was wondering what ideas (if any) people have come up with only to discover that they haven't got a clue of how to work with it. I have had several that I just couldn't work with but to my semi delight one of my friends was able to make it work. I have also done the same thing with some of his ideas. Is idea sharing a way forward?

Hi Holly,

Maybe you need to give an example. What you've said is a bit vague so I wouldn't know how to respond!

Cath

Hi Holly

Like Cath says, being more specific would help to give us a steer. But if you have had an idea your friend can make work, and vice versa - maybe you should collaborate? This is more common in drama, I think, rather than the novel (or especially the short story), but it has been done. Kornbluth and Pohl (have I got the names right?) in 'The Space Merchants' (classic sci-fi/satire) and more recently, Rees and Lloyd with 'Come Together' and other books. And there are other examples.

But you mention writers' block - there's stuff in the archives here, I believe on this, and it's always going to be a topic. I don't think I've ever suffered writer's block - but I have suffered from great stretches where what I write is garbage! the only way ahead for me is to keep on, and to rewrite, rewrite ... I think this is different for everyone. But you have to keep trying. Terry I think has some good advice on this, and Dee (I'm fairly new to the site so my opinions are tentative).

Good luck.

Joe