10 tips to avoid writer's block
STEER CLEAR!
You Don't Need To Go There.
Most writers have been there - staring at a blank page, fingers frozen, the dreaded storm clouds of writer's block approaching. But fear not, here are 10 proven tips to help you overcome that pesky creative roadblock and get your script back on the river! Just don't let it go over Niagra Falls.
1. Take a breather. Short, or long, but take one when you start getting hat head- that kind of sluggish brain press from above that is silently screaming for you to go do cartwheels around the block, or a weekend in Rome with no screentime.
2. Read, read, read: Of course, this is part of taking a break, but knowledge is good and inspiration is better, and you get both from hitting the books.
3. Get out of Dodge. A change of scenery can mean impact. Hit the road, Jackson. Or at least take your laptop to a scenic somewhere that has a chair and fine weather.
4. Exercise. Sweat. Healthy body, healthy mind. Take a shower and get productive.
5. Exercise. Your brain. Yep, detour from whatever brilliant project you are momentarily glued to, and write something short and fun from a prompt. Your brain will be soooo happy and thank you by going back to your brilliant project and plowing through the detour.
6. Get sage advice. Ask a trusted someone what they think you should do at this looming juncture. Or just go to your local watering hole and ask the bartender. They are all psychotherapists out of necessity, listening to people's problems all day long.
7. Start with the end. Or rather, skip to it. Then slowly look backwards and see where you veered off.
8. Move on. Never, ever, settle for mediocrity, but if a scene sucks, just put it in bold and come back to it later. Don't let it bury you or push you over the waterfall.
9. Got an outline? You should. See what's coming next and what is slowing you down. It's a bit like chess sometimes. A good mindfuck should be a challenge, not a concern.
10. Exercise. Oops, I know this was number 4 or 5, but it is really the best solution. Clear your brain, pant a little bit, rejuvenate, and proceed to knock 'em dead.
