A to Z: (B)locks

Back today with the letter B! Today I'm bringing you some tips and tricks to cure and prevent writer's block.

First of all, I would like to point out that I am no expert. Also, everyone's mind works differently, therefore there is no one way that will help everyone.

In my opinion, the best way to keep from getting stumped is to set yourself up for success. Think of this as a job. Make sure that friends and family understand that you are serious about your writing. If they take it seriously, so should you. Set aside an alotted amount of time each week for writing. You can make it a set time of the day (or every other day) or schedule it around your other responsibilities. Don't neglect your other job for this one. Remember, even some successful authors have a day job. Try not to deviate from your writing time. If you must, try to make it up in the same week.

Your environment also has a lot to do with how well you work. I'm not saying that you must keep your writing space neat and tidy, some of us just don't do well without a little chaos. So long as it is organized chaos. My desk may have heaps of papers and various other things stacked around me, but if you ask me for a red pen, or fingernail clippers, I don't have to search for more than a couple seconds. Same goes for a blank piece of paper or my notes for whatever story I'm working on. Drinks, snacks, and light music are also good to have in your "office." You may be working long hours and having to get up for a glass of water or some crackers will only hurt you.

Don't be afraid to take breaks from the writing, but don't take too many. Also, go a little further than just avoiding the distractions. Twitter and facebook addicts may want to unplug while they're writing. Writers with kids may want to schedule their writing time while the munchkins are at school or in bed. Stay away from televisions. So on and so forth.

If all else fails, walk away from the story for the day. Take a walk, listen to music, go out with friends, play with the kids, do something else you consider fun. Get the writing completely out of your mind. It can be difficult, but make it happen. When you come back to it, you'll find everything comes easier.

Well, that's all I got! Yesterday, I didn't invite you to leave a comment. It was completely inadvertant, and I'm sorry about that. Today, I would love some thoughts from all of you. What do you do to break the block?