Writer's block is an inescapable fact of any writer's life. Some have it so badly that they spend more time staring at their computer screen than they do actually writing! What can you do about this?
This and many other writers have found a great way to overcome writers block. They just give up on their assignment and do some creative writing for a little while. The idea is not to have any goal in mind, but just to write for the fun of it. Suspense books are fantastic for getting the juices flowing - they're exciting and engaging and you can get lost in the creative process writing them.
Now, instead of sitting there trying to think of a great plot, just choose anything. Glance around the room and pick an object - any object - and start from there. What about that stack of scrapbooking papers stashed on your shelf? Make those central to your plot.
Just write your opening paragraph, using what you've found. It might go something like this: 'He was just watching TV when it happened. The door knocked. He went to answer the door, but no one was there - just a single sheet of scrapbook paper with a hand scrawled note.' What was written on the paper? What's the first thing that comes to your mind? Write it down!
That mysterious note will trigger more fantasies in your mind. Go with them! Say that note was from a woman who wants to arrange an erotic rendezvous. Should you take her up on it or is she luring you into a trap? You can't resist the temptation, but you're going to have to take some precautions.
Now, at that suspenseful moment, set aside your thriller and get back to your job. You should already have it open, so you can get back to it without delay. Your imagination is running wild now and anything can happen. That Giro Ski Helmet you were supposed to be writing a technical data sheet about is now a very important part of your life. You need to describe it in detail, because you'll be needing it when that romantic encounter turns deadly!
It sounds silly, but it works! Even if you're writing a college thesis on a subject that's boring to you, if your life depends on that knowledge, it won't be boring anymore! In fact, some of the best selling thrillers have revolved around the writer's knowledge about something technical or trivial, like the chemical composition of perfume. If you've got writer's block, this is the most enjoyable way to get over it!
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