Today's Writers Block Avoidance Tactic

Hello there.

Yes, I'm talking to you. I noticed you were reading this. You're either here because A) You want to write or B) you're a relative of mine and taking pity that I don't have any followers yet.

Let me guess. You're here because you're supposed to be writing. But you're stuck.

You know what? So was I. 

So, buck-o, let's  get working on this together.


Grab a piece of paper and a writing utensil. I don't care if it's a pen, a pencil, or a friggin' ink bottle and quill. Do it. Don't complain, don't tell me you only write with a keyboard. I was a keyboard snob once too - and look where it got me. Nowhere.

Okay, where are you stuck? You know that one chapter that you just can't get around? Let's start there. I want you to write down the problems of the scene. What's standing in your way? Scribble them down and then come back. 

Ready? Okay, now let's brain storm. What could happen next? Now I don't want you to think too hard about this, because I know you're going to be picky and you're not going to like all of your ideas. Write them down anyway. I want you to get used to that pen (or quill) in your hand and the feeling that ideas are flowing from your brain to the paper. Write down at least 10 things that could happen in that scene. Some will be ridiculous, others will not. Write them down anyways.

Got them? Okay, good. 

 Now, stop for a second and look at your scribbly mess. LOOK! You're writing! So what if it's a brainstorming mess? You just wrote down more on one piece of paper than you probably have all day. 

This is good. 

Let's go back to that scene you're stuck on. Look over your ideas. Do you like any of them? Circle the ones that might fit. Mush them together if that works for you. Now take one of those ideas, and start writing a quick outline. This does not need to be fancy numbers and formatting and bullshit. Write down short sentences of what would happen.  Sketch it out on another piece of paper. I want you to visual this new idea and poke holes in it. Does it work? What would happen next?

If it doesn't work...start with a new idea. If it does.. start filling in that outline with more detail. It doesn't have to be great, hell, the writing doesn't even have to be great. Just write down what you are seeing in your head right now so you don't lose it. You can always come back when words are easily coming to you and write it out for real. Right now, I want you to write down everything coming to mind on this piece of paper. 

Got it? Good. Now get to work! 


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