#1 - Shut up and write! 

 

Figure out what’s stopping you and find a practical solution:

 

Is it too much? Set small goals and more than enough time to accomplish them—something you can finish in an hour or a day. Completing goals feels good, makes writing more enjoyable.  You can even offer yourself rewards.  Mine are typically dancing, singing, and/or getting someone else to cook me a delicious dinner.

 

Is it too hard? Outline the problems you are having. Focus on one and go do something mindless-take a walk, indulge in a bath/shower, go to the gym, lie around listening to music that inspires you, etc

 

Are you just plain stuck? Ask for a second opinion from critique partners or the Sandbox on the forum of www.absolutewrite.com or just a non-writing friend.  I've worked through some of the most difficult plot tangles with help from friends who have no experience with novel writing.

 

Try a writing book like “Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook” which will give you strategies on how to overcome problems like unsympathetic characters and low tension.

 

Are you just sick of your own writing? Switch to a different project, that way you keep yourself writing but you freshen up your brain. I prefer switching to a project in a completely different stage of the writing process like final draft, first draft, outline, brainstorm.  Switch to a different aspect of writing–research, social networking, audio projects, etc  It still counts as work (:

 

Are you not feeling confident in your own work? Read/skim/talk about a really crappy book! If that author can get published, so can you.  It will also give you insight into success.  A lot of people hate Twilight, a lot love it.  What about that book makes it successful?  How can that apply to your own work?

 

Accept that a lot of your writing will suck. THAT’S OKAY! That’s why we have drafts and critique groups. Let yourself be okay with just getting something on the page. Once it’s there, you can chisel it into that masterpiece. 

 

Relax. Play. Don’t shackle yourself to a single plot point or character….test out different options, change motivations, explore! If something isn’t working, change it!