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Sometimes writers block comes because we're really not happy with the way our story is progressing. Maybe it's too obvious. Perhaps it just doesn't feel like it's coming out the way you imagine it. Or maybe it just doesn't have that special spark and just kind of lays there on the page.

One of the best ways to get around this kind of writers block is to do a bit of brainstorming on paper. In this exercise you're simply noodling on paper, so you don't have to worry about getting anything right. (For those who don't know, noodling is something jazz musicians do when they're just messing around and trying things out.)

Start by writing down what's going on in your story up to the point where you're stuck.

Now write down any ideas of what should be happening in the scene you're stuck on. You don't have to write in complete sentences. It can be just a few words or scribbled notes. Just as long as the jist of the scene is there.

It could look something like: "So far, [a couple of words about what has led up to this point.] So now Jane is planning on doing X." Or "Sue really needs Bob to do Y." Maybe Jane is going to pick something up at the store. Or maybe Sue is going to meet Bob at a restaurant in order to persuade him to do something.

What this does is remind your muse what's going on and brings your imagination up to speed.

Now write down the actions your character needs to take in this particular scene, why and what needs to happen as a result. In other words, what does your character want to happen as a result of the action she takes in this scene?

Now write down ten different ways the scene could go.

It doesn't matter if some of them are wild and crazy and really out there, or even if you're never going to use any of those ideas. What matters is getting creative with your story ideas. What usually happens is that you'll end up coming up with a much more interesting way the scene could play out and that will get you excited about your story again. Chances are you'll also create new depth in that scene and make your story richer and much more interesting.

You might even come up with ideas you can use in other scenes or even a whole new subplot. Which means it will be a better read for your audience and a better write for you.

It's important not to censor yourself here. Remember, you're just coming up with alternatives and ideas. It's like playing in the sandbox.

So - how many ways can you come up with for your scene to play out?


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To get a free copy of the Writers Block Solution Manual and for a more writing starters and exercises to get you past writers block, visit www.writers-block-solution.com and start getting those words out of your head and onto the page.