Recently, I had a bout of writer’s block. It didn’t last horribly long, but as any writer who has been through it will tell you, any amount of time spent struggling to write can be extremely frustrating. Yeah, yeah. I know. What does this have to do with inspiration? I’m glad you asked. Or, more to the point, I’m glad I pretended that you asked. I thought I would talk a little about the lack of inspiration.
Why? Because I like to do things differently, but also because it is something that we all deal with at some point in our writing career. Every writer has a day when they sit down at their desk and stare at the blank page, the computer screen, the tablet and think, “Oh, god! What am I going to write?” Well, I’ll tell you. Anything.
There can be a lot of reasons that inspiration goes missing for a while. It is important in times like these not to lose sight of the smaller goal as we strive for the larger. In this case, we aren’t trying to complete the project. We are looking for inspiration, so that we can get writing again.
How do we do this? We get back to the basics. An artist may spend 5-10 minutes drawing quick sketches to get their creative juices going. We, as writers, can do the same. They don’t have to be good, or interesting. We don’t need to keep them around, or show them to anyone. We need to write them.
So, to that end, here are my 10 ideas for jump-starting your brain.
- Describe a photo. What happened just before it? Just after?
- Draw a picture. It doesn’t matter if you are an artist or not. Draw something you see. Remember we don’t need to show this to anyone.
- Describe yourself without using the pronoun I.
- Write down 10 questions about your project.
- Describe your writing area using only adjectives.
- Look up the lyrics to a favorite song. Try to write the story it tells.
- Describe what you ate for your last meal.
- Take a favorite story and change the ending. Happily ever after? Not any more. (Insert maniacal laugh here)
- Create a list of your favorite heroes from film, TV, or literature and describe them. If you’re not into the hero thing, make a list of villains.
- Change your perspective. If you write at home, go to a coffee shop or library. If you write inside, go outside. If you write via computer, try writing on a notepad, or vice-versa. Try writing while in a closet or under a bed. Remember: you never know when inspiration will strike.
Most importantly, keep writing. Don’t worry about what comes out. Ten minutes of writing today could lead to that brilliant story tomorrow. Happy writing!
Adam has traveled to six continents, performed on Broadway, and lived on a communal farm. He firmly believes that opening a book is a good thing, even if there are monkeys in it. Adam currently lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia, PA, with his wife and two sons. In his spare time, Adam does a bit of writing. His writing spans multiple styles, from poetry to fiction to nonfiction, and is primarily geared towards children. Adam’s first book, Warning: Do Not Open This Book!, is available now anywhere books are sold. View the book trailer here.
Visit him online at AdamLehrhaupt.com, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Lehrhaupt.
193 comments
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November 15, 2013 at 6:33 am
Melanie Moschella
Thanks for the great ideas! It will jump start my morning writing : )
November 15, 2013 at 6:58 am
Janet Smart
Thanks, Adam. You just gave me an idea!
November 15, 2013 at 7:05 am
RaChelle Lisiecki
I love me a good maniacal laugh over breakfast. Thanks for the ideas!
November 15, 2013 at 7:15 am
Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill)
Great ideas for getting past the writer’s block. Congratulations on DO NOT OPEN THIS BOOK!
November 15, 2013 at 7:28 am
Sue Poduska
Thanks for the inspirational inspiration, Adam. A writer writes.
November 15, 2013 at 7:31 am
nicole snitselaar
Thank you for sharing your experience.
November 15, 2013 at 7:36 am
B Lee Draper
What a timely post – thank you so much. This may just be what I need to kick-start me this week. Cheers. 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 7:36 am
cindyjohnson
Thanks for the inspiring ideas Adam! I think there is a dust bunny story lurking under my bed.
November 15, 2013 at 7:48 am
Nancy Armo
Great ideas to the jumpstart the brain. Better than coffee!
November 15, 2013 at 7:54 am
Margie Moore
Thanks for the great list. At this point in time I am experiencing a writer’s wall, much larger than writer’s block. Sometimes it seems that I will never be able to scale to the top and peer over. Too much life right now, but I will take your advice and just simply , “begin!” Thanks Adam!
November 16, 2013 at 9:22 am
lehrhaupt
Someone famous once said, “A journey of 1000 steps starts with the first.” Just put one word in front of the next. And enjoy the trip.
November 15, 2013 at 8:00 am
Therese Nagi
Thanks for sharing 10 creative tips to get creative uses following. I will dfinitely use them when writer’s block comes. Thanks again!
