Ok, writers, listen up. I created this specific post because of what just happened to me… again.

My current situation:

• I went to my office, intent on writing the next chapter of my latest novel.
• I had my laptop open, pen, notes, and a glass of iced tea all at the ready.
• And… I’ve been staring at all of it for the last twenty minutes, literally doing NO writing.

Does that scenario hit home? But, what to do about it. I know this happens to every writer, and it’s probably one of the most annoying parts of writing… err, not writing.

As I see it, you have a few choices:

• You can chalk it up to a bad writing day, close the laptop, and do something else.
• You can force yourself and write nonsense because you’re not feeling it.

OR, and I highly recommend you try these next suggestions.

• Pack up all of your writing goodies and write somewhere new. Try a local bookstore, library, coffee shop, or park. When I do that, it changes my mood and stops the endless staring. Somehow, it always helps.
• Re-read what you’ve written thus far. Doing that puts me in the mood to keep the story going, picking right up where I left off.
• Dream up a new, quirky character and throw them into the mix to shake things up and add excitement.

When you stare blankly at the screen or page, I hope you consider these suggestions to get you back on track. Drop me a line in the comments and let me know your thoughts or other ways to get yourself out of your rut.

Happy Writing!

Gina