Ten tips to help you avoid writer's block in the first place.
Keep An Ideas Book
Carry a little notebook around with you so you can jot down all your ideas. Maybe it is a phrase or an idea or a character. That way you will never find yourself short of ideas to help start you off.
Join A Writers' Group
This will give you valuable feedback and, equally important, a reason to write.
Always Stop Writing While You Are Still Enthusiastic
It may be hard to drag yourself away from the keyboard when you want to keep writing, but make sure you can start at a good point the next day.
Keep A Tidy Creative Area
Have an area of the house you use just for writing, or just for creative activity. That way when you are there you know it is time to write. Keep the area tidy, and consider investing in a white board or notice board to display bits of inspiration. This could be a post-it with an idea on it, or an evocative photo. This means you avoid distractions and can get down to work.
Turn Off The Internet
The less distractions you have, the less likely you are to go off track.
Keep Folders Of Research
This way you can easily access and use sources of inspiration and details for your story.
Find Out What Works For You
Some find that a glass of red wine to hand relaxes them, so they can write without pressure. Others need a bit of a caffeine high or some familiar music to get them started. Whatever gets you writing is a positive thing.
Consider Background Noise
Try playing music. You may want some neutral instrumental music to drown out background noise, or something atmospheric to create a mood. Loud and shouty could be great for writing a rebellious young adult piece, while the sound of birdsong or the jungle could be perfect for a piece with a remote setting.
Keep All Your Writing In One Place
This may be a physical thing, with box files full of print-outs, or a folder on your computer. This makes for easy access, and provides a motivational tool as you can see what you have already completed, and improvement from earlier pieces.
Keep A Folder Of The Great Lines You Cut Out
Maybe there's a phrase you love that your character would never use. Maybe it's a minor character you cut out since he complicated the plot. Keep all of these to hand as you never know when they might fill a gap in a new project.
