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This blog is run by Ashleigh Neame, with guest posts from other authors. If you have any suggestions on what you want to see on this blog, vote on the poll on the right hand side of the page. Want to write for the blog? Email Ashleigh at author.ashleighneame@hotmail.co.nz or see the right hand side of the blog.

Saturday, 23 March 2013

23/03/2013 - How To Survive Writer's Block

It happens to the best of us – you write and write and write, and then you hit a wall. No matter what, you cannot get around that wall, and your manuscript sits there on your computer, gradually being forgotten as you struggle to find a way to continue the story. This is an unfortunate event called ‘Writer’s Block’.

Sometimes it seems like there’s no way out – it’s just too hard, and your mind can’t find a way around the metaphorical wall inside your brain. Thankfully, there are ways to push through Writer’s Block.

1. Free Writing
What is free writing? Free writing is when you pick a word or an object, and write non-stop about said word or object for 3 to 5 minutes. Just write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t matter if you think it’s useless or insignificant – just write. When you’re done, go back and read over what you’ve written and circle anything that seems interesting – it could give you an idea to work into your story, and hopefully a way to get out of Writer’s Block Prison.

2. Read Through What You’ve Already Written
The title says it all – read through what you’ve already written. Who knows, maybe there will be something you’ve mentioned but haven’t properly explained. Your character might be able to go back and discover or reveal whatever it is you didn’t explain properly.

3. Go Exploring
Yes, exploring, you read that right. Get out, get away from the computer, and go exploring. Live near a beach? Cool! You can always walk along the beach looking for interesting things to give you your next brilliant idea. Live near a forest or the woods? Awesome! Go for a walk, and keep an eye out for anything out of place. Don’t live near either? That’s cool too! Just go wandering the streets in your neighbourhood, keep your eyes peeled, and gather ideas from the people around you.

4. Take Photos
Get out your camera and start snapping! Seriously, without looking for anything interesting, just get snapping photos of the world around you. Then upload them onto your computer or print them out and see if you can find a pattern or a person that grabs your interest in the photos. Something so insignificant might give you your next big plot point.

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