November 15, 2013 at 8:02 am
Sandy Perlic
Love the wonderful suggestions – can feel my writer’s batteries getting jump-started already!
November 15, 2013 at 8:04 am
MSackman
I can always use a new idea to get over the frustration of not knowing what to write about or where to begin. Thanks for the ideas.
November 15, 2013 at 8:17 am
lmconnors
I just read “Do not open this book” the last week. Brilliant engagement with the reader!
November 16, 2013 at 9:26 am
lehrhaupt
I’m stoked that you enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun writing it.
November 15, 2013 at 8:17 am
MichelleLynn
Great ideas! Before writing, I journal a bit. It gets the words flowing. Congrats on your new book.
November 15, 2013 at 8:18 am
amberbop
It’s nice to have a go-to list!
November 15, 2013 at 8:19 am
Stacy Gray
Great ideas! Thank you, Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 8:20 am
Laura Purdie Salas
I love #10. I’m at my weight watchers meeting right now, and I’m vowing to get today’s idea before the meeting starts–or at least by the time it ends!
November 15, 2013 at 8:21 am
Lori Mozdzierz
Congrats, Adam, on the release of your book Warning: Do Not Open This Book! Great trailer 😉
Ahahahaha! Love the Calvin and Hobbes cartoon 😀
Thanks for all the inspiration to write on even when we walk into that wall built of blocks.
November 15, 2013 at 8:24 am
Wendy Greenley
Thanks,again, Adam. I enjoyed your inspirational success story at the recent PA SCBWI. 🙂
November 16, 2013 at 9:30 am
lehrhaupt
Thank you. As I said there, without my SCBWI events, friends, and contacts WARNING would never have happened. And I cetainly would have missed out on a ton of fun.
November 15, 2013 at 8:25 am
Anne Bielby
Headed for that coffee shop!
November 15, 2013 at 8:33 am
Kathy Moncrief
Thanks, Adam! And congrats on your new book!
November 15, 2013 at 8:37 am
Michelle Church
This is perfect! I really, really, really like the warm up ideas. All 10 of them!
Thank you!
November 15, 2013 at 8:39 am
Courtenay Schurman
LOL! I Love Calvin and Hobbes. Perfect witticism for the mid-point of the month. Thanks!
November 15, 2013 at 8:41 am
Andria
Finally, some concrete solutions to put an end to the dreaded blockage. Hummm…that didn’t come out right, did it? 😉
November 15, 2013 at 8:43 am
Barbara Messinger
Thanks for sharing! Loved the book trailer. Put “Do not open this book” on my must read list.
November 15, 2013 at 8:54 am
saputnam
Thank you for the great ideas, Adam! #8 and # 10 are two of my favorites
November 15, 2013 at 8:55 am
Kathy Doherty
I appreciate all your suggestions. Thanks!
November 15, 2013 at 8:59 am
Joanne Sher
GREAT ideas! And your book looks SUPER fun 🙂 Thanks!
November 15, 2013 at 9:01 am
Jo Dearden
Love, love, LOVE your book trailer! Very funny indeed.
November 15, 2013 at 9:04 am
underthemapleleaves
Thank you for these 10 great ideas, and for taking the time to encourage us on our writing journey.My favorite is #6. I have always been drawn to songs and WANT to know their story.
November 15, 2013 at 9:08 am
Juliana Lee
Cartoons pretty much get to the core of everything, don’t they? I like Calvin’s definition of ‘writer’s block’. Makes me remember to write from a kid’s perspective… especially when I have writer’s block!
November 16, 2013 at 9:33 am
lehrhaupt
I am constantly reminding myself to write from a child’s perspective. It’s something that is super easy to lose sight of.
November 15, 2013 at 9:08 am
jackie Wellington
I enjoyed reading this post. I love the suggestions to jumpstart writing again. This is so important. For me, some days I can write for hours on end. Other days, I can’t even form a sentence. I am making note of the suggestions. Thanks for posting this. It is refreshing.
November 15, 2013 at 9:10 am
Eileen
Great ideas. And cartoon! Thanks for sharing
November 15, 2013 at 9:12 am
Pat Haapaniemi
What great ideas! I’m going to pin up this list next to my computer!
November 15, 2013 at 9:17 am
emazza1217
Thank you for providing the tools necessary to break out of “the block”. Appreciate it!
November 15, 2013 at 9:22 am
Donna L. Sadd
Thanks, Adam…heading outside now. :0)
November 15, 2013 at 9:23 am
LovableLobo
Thanks for the block bustin’ ideas and the Calvin & Hobbes humor!
