5 Ways to Beat Writer's Block!

Don't push yourself!

Before you read any further, I want to ask you a few questions to see if you actually have writer's block.

1. Do you find yourself staring at the words of your story for hours on end without actually adding more words?
2. Do you find yourself hitting the Backspace key more times than any other key on your keyboard?
3. Are you at the point that you couldn't write another word to save your cat's life?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, I'm sorry to say that you have caught the "writer's block" bug. Lucky for you, Bootsie's got you covered! Check out the tips listed below and hopefully one of these will help cure you of writer's block.

1. Back Track

The other day, while editing my book, I found myself in a rut about how a certain scene should play out. No matter how many times I re-worded it, no matter how much I begged my laptop to just make the right words magically appear on the screen...IT JUST DIDN'T WORK. Especially not that last one. So, after nearly pulling all of my hair out, I decided to go back through my book. I read over important plot points to see just what the halibut was up. Finally, I discovered the problem. I found where I left off important information, key points that were necessary for my book to end the way that it needed to. If you are experiencing writer's block, especially near the end of your book, go back through your story and you just might find what you need to beat it.

2. Try  a New Environment 

Sometimes, you just need a change in scenery. Your office gets boring, your butt hurts from sitting at your desk for too long -- it's no wonder you're having a brain freeze at writing. Try heading out to a different area to write. I listed a few in last week's blog that might help you.

3. Turn Up the Music!

Are you one of those people who need absolute silence to write? Liable to bite someone's head off for interrupting your solitude? For some people, writing with music can help inspire you in ways silence can't. I like listening to a wide variety of music, especially while I write. I find that it brings out the perfect mood I'm trying to set for a particular scene. This doesn't work for everyone, but trying it one time won't kill you!

4. Ask for Suggestions

A lot of people are pretty private about their work. I'm one of them. You literally have to pry my notebook away from me or do some stealthy spy tricks to read my stuff. ...What? I'm working on it! Anyway, asking for a friend's or family member's suggestions on your story might give you ideas that would've never crossed your mind.

5. Take a Break

Sometimes, the only way to get over writer's block is to simply take a break. That's right -- back away from your work and take some time to clear your head. Go walking, partying, or even read another book. When you come back, you'll come back with a clear mind and a fresh start.

I hope these ideas come in handy! See you next Friday!

Have a blessed day and keep on reading!

-Bootsie