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Comment by Evelyn Sharenov on October 6, 2012 at 4:04pm

A nap, a cocktail, read a book that has nothing to do with your current project, go out to dinner with friends. If it's possible, let your book go - find a mantra to fill that space until what you're too actively seeking finds you.

Comment by Ilie Ruby on September 30, 2012 at 10:24am

Take a nap. Go for a walk. Meditate. Do something else. Sometimes a change in surroundings will change the inner landscape. Just my two cents. Mostly, KNOW this is temporary. Much love, Ilie :)

Comment by Astra Groskaufmanis on September 28, 2012 at 1:41pm

I'm feeling a bit stuck myself having now written several chapters written of a humour memoir.  I'm thinking of taking one of the chapters and re-writing it from a different point of view (i.e. third person instead of first person) and see if that stirs something up!  I am inspired, though, but all the techniques offered here too!

Comment by Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar on September 27, 2012 at 2:29am

I am in the same boat, Kamy. I wanted to have finished a manuscript by now but managed two chapters. I'm trying being nicer to myself (instead of 'you lazy....' more 'you love this story...' and also what you've already done, be vulnerable and open with others about needing a reminder of why we do this. Yes, deadlines and word counts are I,portent but it's like bringing a relationship. Do you want flowers without love? Remind yourself why you're doing Thailand maybe it will go back to excitement rather than duty. I'm trying all this to and admitting my worst fear dismantles it somewhat since it isn't a secret anymore: what if I'm a terrible writer who is wasting her time?

Comment by Stacy Sorrells on September 26, 2012 at 12:21pm

Well,  there is nothing new for me to add here, but sometimes I do what Janna McMahan's #1 and #3 (I also don't believe in "blocks"). Usually its other responsibilities that keep me from writing, at those times I do what Christina M. Rau does and I just don't write. I also do no set writing (word count) goals, instead I set time goals...knowing that I will have to get to writing, keeps my story and characters somewhat on my mind throughout the day, even when I'm busy with other things. 

Comment by Helen W. Mallon on September 26, 2012 at 11:12am

Much of this has been said, Kamy, but I know the feeling! It's like constipation.  (Icky metaphor) I have learned not to trust my "this is crap" persona.  If I have a bad writing day, I don't revise immediately--my judgment is likely to be skewed.  The tighter your mind grips the writing, the less likely you are to be able to see it.  I think the Lev Raphael advice is great--let your subconscious/unconscious mind have a go, while you give yourself a break enjoy some self-compassion!  Hope this helps. 

Comment by Christina M. Rau on September 26, 2012 at 6:54am

When I'm stuck, I simply let it run its course. The more I fight it, the worse it gets.  So I just don't write.  I do everything not to write.  Of course, if a deadline is near, this method doesn't work all the time, but most of the time, I can get unstuck more quickly if I don't try to get unstuck.

Comment by Peg Herring on September 26, 2012 at 5:24am

Great advice from everyone here. For me, the walk often does it, but the B.I.T.C.H. principle must apply at some point. Butt in the chair, Honey. If you were a surgeon who wasn't in the mood to operate, you'd still have to finish up.

Comment by Janna McMahan on September 26, 2012 at 5:04am

Whenever I have a hard time moving forward (I never say stuck!) I work on my novel in different ways. I'll

1) Edit what I already have. Often rereading and reconsidering what exists jars some idea that will reveal a new avenue for the story. At the least, you'll have a clean manuscript!

2) Research! Read a book on my topic. I'll often interview somebody who is an expert in the topic or has had an experience that my characters will need to have. I do online research, following the chain of logic until I uncover something that will contribute to the story.

3) Go back through my notes looking for ideas I meant to include. I take copious notes, on my phone, my ipad, note pads strewn about my life. I'll gather these and go through them and either organize them into my idea file, or write them into my story.

4) I'll do an activity that my character will be doing so I can accurately describe the event. Say my character is a cook, I'll make a dish that they will be creating in the story and then write about the smells and feels and general experience of making that dish. Good stuff to give your writing a sense of real world authenticity.

5) Do some marketing. If all else fails to spark your word flow you can move ahead on your book by writing the dust jacket copy. This will not only help editors to easily conceptualize your story, but it will help you as the writer define exactly what the story is about in your mind. Think about how you can describe your story in two short paragraphs. When it comes time to market your book you'll be glad you did this. As your story evolves so will your description.

6) Do other marketing! Make a media contact list. Want to be on a local TV show when  your book is released? Find out the producer of that segment. Make a list of dream media (blogs, newspapers, magazines, television and radio shows) and work toward having a comprehensive list by the time your book comes out. Another thing you will be glad you did when you launch your book. You will be responsible for nearly all your marketing. Make the most of the time you have by preparing. This all contributes to the success of your book, so it counts as moving forward in a big way.

Hope this helps! I don't believe in writers block. There is always something that you can do to move ahead.

Comment by Janice Seagraves on September 25, 2012 at 11:55pm

Take a walk, go to the mall, catch a movie or go to the museum. Sometimes a different scenery can shake those cobwebs loose.

Janice~

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