know) with an agenda. Maybe watch a video (and DO an exercise) before talking trash, just because a phrase triggered you. You might actually learn something. You might actually get the value you’re SEARCHING for (why else would you be here than because you need help getting past a block?). Sometimes people use phrases that draw attention precisely because it will help them deliver value. It might be the exception, but sometimes it does happen. See the bigger picture, my friend. :)

[@fastscreenplay]

H_curly Oh, one other thing: This exercise is not about “free form writing”. You’ll need to look a bit closer for the penny to drop. Happy writing!

[@lanzibangli1259]

OOF

[@itsanon9343]

I've been trying to to write my own fantasy novel and I've been stuck on the third chapter. Building a world from scratch is really difficult in a sense that it involves a lot of creativity and planning. The first chapter was agony to write because it was based on events that would happen in the future. Like a flashback but from the future. As you can imagine this was extremely difficult for me to write but I pushed through by writing what I expected to see in the novel such as what mythical races there would be and other related things into a notepad and slowly going from there. (Basically world building, build the world first, then proceed to begin the story. It's a lot easier then making it up as you go. It's a method to the madness) Now I'm on the third chapter where I'm having trouble figuring out how the main character should be reacting to a specific scenario. (The scenario isn't possible in our world so imagining how someone would react to something that doesn't exist is difficult) Thanks to this video though, I can now start writing again. It really helped alot, so I very much appreciate this.

[@fastscreenplay]

More than happy to help! Enjoy your writing. A novel is an ambitious project - you can do it!

[@aapp776]

why didn't i watch this before?? thank you so much.

[@fastscreenplay]

+Ankriti Pandey, I'm not sure why, but now you know. ;) I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@vinroycrossman-walker6465]

While eons have passed by, since this advice was preached. I am at a loss of words at how, it has pushed my stubborn critic to write rather than complain of what is not present. No doubt you've heard the same a thousand times, but I appreciate the advice you have granted; and this shall be video I'll return to should block return once again.

[@AsheruTo]

THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE!

[@fastscreenplay]

Asheru Gaming Happy to help. And happy writing!

[@electricdreamer]

This saved me!

[@kel2814_]

I write music, but this still helped me alot, thank you. :)

[@VanDyce]

We both came to the right place lmfao

[@skullton3292]

What if I just can't think of what happens next?

[@fastscreenplay]

Write that. “I can’t think of what happens next.” Then stop thinking, and write whatever appears in your head next. Whatever it is. Anything.

[@skullton3292]

@@fastscreenplay Ok then

[@ydouneed2know588]

I keep this vid in my favorites bc whenever I forget the message, I come back and listen to it again. It's like a pep talk and it never fails. Of course there's intense editing to be done, but the ideas come and once they're there, I can move forward. Thanks.

[@fastscreenplay]

+Y do U Need 2 Know, thanks for letting me know! I'm happy to help...! (Eventually, it will be a part of you, and you won't need the reminder... but until then, we're here for ya!)

[@zionj104]

THANK YOU!!! After watching this video, I wrote like never before. Not only did you cure my writer's block, but I've been writing slowly for weeks, and it's gone now! Again, thanks so much.

[@fastscreenplay]

Very happy to help! And remember to let it flow. Your brain knows what it's trying to say, you just need to let it out (and refine it later). ENJOY!!

[@basicboss8701]

hahaha this guy is good. everything he said I needed to hear

[@fastscreenplay]

Thanks for the comment. Happy writing!

[@Vegardh93]

If your writing poetry, you will always have some work to do somewhere on the timeline. The only form of writer's block that occurs when writing poetry is laziness, because you always know there's a thousand puzzles you need to move from your notebooks to your screenplay before you can go on imaginating new tasks for the next stage. You always need to sketch anyways, don't just go ahead and put everything in the screenplay. I throw away at least 100 times more ideas than I use. Along the writing process better ideas will occur, which means you need to toss other ideas and re-write. I have never experienced writer's block when the biggest theme ideas are already layed out in structure as a template. Poetry requires you to really know what you want to write before starting. So if you are experiencing writer's block half way through your screenplay, then try changing the structure to better suit your story because something is clearly out of rhythm. Sketching if you are unable to put words into your screenplay is absolutely basic. Great video.

[@hidingfromtheworld2054]

Are you a poet? probably not, i'm a poet and I experience writers block, just so ya know it can happen, yes I have experienced laziness when writing poems but I have also experienced writers block, it happens.. even to poets..

[@hidingfromtheworld2054]

So.. if poets only experience laziness not writers block how come I'm experiencing writers block right now..?

[@Vegardh93]

hiding from the world I am a poet, yes. I didn't say that poets never experience writers block. I said: if you write poetry (not prose), you will not experience writers block. If you don't know what the literature form called poetry is, you should look it up. Writing poetry and being poetic is not the same thing. I'm sure that's what had you confused?

[@hidingfromtheworld2054]

I'm a poet, as in I write poetry. I also write some prose though. One goal of mine (That will probably never happen) Is that I want to be a famous poet. I call myself a poet because I write more poetry than any other form of writing. I am most certainly not confused on that. I don't see how me calling myself a poet who gets writers block would make you think I was confused on anything… (Sorry for the late reply)

[@teendailymotivation9817]

Actually in 2019

[@fastscreenplay]

Old habits die hard!

[@irgendwie7331]

I love that you mentioned the deal with the inner critic. :) Just today I have found deeper appreciation for it, though I felt helpless to my writer's block and incessant judgement. This video came as a confirmation and sweet salvation. "If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word." ~ Margaret Atwood

[@fastscreenplay]

Thanks for the comment. Couldn't agree more!

[@muckbanger1810]

Honestly I think this is really good advice for anything even remotely close to writers block. Drawing, social anxiety, etc.

[@fastscreenplay]

Completely agree. This technique actually stems from an exercise I devised for my screenwriting workshop many years ago. I realized that you could apply it to pretty much anything at all, and it helps you push through any doubt or uncertainty. Thanks for the comment!

[@francisthompson3772]

For social anxiety? You want me to talk garbage for 3 min?!!

[@DripInFirst]

writers block cure = aderall

[@cortster12]

+lorenzo posada Nah, that just makes my heart want to explode.

[@victoriafetters2899]

Watching this in 2021 because I had writer's block about my graduation speech. This helped immediatly! Thank you so so much!!!

[@fastscreenplay]

Speak from the heart. You’ll be surprised how well received it is when you do. (Besides, you’re graduating. You’ll never see these people again. Don’t worry about it.) :D Congratulations on your graduation!

[@MrMirror]

This works with other creative fields as well thank you!

[@fastscreenplay]

Mr Mirror Agreed. To be honest, almost everything on this channel works well with other creative fields as well, because we are built on a process-driven approach, and the creative process (idea to shape to physical to refined) is the same for anything that starts in the imagination. I’ll be making some videos about this very idea in the months ahead.

[@MrMirror]

FAST Screenplay thanks for the reply! I’ll subscribe so I don’t miss them

[@bronymcflappjaw115]

This actually helped... I worked my ass of to get 500 Words writted for the past three days, during what felt like 15 hours... and that is how long it took to write a poem with the same amount of Words... (That rhymed, in English, and my main language isn't English...) Thank you, a lot. Now, back to writing horse-Words...

[@Yes-xn8du]

i actually used this not for writing but for creating music, and everything you said applied to creating music too. thanks!

[@fastscreenplay]

Indeed! It works for ALL forms of writing, because writing anything comes from the same place in our minds. Fill the world with your music!