Are you trying to write a story but completely stuck on what to even write about? There are several ways to work through getting stuck but here are some methods that are effective for me:
Use a Writing Prompt
If you’re trying to write a story from scratch and don’t know where to start use a writing prompt! They’re created specifically to help you start stories, and they’re totally legal to use, feel free to scan Pinterest or any other site to find one that sparks an interest in you.
Go Back Five Chapters
If you’re in the middle of writing a story and you’re stuck on what to do next, go back a few chapters and start reading, is something sticking out to you? Usually, when you’re in the process of writing something and you get stuck the problem is several lines back.
No Direction
Sometimes when you’re writing a piece and you get stuck it’s not because there’s a problem its because you don’t know what to do next. This is where I like to write a list. Write a list of all the things your character is up against, any challenges they may have, like the weather, bandits, or wild animals for example. Once they’re all written down, look at your last 5-10 chapters, is there something on your list that hasn’t been a problem in a while? Do that thing. If not, try to think of what could possibly go wrong, and do it.
Kill ‘em
Sometimes you get stuck cause it’s time for someone to die. If that’s the case you’re in for a wild ride. Planning a character’s death can be heartbreaking for a writer, but that just means it’ll also be heartbreaking for the reader too.
Dealing with writer’s block can be difficult, but it isn’t the only hard part when you’re writing a book! If you’re having other difficulties you can pick up my book 25 Tips and Tricks for the Beginning Writer to learn the basics of writing or become a Patron on Patreon and get short stories, chapter sneak peeks, and writing tips weekly!