What's the one thing worse than writer's block? Having writer's block when you have a deadline. Writer's block is something so horrible that I wouldn't wish it upon my worst enemies. It's practically incurable at times. There isn't a magic potion that you can drink or a cake that you can eat and a story will pop into your head. This isn't "Alice in Wonderland."
So I might not have any miracle drinks that'll magically cure your writer's block. So I might not be able to give you life-changing advice to turn you into the next F. Scott Fitzgerald or Maya Angelou. But I can at least give you a few tips to set you on your way.
1. Keep a notebook handy at all times.
First thing's first, stay prepared. You never know when an idea will pop up and they're usually fleeting. Write the ideas down as they come and come back to them later.
2. Go for a walk.
Take in the scenery as you walk around your neighborhood or down the street. The outside world might spark an idea that could become a forest fire of a story. Take it all in: the noisy street, the rustling trees, the smell of fresh cut grass. Plus, it's exercise and we all need as much of that as we are able to get.
3. Turn your favorite music on.
Close your eyes and listen to the lyrics. Really listen. Let the words paint a picture on your eyelids. Let that picture reproduce and create a roll of film.
4. Burn some incense.
Grab your favorite scent, light some candles, and relax. Cover your eyes with a wash cloth and lay in complete silence as the incense fills your nostrils with the smell of warm vanilla or calming lavender. Let the kaleidoscope of smells trigger memories and feelings and write them down afterwards.
5. Stop writing.
Not for good, obviously. Close your laptop or put your pen down for a day or two. If you're pressed for time, give it a few hours. Watch some Netflix or go hang out with friends. Get your mind off of your writing. When you come back to it, your mind will be renewed and you'll see your writing with fresh eyes. Straining your brain while trying to come up with a new idea will do more harm than good.
