three tips for unblocking your creativity

People say writer's block is a myth conjured up by over-dramatic artists. Maybe. However, it's all relative. Some call the day partly cloudy; others say it's partly sunny. No matter--there are clouds, and there is sun. It's not a perfectly disastrous overcast day, nor is it an absolutely gorgeous sunny day.

You either need an umbrella, sunglasses, or both.

You either can write fluidly for hours, or you encounter road blocks along the way.

When you get stuck in the middle of your writing, what do you do? Everyone has a favorite go-to for unsticking their creativity.

Here are my three favorites.

Find your team. That's No. 1.

Imagine if a doctor got surgeon's block; people might die. Doctors can't stop and say they're stuck. They need to keep going. Doctors--surgeons--also have a team there to support and guide.

Writers need a team, too. Who do you turn to when you feel stuck? Your mom? Critique partners? Best friend? Cat? The postman?

No. 2: write in blocks. Write for ten minutes (Natalie Goldberg style). Don't hold back. Go for the jugular. Stop for two minutes. Write again for ten. Do this for an hour or until you can write for longer than ten minutes at a go.

No. 3: close your eyes and have a conversation with your main character. Ask her what's about to happen next. Ask her what she really thinks of (a specific character). Get your character to do some work for you.

There are many exercises to try to unblock your creativity. These are three I use.

What are your tips for moving through writer's block or moments where your creativity has taken a nap? Share them in the comments below.
Write on!

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