Simple Techniques To Unlock The Writer Within You

There was a thoughtful, helpful article at Scruffy Scribe designed to help people get around writer's block, those feelings of certain doom that writers sometimes feel when staring at the blank page. I decided to add some tips which I hope will be helpful...

1. Sit around the house in your underwear and try not to smoke. It works for Scott Spencer.

2. Write an essay on your most recent bowel movement. It works for Ryan Rhodes.

3. When looking at the blank page in terror and dismay, look back over your shoulder at the ghost of Ernest Hemingway, and tell him what he can do with his "one true sentence" shtick.

4. Read a book, or a column by an author with whom you vigorously disagree. When you realize he or she is in print, and you’re not, it will inspire you to action. Spite is underrated as a motivator. When I contemplate the possibility of never writing another word, I read a Nick Coleman column, and I’m refired and reinspired.

5. Write about the most recent conversation with your spouse about something. If it was a fight, so much the better. It works for Keir and Peggy at Crazy But Able

6. Listen to some really horrible music. Blender magazine has assisted you in this by compiling 50 dreadful songs. My personal fave is the techno-country Cotton-Eye Joe by Rednex. The squeaky female vocal reminds me of Valentine from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.