by Skyanne Fisher

Created on: July 14, 2009

Writer's Block is one of the few things that most writers will run into, no matter their age or writing style. A simple Google search will provide you with hundreds of ways to get over it but I've found many of them pointless. Here are some ways that I've found truly help me get back into my writing groove.

1.) Quit Writing. Yes, I realize this is the opposite of what you think you should be doing but sometimes, you just have to step away. Close the computer file or put the notebook away and get up. Give the story a rest and go do something else.

2.) Talk a Walk. Once you've put your writing away, go outside. If you live near woods, take a stroll through them or even just walk alongside the road. Think about your story, perhaps about what the characters would be thinking if they were taking the walk, but if you aren't getting anywhere, forget about the book. Think about your kids, your friends, what you have to do later, whatever. It doesn't matter.

3.) Watch a Movie. Go see whatever is playing at the theater or rent that one you've been wanting to see forever. Let the characters flow through you. If it ends up being a terrible movie, consider what you would do to change it and make it better. Is it the characters? Or is it the plot? If it's a good movie, I find it impossible to not be inspired.

4.) Read Books by Your Favorite Author. This is my favorite method of getting back in the groove. I have a few favorites that I reread - Sarah Dessen, Twilight, Harry Potter - because those are writers I aspire to be like and I admire their writing. Reading their books always gives me hope and inspiration that I can be as good as them.

5.) Freewrite. Pick up your pen or open the Word document, turn up your favorite music, and write whatever comes to mind. It can have nothing or anything to do your current project. The main point is just to write and get your creative juices flowing and hey, it might turn out to be something worth keeping.

6.) Interview Your Characters. This obviously only works if you're writing fiction but I find it helps me understand my characters better. If you're having trouble with the plot, ask them questions about why they did something, what they want to do, etc. If you're not, questions about who they like, their favorite color, their ambitions, or anything else can be fun.

These are the six ideas that work best for me. They may or may not work for you but I definitely recommend trying them all at least once. You never know what you may find out.

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