How To Block Out Writer’s Block
By: Mary S.
Tags: Writing, Character Development, Prompt, Idea Generation, Writers Block

Photo Credit: Free Images

I’m a writer. I love to write, and I spend a heck of a lot of time writing, whether that be a novel, a short story, or even just a journal entry. But, somehow, half the time when I sit down to write, the page on the table below my eyes looks a bit like the image pictured above: a blank notebook. And my mind feels equally as blank.

This is a classic example of writer’s block. Everyone, writers and non-writers alike, has experienced this at some point and, honestly, it can be one of the most excruciating feelings especially when you’re trying to get ideas flowing.

Writer’s block is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece”. In simpler terms, it’s the feeling of not knowing what to write about or where to begin when you sit down to write.

Now, we all know what writer’s block is, but the real question on everybody’s minds is how do we stop it? How do we plow through the mental wall between our brain and the page below us and break into the realm of creativity and original thought buried deep within our conscious mind? How do we, as writers, write when we have nothing to write about?

Of course, one way to overcome writer’s block is to simply write. To take whatever seemingly insignificant literary garbage that comes to your head and put pen to paper without censoring yourself and worrying about whether it’s good or not.

And, that is one great solution. However, today, we’re going to talk about a more concrete way to help us stimulate our creativity and create more tangible ideas for future stories. And, the way we’re going to do this is through working on developing characters.

Now, I know what you may be thinking: I can’t think of an idea for a story, let alone a character to play a part in the story. How is this going to help me get over my writer’s block? Well, let’s take it step by step.

Step #1: Brainstorm Characters

Start by taking 3 minutes to brainstorm characteristics for a character. They can be physical features or personality traits. Don’t censor yourself — write down whatever comes to your mind. You can brainstorm multiple different characters at first if you want, but try to eventually choose one to focus one and develop further.

Here are some examples of characters that I came up with to give you an idea of what we’re looking for with this step:

Johnny Johnson

-tall, blonde, blue eyes, 16 years-old

-outgoing, spontaneous, easy-going, ambitious

-wants to start his own business

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Owen the Octopus

-green with purple polka dots, 9 tentacles

-self-conscious of his extra tentacle

-shy, timid, awkward, clumsy

-wants to be friends with the squid from across the street

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

As you can see, these characters can be as realistic or as out-there as you want. It may feel a bit silly at first, but that’s the point. Sometimes, you need to let your mind go a bit crazy to generate ideas. You can scrap the ideas later if you wish, but we have to start by getting the ideas flowing.

Step #2: Set the Stage

Next, spend 3 minutes brainstorming ideas for scenes your character could be involved in. For example, if you brainstormed a character who’s heroic, brainstorm ideas for scenes that involve him/her saving a citizen in distress. If you brainstormed a character who’s a bit clumsy, brainstorm ideas for scenes that involve him/her having an embarrassing experience at school or at work. Try to brainstorm ways to let your character’s personality shine through in the scene. Again, don’t censor yourself — this is the time to let all your ideas flow — good and bad.

Again, here are some examples:

Johnny Johnson:

-talking about his business ideas with his parents or friends

-trying to get investors in his business and getting rejecting

-presenting his business proposal to big brand-name stores or even on a show like Shark Tank

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Owen the Octopus:

-trying to talk to the squid for the first time and feeling awkward and uncomfortable

-starting his first day at a new school and having something embarrassing happen

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Step #3: Get Writing!

Now that you’ve brainstormed ideas for characters and for scenes that they could be involved in, pick one and get to it! Write a 1–2 page scene involving your character, expanding upon your ideas from earlier. Try to make the scene teach readers more about this character (whether that be through a detailed description of the character’s physical appearance or a scene that showcases one of their personality traits). If you’re feeling really ambitious, you could even write a scene that allows a character to learn more about him/herself and develop as a person.

Here’s an example for one of the characters I brainstormed earlier:

Today was a big day. Johnny was going to be presenting his nutritious dog food brand idea on Shark Tank. He couldn’t believe that his dreams were finally coming true. Just the thought of having Mark Cuban sitting right in front of him made Johnny nervous. His palms were sweaty, and his mouth was dry as he paced back and forth backstage. Thoughts were swirling through his head faster than a jet plane. What would the investors say? Would they like his product? What if he didn’t get an offer? Would he have to start over from square one? What if they thought he was too young and naive to start a business? What would he do then? Soon enough though, the producers came up to Johnny and gave him the signal that the show was almost ready to begin. At that moment, Johnny’s nerves melted away, and he knew he was ready. The curtains opened, and …

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

And there you have it, a three-step way to help combat writer’s block and get those creative juices flowing again. Now, what are you waiting for? Get writing!