How to get unstuck

Ever get stuck when you're writing? Whether it be a scene, a chapter, or the entire book, there are ways to get unstuck. Here are a few I use:

1. Make a list of as many things as you can think of that might happen in the particular circumstance that has you stymied. This works for action or even dialogue.

2. Just sit at the keyboard and make your problem a question you ask aloud and let your fingers fly. For example, why does Jennifer go down to the dark basement when she's scared of the dark? By asking the question aloud and letting your fingers fly without regard to typos, rethinking, etc., you turn off the internal editor.

3. Cluster a word as a way to chase down ideas and thoughts without being hampered by the technical aspects of "correct" writing. It's great for figuring out which way to go when you haven't a clue. I like this technique. Just write a word in a circle in the center of a blank piece of paper. Then draw lines from it like spokes on a wheel and write down whatever pops into your head. After a bit, you'll see a pattern develop. This will lead you in a specific direction of thought. When you sense this direction, write a paragraph or a page about it.

Sling Words out.