November 15, 2013 at 9:24 am
Jessica
I love these ideas. I always start my a writing with a free write to get the juices flowing. I also have a list of prompt ideas that I keep handy just in case…
November 15, 2013 at 9:25 am
Janie Reinart
Adam your book trailer rocks! Thank you for the post, Great ideas. The picture of a writer’s block made me laugh.
November 15, 2013 at 9:26 am
Susan Cabael
I enjoyed reading your book and the way you used second person–such fun. Thank you for this list! I’m behind in my ideas and sooo needed this today. Perfect timing!
November 15, 2013 at 9:27 am
marciecolleen
Alright! You planted the seed. Totally crawling under the bed today to work on my WIP! :). Thanks, Adam. Hope to see you soon. NYC conference in Feb?
November 16, 2013 at 9:35 am
lehrhaupt
Hey hair twin! I think I’ll be up in NYC on Dec 5th. I’ll be doing an event at the Strand. Oh, the hours I wasted there back in college…
November 15, 2013 at 9:28 am
joanwatsonmartin
This is almost too easy to do, I wonder why we don’t employ it oftener. When I was teaching second graders to write, I insisted they copy a sentence from the board, “I can’t think of anything to write.” Then they had to write it over and over until something more interesting came from their magic pencil. Sometimes they had a whole page, but eventually they discovered something to say. Your list is much more creative for adults, but it works.
November 15, 2013 at 9:28 am
Sandie Sing
I love your positive attitude. Super list. Maybe,I need your monkeys to jump start me. It was fun reading your blog. Thanks for sharing.
November 15, 2013 at 9:29 am
Susie Sawyer
I’m always looking for new ways to get the creative juices flowing. Adam, your list has some great new ideas I hadn’t heard before – thank you!
November 15, 2013 at 9:40 am
Tatiana Escallon
Thanks for the tips…. Tip #1 is my favorite, I’ll sure try it..
November 15, 2013 at 9:40 am
storyfairy
Oh, wow, this is great! All those writing prompts sound like lots of fun. 8 and 9 are right up my ally (as for 9, I’m a villain person!)
This came just in time, too. I just wrote down my thirtieth idea, and may need help developing my ideas for the remainder of the month. I think by finishing in half the time given to me, I’ve just given myself more work! Thank you for the writing prompts to keep me going as I develop my ideas.
November 16, 2013 at 9:37 am
lehrhaupt
I’m partial to the villains as well. Some day I’ll write one of those villain’s point of view tales. Tough to sell a story where the ‘good’ characters all get eaten by wampa beasts though.
November 15, 2013 at 9:42 am
Joanna
Uber practical. Cheers!
November 15, 2013 at 9:46 am
laura516
I love practical applications to help my writerly life. Thanks!
November 15, 2013 at 9:50 am
svaisnoras
Love these ideas for me, a new writer…helpful and encouraging…thanks.
November 15, 2013 at 9:50 am
Catherine Johnson
Oh what a great post! These are awesome tips. Thanks, Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 9:53 am
Jewel Sample
I love the cartoon with the writer’s block on the desk. So fitting for how writer’s block works. I liked the creative idea of writing a story about the musical lyrics. I hadn’t thought to do that, but will try it next time. Thank you for sharing your ideas. A useful read.
November 15, 2013 at 10:00 am
Melanie Ellsworth
So glad that Calvin and Hobbes found their way into this post. Reminds me of the many hours I spent following their adventures. Thanks for the 10 good tips; using a photo to jump start my ideas has been very helpful in the past, but I haven’t tried it for a long time. Your book has been on my reading list for awhile – I’m bumping it up to the top so I can read it right away with my daughter!
November 16, 2013 at 9:39 am
lehrhaupt
Using photos as writing prompts is a ton of fun. There’s the whole finding funny photos part, as well as the writing bit.
Thanks for the book love. Happy reading.
November 15, 2013 at 10:01 am
Deirdre Sheridan Englehart
Thank you for sharing your ideas!! I like your suggestions and the comic!
November 15, 2013 at 10:11 am
danielledufayet
Very useful tips. Thank you. Love your book trailer.
November 15, 2013 at 10:13 am
Sue Heavenrich
A Writer’s Block – every writer should have one if for no other reason than to pick it up and move it. Thanks for the inspiration – I shall now push my writer’s block onto the floor and get busy scribbling.
