Writer's 'Block' Busting

Here's what to do if you're stuck for an idea! Three fun suggestions from Sue:

If you’re sat facing a blank page or screen and thinking that you should write something but you can’t think what to write – then try one of these ideas: 

• Set your kitchen timer (if you have one) for two minutes. Pick a word – any word- and pretend you’re in a race to see how much paper you can fill in the time. This doesn’t have to make sense, just keep your pen moving. If you really can’t think of anything to say, then put that – or begin a shopping list. You will find there are a few nuggets in there that are worth developing.
• Find some old magazines and go through them tearing out anything that interests you – colours, words, phrases, pictures of people and houses. Pick three of them and see if you can link them in some way. Create a ‘flash fiction’ story of 250 words. 

• Go for a five minute walk and collect at least five images – for example: 

          -   A child’s pink teddy abandoned in a hedge

          -   A plane trail across a clear blue sky

          -   The scent of bluebells

          -   The sound of a church bell

          -   The texture of green moss on a stone

         When you get home jot down two or three sentences about each of these and then see if you can link them in a story or poem.

Plan your writing session for tomorrow.

Reward yourself for the work you’ve done today.

Sue Johnson