Writing Ranting – Stuck for Something to Write?

It’s perfectly normal to get stuck writing slumps or writer’s block. And it’s okay to take a break from writing or certain projects to focus on other things in life. I can’t imagine going too long without writing or doing something writing related, even if it’s just jotting down ideas for future reference or finding inspirational images or music. This way, I have a list ready to go when I get back into the groove.

During these “breaks” I still find the need to be in front of a document and actually writing something.Here are some ways I like to keep writing during these times.

• Flipping to another WIP for a few days or even a week or so to keep my sense of writing going 
• Writing short stories, either related to my WIP as potential bonus chapters or something completely different to cleanse my creative palate.
• Writing a month’s worth of blog posts and book reviews. This helps since I like to keep my blog active and I love sharing reviews.
• Write about a random experience like a short story or article. I recently shared about my trip to Porto. Yes, it was short and sweet, but it was something a little different.
• Outlining or making notes on future projects. 
• Flesh out some random scenes. Maybe a backstory for your current WIP or something for a future project that might help you plan your characters or world-building. I have a few documents with random act 2 or 3 scenes, and I haven’t even planned the whole story. Just a rough synopsis.

There’s always something to write about if your fingers are itching to type, but don’t force it if you’re not feeling it. That’s a sign you need a break.