Post History

Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/8356
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

I prefer writing short stories. Over the years, I have learnt many essential skills that I employ in my work. I believe (and this is my personal assessment) that my stories are of good quality (i.e have an intriguing plot, good character development, good dialogue, smooth flow etc.).

I have recently hit the wall (writer's block) and I cannot think of any story ideas. As creative writing is a side interest for me, I am unable to devote too much time to it because of work and family pressures. I read somewhere that these and other factors should not be stumbling blocks because talent is a myth.

I am aware (through blogs, forums etc.) that some people have written more than 100 short stories (in addition to other works!). That is a monumental achievement by any measure.

I have not set any such target for myself but would love to get more stories published. To date, I have published five stories through Amazon.

**Question: What can some key things that I can do to become a more productive and accomplished writer?**

(I know there is a difference between "productivity" and "accomplishment" but both are important in my case.)

I guess one of the things I can do is to learn how to quickly turn an idea into a plot. I am unsure how other writers do this in a short time.

Original score: 4