How to Beat Writer's Block

Image courtesy of Sorapop / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Here's what works for me:

1. Shut down your computer.
2. Tell your brain you are NOT going to write.
3. Go and do something which prevents you from writing/typing your ideas, but won't involve any active thinking. Suggestions: scrub dirty dishes, have a shower, brush your teeth, go to bed and turn out the lights.
4. Relax and let your mind wander.
5. As the ideas start to flow out of nowhere, curse your inability to make notes.

When you finally get your computer back on, the words and phrases you end up typing are never quite as magical as the vivid movies playing through your head in the shower. Sigh.