Story Stuck? Tips for Crushing That Writer’s Block

It happens to the best writers (I’ve heard). That point in your story when things aren’t moving forward. The words are slowing vs flowing. It’s frustrating at the best of times—but when you’re trying to write 5,000 words in 30 days as part of the National Novel Writing Month challenge—it can be crippling!

Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but I’m feeling a little panicked with less than two weeks left in NaNoWriMo and only half a story written. This weekend, I need to buckle down—just as soon as I get rid of this pesky writer’s block.

I asked an author for some tips and here are five she suggested:

1. Eliminate distractions. Yup, time to shut down that Facebook page and disconnect from the Internet. (Not forever!)
2. Read a book. Sounds counter-productive, I know, but reading inspires writing. That’s a proven fact. (I’m going to re-read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory because it ALWAYS inspires me.)
3. Change your environment. Do you always write in your bedroom? Try the kitchen table, or the local library. I’m going to set up shop in my grandpa’s tool shed!
4. Listen to music. I have a writing playlist on my iPod, but some of the songs are distracting because I sing to the lyrics. Maybe I should switch to classical or something without words?
5. Brainstorm ideas in bullet points. That will at least get the creative juices flowing even if you don’t quite have the right words to say what you mean…yet.

BAM! Writer’s block crushed! Not quite? Well, there is one fool proof way to combat it: WRITE!

Gotta jet—I have just under 2,500 words to write and less than two weeks to do it! Good luck and write on.

~ Chase Superman Duffy