How to get un-stuck when writing (part two)

As I mentioned in the first part of how to get the creative juice flowing again, it's all about finding what works for you, something quickly done by trying stuff. Who knows? You might find the perfect way to kickstart your fingers. Or, you may discover that some tools just don't work for you. If the latter, discard it and try something else. So, don't be afraid to explore.

One tip that works well for me is backtracking a few chapters from where I got stuck and reading from there. By doing this, I often get a better sense of pace and environmental mood that, in turn, helps me untangle what's not working in the later chapters. But, again, this isn't about editing but getting a feel for the story.

Doesn't work? Try turning to your shelf of inspiration. This shelf can be filled with whatever you want, as long as it inspires you. So many books and photos are parked on mine, the latter on the people closest to me, and the former from authors I admire, scenes that excite me, and ways of writing I strive to master. By flicking through the worlds of my favorite characters, I'm reminded of why I love writing, giving me the energy I need to keep going.

Another tip is to keep typing. At this point, I don't care if it'll end up highlighted and deleted the next day; right now, I'm just trying to get the brain back into typing mode. Sometimes I need to write to empty my fingers of all the shitty words to help me get to the good ones faster. It's like drawing squiggles aimlessly on paper. Eventually, you might see something that begins to shape itself into an image, and before long, you may have a masterpiece emerge from the mess you've left on the paper.

This tip goes back to the photos on that shelf of inspiration, but this time you don't just stare at their pretty faces. You call them. Juggle ideas. Get them to tell you those good things will come if you keep at it. Be sure to clarify what you need from them at the beginning of the call so they don't go into full critique mode if that's not what you want. Sometimes it helps if someone understands writing in one way or another, but it can be anyone who has understood its value for you. Get that nudge and use it as a boost to keep writing.

You should try checking the time. Really. Did you miss dinner? Is it way past midnight? Have you been to the toilet in the last 24 hours? That's not good for the bowels or brain. So get up and get cleaned up. Train, eat and restore your mental tank. And don't forget to sleep. We need sleep.

Figure out if you're a morning writer or night writer. I switched up my writing routines and started hauling myself out of bed an hour before work. The results? It proves I'm a much more productive writer in the mornings. So, switch up your writing times. Experiment.

And last but not least. Sometimes you need the sensation of finishing something. There's something childishly exhilarating about typing The End on a project. The boost you get can be enough to keep you going. So, write a short story, flash fiction, or poem, then pat yourself on the shoulder for having finished something. Celebrate! Then get back to writing.