Struggling with Writer's Block

The most common question I receive once people learn that I write is, “Where do you get you inspiration?”  At first I assumed such remarks were only polite attempts at showing interest, but I have since found that most of these people have their own works in progress and struggle with the dreaded writer's block, just like me.  While I do not consider myself a writing expert—I took a long hiatus from writing to go to graduate school and, as such, my only published works of note can be found in scientific journals—I have since decided to write down my favorite ways of finding inspiration and hope that someone might find it helpful.

Many of my ideas come from snippets of stories that I have read or seen on TV or in theater.  If I feel stuck when writing, I often read books from my particular genre or those that have something to do with a particular scene from my work.  When I read, I pay particular attention to the way the characters interact.  I take note of the things that work in the writing, but mostly I focus on things that I feel could have been better.  For me, one of the most natural creative writing exercises is imagining where the story could have gone instead.  This not only keeps my mind used to working creatively but has often given me ideas for directions my own plots can take.  Reading nonfiction books on a matter or era related to the subject of my story can also provide inspiration.

I also listen to ample amounts of music.  I don’t just mean listen in the car or while working, but actually taking the time to stop and immerse myself in the piece.  I pay attention to the rise and fall, the rhythm, how the instruments work together, and really listen to the lyrics—if there are any.  In this way, the music has a story of its own.  I often find a particular piece that I feel represents each of my characters and can go back to these pieces whenever I feel the story has gone astray.

For me, travel and exploration are important aspects of the creative process.  I do not mean that one has to travel the globe to be creative.  Exploration might simply mean going somewhere new in my town or area.  Moving outside my comfort zone and meeting new people forces me to really look at my surroundings instead of looking past them.  Actually setting foot in a potential setting for a story also gives me insights into how the characters might move within it, the things that they might use from it, etc.

So, if you find yourself staring at the screen/page unable to move on, get out of the house, talk a walk, see a movie, or listen to music.  It’s ok to take a break when you’re stuck; just don’t forget to get back into the chair tomorrow.