I’ve spent the last few days struggling with writer’s block. In the process of dealing with that, I’ve been thinking of different things I do to jump-start my writing, and get past those rough spots.

• I make myself write that tough scene, but I give myself permission to write it badly. Believe me when I say badly. I just get it down on paper and move the scene along however I have to. You’d be surprised how well that works. Maybe it’s something about the bad writing that makes the muse feel sorry for me?
• I write somewhere different. One thing I like to do is drag my laptop or notebook to the bookstore and write for a while. If that isn’t possible, then I go to a different room, choose different background noise (or none at all), or write at a different time of day.
• I let myself write out of sequence. There’s no law saying that novel has to be written in the same order it’s read. I choose a scene I want to work on and write it. But be careful not to let this get out of hand, or you’ll write all the fun stuff and never tackle the tough scenes.
• I set a time and tell myself that I just have to work for 10 minutes (or 15, or whatever), and then I can quit if I want. If I force myself to work for even a little while, it’s usually easier to keep going then.
• I do something physical. Walking the dog is a great way for me to mull over the novel and let ideas come to me. Anything that gets you on your feet and moving will work. Try not to think about what you’re writing, and you’ll be surprised that ideas tend to come to you on their own. It’s like magic!

What things do you do to overcome writer’s block and get the muse to talking to you again?

I’d better get back to writing before the muse takes off!

I think one of the toughest things about writing is simply feeling as if you’ve run out of ideas. Here’s a few things I do to keep ideas fresh — and to hang on to those good ideas when they come.

1. Keep a small notebook with you — something that will fit easily in your bag. This could be a PDA if you like using those instead. Any time inspiration hits, jot down your idea. Be sure to include enough detail that you’ll understand what you meant later!

2. Pick a person you know and feel strongly about (whether like or dislike). Now, imagine that person as the opposite sex. If you like to start a story with an interesting character and then build plot, this is a fun technique.

3. Mason jar technique: This one can be fun, and you can keep the jar on your desk for inspiration. Take small pieces of paper and write one or two words on each.  I stick with nouns, verbs and adjectives. Be sure to include lots of variety and plenty of "strong" words.  Put all the papers into the jar, shake them up, and choose three or four randomly. Build a story out of that. Remember you can always add to the jar from time to time.

4. Choose a photo from a magazine or an illustration and make up a story that explains what’s happening.

5. Go to a public place and observe people. Choose a couple and imagine what they’re talking about. Write their story.