Hey writers! Welcome back to Better Writing in 5, where we’re tackling every aspect of your writing journey—5 steps at a time. We’ve all been there: staring at a blank screen, unsure of what happens next in your story. Writer’s block may all be in your head, but it’s certainly no joke. Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Here are 5 ways to get unstuck and move your story forward:
1. Go back to your outline (or make one)
If you’re stuck, chances are you’ve lost sight of where your story is headed. If you’ve got an outline, take a moment to revisit it. Does it still work? If you don’t have an outline, now’s the time to make one! Even a simple bullet-point list of your major plot points can help you reorient your story and find the next step. You don’t need a 10-page outline—just enough to keep you on track.
2. Write something completely different
Sometimes, it’s helpful to step away from the current scene and write something entirely different. Jump ahead to a future scene that excites you or write a conversation between your characters that doesn’t need to go in the book at all. Freewriting in a different direction can help you see new possibilities and get your creative juices flowing again.
3. Ask “What if?”
The What If method is perfect for getting the creative wheels turning. What if your character made a different choice? What if a new character showed up? What if a natural disaster struck in the middle of your scene? Asking “What If” questions can help you break out of your creative block by making unexpected things happen in your story. Don’t be afraid to throw your characters into chaos and see what they do!
4. Write through the block
If you’re really stuck, sometimes the best thing to do is write through it. Even if you’re not sure what’s going to happen next, just start writing. Write nonsense if you have to—just keep your fingers moving. Writing consistently helps you break through those mental barriers and can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. The key is to keep the momentum going, no matter what.
5. Take a break and come back with fresh eyes
If you’re still stuck after trying the above methods, sometimes it’s best to step away for a bit. Go for a walk, take a nap, or do something totally unrelated to writing. Often, your best ideas come when you’re not actively trying to solve a problem. When you come back to your story, you’ll have fresh eyes and might find a new direction that works.
Conclusion
Getting stuck is a part of the writing process—it happens to everyone. But with a little creativity, you can break through that block and get your story back on track. Keep moving forward, and don’t let the stuck moments stop you from reaching your goals.