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10 Creative Ways to Break the Block

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By Cyan Barker

            We’ve all been there, jogging down the middle of No-Words Lane.  The blank page rises up to swallow us whole.  How do we break it?  How does one defeat this inferior dam obstructing the magical flow of inspiration?

            How do we overcome writer’s block?

            That’s what I’m here for.  I’ve collected my own top ten ways I have become victor against the deadline.  To throw a little spice on top of it all, I promise originality to come out of this.  Come on, we’re creative writers, we don’t do boring.  Anyways, on with the list!

 

#1: Music Videos

            Watch them.  They don’t even have to be from a genre you enjoy.  They don’t even have to be the official music videos for that matter.  Actually, it’s better to observe the fan made ones.  Personally, I take interest in AMVs (Anime Music Video), but that’s due to my nerd side being exposed.

            The video usually comes with a displayed meaning, a miniature story of sorts.  You can take this with the tone of music and throw it into you inspiration furnace.  It’s similar to reading a book in a manner of minutes...and in movie format…but again, minutes!

            I use this when I need a little pick-me up to get my passion burning or sometimes I open up YouTube with a pen and paper in hand jotting down ideas that flow by.  Highly recommended for everyone.

 

#2: Have Something to Fiddle With

            Now I don’t know about you, but I need something to fiddle with.  An item to provide you with a deep breath, short break while remaining at your desk.  Perhaps it could be a drink.  Most people use their coffee or green tea.  As someone whose body denies them of caffeine, I turn this sensation into a multitude of things.

            Here are a few of the things I’ve used:

            A deck of cards.  I would shuffle them when sitting back to reread previous paragraphs to avoid too much time going on to ending.

            Aglets.  This may just be more of a personal thing, but the aglets on a sweatshirt are very fun to play with.

            Coins.

            Food.  Must be clean and finger worthy.  I often turn to dry cereal.

 

#3: Move!!!

            There are different types of writer’s block so depending on what kind you have depends how you should move.

            If you’re like me, most of the time your low on inspiration.  You find yourself repeating words or drowning out.  If that’s the case then you must dance!  Blast music, shove back that chair, and pull off some funky fresh moves.  My friends and I call this the ten second dance party, but it can last as long as it needs till you are hyped to type!

            Aggravated?  Frustrated that the words aren’t appearing on the page?  Then I recommend Tai Chi or a Yoga pose.  Focus on the breathing.  Don’t pull any muscles.  Ignore the computer or paper, whatever media you’re using, till you’re at one with the surroundings.

            If you’re loaded with ideas, but have no clue how to organize them, then I have a simple solution that doesn’t involve anything, but your body and mind.  Of course if you feel compelled to map things out then be my guest.  Yet, I for one find that to be counterproductive till I pace.  Yes, pace.  Walk up, down, around, inside, outside, anywhere, don’t change your scenery too much though, remain on the same path.  Your brain cancels out the mundane outside to turn inside and visualize the plot of your story.  I say it’s a way of your body catching up with your mind.  Sometimes I start waving my hands and acting as the characters as I pace.  Other times my father nags me for creating a breeze.

 

#4: Challenge Yourself

            In case you have not already caught on, I’m quite strange.  Another thing I like to do is create challenges that allow me to step over the hurdles in my way.  Out of all the challenges I’ve submitted myself to, my favorite would be what I can Incorporation.  This works best if you’re in the middle of a story and you don’t know what to write. 

To play Incorporation, take a random word generator like this one: http://www.textfixer.com/tools/random-words.php push the little button to get you some random words.  Now use them!  As soon as humanly possible!

Looks like my next story is going to be about carnivorous plant.  Cool!

There’s also plenty other challenges you can do.  Here’s a list in case your block is that bad: http://30daychallengearchive.tumblr.com/post/832610035/writing-prompt-30-day-challenge

 

#5: Adventure!

            It’s out there.  The answer to all your problems.  Just get up and go find it.  Do something or go someplace you have never been before.  I recently went to Boston for the first time.  I was a puppy dog rocketing around touching and smelling everything.  My friends prevented me from tasting anything though…killjoys.  You can bring a notebook with you and write as you go or absorb all the creative juices to release later.  Enjoy yourself.

            I once had a friend who would travel somewhere, anywhere, by public transportation and wrote the whole trip.  It was their way of processing things.  I personally get motion sick if I try to read or write in an environment like that, but I’m throwing this idea out there in case it works for you.

#6: Create Your Number 1 Fan

            Yep, it might sound crazy, but it’s just creative.  Imagine a character who has read everything you have ever wrote.  They love your work and want nothing more than to have more.  Their favorite character is (insert character name here) and they want nothing more than to have them end up with (insert love interest here).  They also hate (insert antagonist here), but understand where they’re coming from.  Any weaknesses setting you back, blocking your way?  Don’t worry about it because they love it.

            You get the concept.  Hold conversations with your fan.  Allow them to interview you.  Maybe even treat them to a sample of your unpublished work.  Send them letters.  It’s all yours.  You could even draw or find a picture of them. 

Mine’s Slayer Allen.  She’s a kick-butt who adores my word choice.

 

#7: Freewrite

            Okay, after that last one I thought I would draw back the crazy for a second.  Freewriting is an incredibly useful tool.  After all, don’t edit your first draft.  Sit down with a blank piece of paper and fill it with whatever comes to mind.  Set a timer for yourself to stay between.  Most importantly, don’t look back.  I don’t care if your word document is filled with those annoying red squiggly lines.  Leave them.  They won’t hurt the words around them.  They aren’t contagious.

            I find this method most helpful when you don’t like where a story is at, but you know a scene you want later down the road.  Freewrite that beauty to satisfy your desire to write it.  After that is done you can peacefully continue the story till you get to that part for real.

 

#8: Don’t Start Blank

            The blank page can be scary.  It’s hungry for words, demanding to be feed, but you panicking over a lack of thoughts.  No worry, don’t start with a blank page!  Start with a title, it doesn’t even have to make sense, just write a few creative words over the top. 

          Need more?  Start with a random line from a book or article and start from there, you can always go back to edit later.

#9: Create your own Subtitles

            The concept of the game is to turn on the TV, go to a random channel while on mute, and create your own dialogue.  This can be done with friends or just by yourself. 

Play around with word-choice, accents of characters, and their own motives.  It helps develop a sense of character that you may find useful for your stories.  Also, if your writing is more on the humorous side, this will lead to quite a few running gags.

#10: Tag-Team Writing

            I saved my personal favorite for last.  Tag-Team Writing is probably an assignment you’ve received from a substitute teacher in elementary school.  To play, all one needs is a computer or pen and paper and at least one friend.  Simply take turns writing intervals of ten (more or less works too) words.  Rules include: no discussion between players.  You might have an idea of where the story is going, but your friend can make that turn around instantly.

            This opens up the flood gates by giving us the excited feeling we often experience while reading a new book.  Not knowing where a story is going is part of the adventure, after all.  So, writing with a friend in this manor is highly recommended for those stuck souls who love adventure.

 

            Of course the best way of all to overcome writer’s block is to write.  Push yourself through it and have fun.  Use these tips to fill up that page like it’s nobody’s business.  Good luck!  Happy Writing!

 

Cyan Barker is a literary editor working for the New Hampshire Writer’s Project and a student at Southern New Hampshire University.


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