I should write, but maybe I should take the dog for a walk first. I should write but Jeopardy is on in about ten minutes. I can rack up the excuses, but what it mostly boils down to is that I can't think of anything to say.
I've heard a couple of authors interviewed who said that they never get writer's block. Well, hurray for them. For the rest of us, here's a couple of things that work for me:
At the moment I'm working on two novels, a horror novel and a mystery. The plots are far enough apart and so different that when I hit a dead end on one, I can usually jump to the other. Also, because it's been some time since I've looked at the other one, I can see things with fresh eyes, and hopefully, fresh ideas.
If that doesn't work I'll try switching to short stories. No ideas for a short story? Over the years I've collected ideas. I've got a folder full of napkins and other scraps of paper where I've jotted down an idea, or even a snippet of conversation that I've overheard. From there I can usually "what if . . ." my way to a short story.
If that doesn't work I suggest taking the day off and relaxing your brain. For some it's a nice long leisurely walk, others, a good workout, and for a dangerous few - video games. (I've got a way too addictive personality to venture into that realm.) For TV junkies like myself, well, any Aaron Spelling rerun or entertainment gossip show should empty your brain just fine. Albeit best not to make a habit of it, or like o.d.'ing on video games, you'll wake up one day in the future strapped to a bed and finding a nurse wiping drool off of your chin.
Hey, gotta go. I think I just thought up an idea for a new short story.
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