Tips to break through writer's block

July 14, 9:30 PMAtlanta Writing ExaminerJenny Murr

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Break down your wall of writer's block.
                       Photo: Library of Congress Commons

Every writer has experienced it, the dreaded writer's block. And if you haven't, just wait--your day will soon come. It's inevitable, no one has an unending cache of story ideas just sitting around. So what can be done to tear down that block, which sometimes looks like the Great Wall of China?

Here are a few tips on finding new fodder for your writing:

1. Writing Prompts: Some writing websites offer a sentence or two on which writers can build a story, and although these prompts are just a way of keeping the writing wheels turning some prompts will actually get you somewhere.
2. Word of the Day: New words can spark inspiration and they will build your vocabulary so you can impress your readers with your grandiloquent prose (look it up).
3. News: Some of the most unbelievable stories written have come directly from the news. Subscribe to newspapers from various locations in the country, you may just find your story smack-dab in the middle of Kansas (think In Cold Blood).
4. Eavesdrop: Find a place buzzing with people, take a seat and observe. Be sure to bring a notepad and pen, you'll want to document what you see and hear.

Just do it: The most effective detriment against writer's block is (you guessed it) to just write. It doesn't have to be good, it doesn't even have to make sense. The important thing is to keep up your daily writing regimen.

If you would like to receive writing prompts and interesting words, follow me on twitter--I'll send something out each week.