Never Get Writer’s Block Again!

Posted on August 12th, 2007 in How To by pseudonym

Ten tips to help you avoid writer’s block in the first place.

Keep An Ideas Book

Carry a little notebook around with you so you can jot down all your ideas. Maybe it is a phrase or an idea or a character. That way you will never find yourself short of ideas to help start you off.
Join A Writers’ Group

This will give you valuable feedback and, equally important, a reason to write.
Always Stop Writing While You Are Still Enthusiastic

It may be hard to drag yourself away from the keyboard when you want to keep writing, but make sure you can start at a good point the next day.
Keep A Tidy Creative Area

Have an area of the house you use just for writing, or just for creative activity. That way when you are there you know it is time to write. Keep the area tidy, and consider investing in a white board or notice board to display bits of inspiration. This could be a post-it with an idea on it, or an evocative photo. This means you avoid distractions and can get down to work.
Turn Off The Internet

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The less distractions you have, the less likely you are to go off track.
Keep Folders Of Research

This way you can easily access and use sources of inspiration and details for your story.
Find Out What Works For You

Some find that a glass of red wine to hand relaxes them, so they can write without pressure. Others need a bit of a caffeine high or some familiar music to get them started. Whatever gets you writing is a positive thing.
Consider Background Noise

Try playing music. You may want some neutral instrumental music to drown out background noise, or something atmospheric to create a mood. Loud and shouty could be great for writing a rebellious young adult piece, while the sound of birdsong or the jungle could be perfect for a piece with a remote setting.
Keep All Your Writing In One Place

This may be a physical thing, with box files full of print-outs, or a folder on your computer. This makes for easy access, and provides a motivational tool as you can see what you have already completed, and improvement from earlier pieces.
Keep A Folder Of The Great Lines You Cut Out

Maybe there’s a phrase you love that your character would never use. Maybe it’s a minor character you cut out since he complicated the plot. Keep all of these to hand as you never know when they might fill a gap in a new project.