Block Buster
Ideas To Thwart Writer’s Block
I’ve suggested before how a simple free-write activity can be enough to jump-start your writing engine for the day. Here is my take on another activity that is a popular starter activity in creative writing classes.
Use, as your prompt, a random image.
Writing Exercises is a great website – here is a tool for generating random images.
https://writingexercises.co.uk/random-image-generator.php
What can you write about that picture?
- Is there a story to be told?
- Is there a conversation being had?
- Is it just a way to stretch your powers of description?
Remember, it doesn’t matter if the prompt doesn’t relate to what you are writing. This isn’t about adding to your manuscript’s wordcount. If a few minutes doing one of these exercises is enough to get your creative juices flowing, then it’s time well spent.
To keep yourself focused, consider some constraints.
Don’t spend too long choosing an image. Depending on the image database, the first picture might not be suitable (eg a logo or icon set), but commit yourself to using one of the first 5 images.
Give yourself a time limit. What can you get down in 10 minutes?
Don’t lift your pen. Write any old nonsense, just go with the flow. Don’t stop and start to overthink it.
At the end of the activity, open your manuscript and start immediately. Try and get at least something down whilst you are still warmed up. Fingers crossed, once you’re up and running you’ll keep going.
Good luck!
Have you got any suggestions about overcoming writer’s block?
Feel free to comment here or on social media.
Happy writing,
Paul
