A couple of weeks ago I
wrote about writer’s block and how to be encouraged as you work your way
through it. For today’s This-n-That Thursday, I thought I’d give you a few
exercises to help you do just that.
If your writer’s block
happens in the middle of a project:
- Character diaries – Choose one of your characters and begin a diary. How does your character feel at this point of your story? What does he/she think is going to happen next?
- Timeline – Make a timeline of the action leading up to this point, and then make tentative timelines that detail what could happen afterwards.
- Brainstorm – Write down every single idea, regardless of how silly. (This is also a good way to silence that inner editor.)
If you have writer’s block
at the beginning of a project:
- Research Trip – Go somewhere to do research on your project. If you are writing a historical, go to a local museum or library. If you write mysteries, interview a private investigator. Take lots of notes and see if you can get inspired.
- Committee – Form a committee of your writing buddies and ask them to help you bounce around ideas. You can do this virtually by using Skype or some other video conferencing program.
- Free write – Just open a blank document and start writing. Sometimes the blank page is so imposing to a writer. Getting something down on the page cuts down on the pressure. Titles – Brainstorm prospective titles for your next project. (Remember, “brainstorm” means write down everything.)
If you’d like more
exercises to help you combat writer’s block, here are a few websites:
I’d
love to hear from you as well. Have you ever had writer’s block? How long did
it last? How did you finally break it?
~
Angie
