1-2-3 Writing Blog: Let’s Talk About Getting Unstuck
Each blog contains 1 idea, 2 quotes, and 3 questions to ponder.
1 WRITING IDEA
Ever watched the old Batman TV show?
Whenever the Dynamic Duo got stuck in a life-or-death bind, somehow they found a way out with their Batweapons.
A Batarang, anyone? How ‘bout the Batknife? Or even better yet, maybe the shark repellent Batspray (true, look it up).
As a writer, sometimes you’ll write yourself into a corner. Yes, one of those dreaded dead ends where all creativity goes to die.
Take a breath and think good thoughts. You’re gonna live through it because you have access to some amazing writer “Batweapons.”
Here are a few:
Change the POV
Switch the perspective to another character.
Write a dialogue-only scene
Focus solely on conversations.
Work backward
Start from the end of the scene and work your way backward.
Set a timer
Give yourself 10 or 15 minutes and write non-stop.
Skip ahead
Move on to the next chapter that you’re excited about writing.
Change the setting
If the scene feels stale, switch up the location or time of day.
Start some conflict
Conflict is what makes people turn pages.
Revisit character goals and obstacles
Clarifying these elements can provide a clear road ahead.
Freewrite backstory
Understanding more about character motivations and histories often provides a spark.
Ask “What if?”
Pose different “What if?” questions about the scene — sometimes the crazier, the better.
Put these tools into your Batbelt and, just like the caped crusaders, you can live to see another day.
2 WRITING QUOTES
“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem.”
“Show up, show up, show up, and after a while, the muse shows up, too.”
3 Writing Questions
1. How does writing a dialogue-only scene help to move a story forward?
2. How does working backward from the end of a chapter provide clarity or new ideas when you’re stuck?
3. Why is conflict so powerful in stories?
A teen flees her secluded town, only to stumble into shocking events unfolding across the mountains.
About Me
Hey, I’m Brian. Born a Tar Heel but now a Virginian, I’m a father of five and the husband of one amazing lady. My family has a thing for Golden Retrievers. Given the right circumstances, I can do a smooth moonwalk on a slick kitchen floor. And by the way, my newest book is called Color The Sky With Song.
