Kick Writer's Block

Do you feel like your creativity went on vacation? Have your characters betrayed you? Are you void of conflicts or emotions? Are you between projects? Writers face the blank screen for a number of different reasons, but help is on the way. Here are things I've found that help me kick writer's block:

1. Pray. The first thing I do when the ugly blank screen stares at me, is pray. Since I'm a Christian and a writer, God is my boss and He has helped me overcome many blank screens.
2. Read. I read a lot--fiction and nonfiction. Ideas for projects and proposals blossom from reading a novel or a non-fiction book. I'm currently reading Who Is That Man? on my Kindle by John Ortberg and falling more in love with Jesus. Although I read novels for entertainment, I read with a note pad near to write down any ideas that pop into my mind.
3. Exercise. Yep, the E word, a word not many writers enjoy, but when I am stumped on how to bring a scene together or how to make my point, I go for a walk. Many times the sunshine and fresh air stimulate the creative juices and give me answers. I find that truly amazing.
4. Chocolate. This is the miracle food that generates ways to fill blank screens with paragraphs and pictures. I keep a package of chocolate covered raisins on my desk in case of emergency. 
5. Switch projects. I like to have several stories in process, so when one stumps me, I switch to another one for a while. Upon returning to previous projects, I'm amazed how re-reading what I have gives me ideas for next steps.
6. Take a break. Stretch. Call someone to say, "I love you." I've come to find out that it's not all about me. God doesn't just use my writing--He uses my other gifts of encouraging and helping others. It makes me feel wonderful when God uses me and it gives me things to write about.
7. Clean. The C word--another word writers try to run away from. Sometimes when the blank screen plagues me, I stop and clean up my desk and office. It always amazes me how I can think better with a neat desk.

I'd love to have a few more resources at my disposal. What do you do do kick writer's block?

Dealing With Writer's Block - Part 1

Facing the blank page is difficult for writers, but it's something we have to deal with. Chapter 18, "Writer's Block" (reasons and solutions), in Donna Goodrich's A Step in the Write Direction is so good I wanted to capture some of the main points for you. I have divided this information into two posts. One today and the next to be published on April 28, 2013.

Depression:
Sometimes life gets in the way. We may suffer from personal or family health issues, loss of job, home or someone we love. During times like these, I've found it hard to stay on track, but I try to at least write in my journal--facts, prayers or things I feel during the pain.

A Difficult Assignment:
I've had the overwhelming assignment that caused me to procrastinate, wondering how to handle the subject. Breaking the project into manageable pieces encouraged me to write a little every day. Now before I accept an assignment, I consider its complexity and if I'm really qualified to write it or if I can research it. This has saved me a lot of grief.

Too Many Assignments:
I apply for assignments and pray to receive them. Earlier this year I received several within a short period of time. It seemed daunting to me until I wrote down what was required of each one and the deadlines. Then I mapped out what I had to do each day and week to meet the deadlines. Working on two or three projects at the same time inspires and motivates me to keep writing.

No Inspiration:
Runners run, bikers bike and writer's write, right? Runners and bikers have to train every day whether or not they feel like it. Many times I don't feel inspired to write but write is what I have to do. I don't have a full time job to go to anymore, so I write. The most challenging times for me are the times between projects or assignments. During these periods I use writing prompts or market research to get me writing again.

Look for more ways to deal with writer's block next week. Meantime, if you have something that works for you, I'd love for you to leave it in a comment.