November 15, 2013 at 10:15 am
Pam Jones
Thanks Adam! Great ideas to get started!
November 15, 2013 at 10:19 am
Stephanie Shaw
Coffee shop it is! Thanks, Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 10:25 am
cherylsec
What a great list of ideas! Thank you for sharing with us today. Your book looks so fun, I can’t wait to read it! 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 10:27 am
Lori Alexander
Love this list–I want to try writing under my bed 🙂 Thanks, Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 10:42 am
creationsbymit
These are really GREAT ideas! My brain often needs jump starting – both the writing part of it, and the illustrating part! Thanks for the post!
Michele Katz/Creations By Mit
November 15, 2013 at 10:47 am
lindaschueler
A great list. I will try some of them. (Although I am not sure I can stuff myself under a bed, so maybe not that one…)
November 15, 2013 at 10:47 am
agsawan
I always go outside for a run when I can’t think, or spend time with outside the kids, walk the dogs, even (horrors) clean the house, something physcial, anything but sitting there staring at the screen.
November 15, 2013 at 10:54 am
Alicia Schwab
The best place to get inspiration is not at the desk. I’m so glad you touched on this. Thanks, Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 11:01 am
katmaz2012
I love your ten ideas. I am going to print those and keep them very handy. Thank you!
November 15, 2013 at 11:05 am
Tracey M. Cox
OH where were you when I couldn’t write anything for a year?!?!? Hmm, really, really needed that post. Great idea starters and brain jumpers!!!
I’m definitely saving this post to refer back to when those times with me and my ideas get lonely.
THANKS!!!
November 16, 2013 at 9:41 am
lehrhaupt
Sorry I missed the year long block. 😦
I was probably under my bed.
I hope some of these ideas save you from a similar fate again.
November 15, 2013 at 11:12 am
Carrie Finison
These are perfect! I’ve been feeling uninspired lately.
November 15, 2013 at 11:13 am
Daniela Weil (@Daniela_Weil)
hey adam. thanks for the thoughtful words. next time i get writers’ block, ill try to describe your hair b/c it’s pretty awesome!! 😉
btw, i can’t believe that Warning: Do Not Open This Book! is your first kid’s book, i read it in a bookstore recently and it’s AMAZING, congrats!!
November 16, 2013 at 9:43 am
lehrhaupt
Hah. Thanks for the hair and book love. I was going to write an epic tale about my hair, but it has been pointed out to me that someone already did. Hmmm, Rapunzel as a guy?
*Goes back under the bed*
November 17, 2013 at 8:40 pm
melaniebellsworth3
Rapunzel as a guy – you HAVE to write it.
November 15, 2013 at 11:17 am
Noel Csermak
Great ideas to keep the juices flowing.
November 15, 2013 at 11:26 am
Melanie Lucero
Excellent!! Thanks so much! 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 11:30 am
Angela De Groot
I love the book trailer – that’s one of my favorite pieces of music.
Write anything – great advice.
November 15, 2013 at 11:34 am
kathalsey
I like your list of getting inspiration or getting that writer’s block off your desk! Very concrete, doable ideas!
November 15, 2013 at 11:42 am
tpierce
Terrific suggestions for jump starting my brain. I could pull any one of these out of a hat and feel they would work but I’m especially intrigued about writing under a bed!
November 15, 2013 at 11:49 am
Robb Michael G
Wonderful post. Not only have I added these to my personal “Get Your Finger’s Twitching” list, but I’ve also been reading your blog, which is also chock full of ideas, thought provokers and in some cases kids without underwear. Thanks.
November 15, 2013 at 11:54 am
Jarm Del Boccio
I like the idea of asking 10 questions about my project. I’ll try that. So, you are a fellow traveller. . .I too have visited 6 continents. I’ll assume you never reached Antarctica either!
November 16, 2013 at 9:44 am
lehrhaupt
Yay for the 6 continent club! Actually, I’ve never been to Australia. I managed to tick off Antarctica back in the 90’s. It is well worth the effort.
November 15, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Ellen Mott
I try to do a daily warm-up writing but have missed a few days lately. Your list of places to look for more ideas will jump start that back to a daily exercise. Thank you for sharing.
November 15, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Janet Halfmann
Thanks for all these story-inspirers!
November 15, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Susan Nicholas
Great writing prompts!
November 15, 2013 at 12:14 pm
Robyn Campbell
WOWOW. Adam, rad, bodacious post. I am definitely keeping this in a special folder in my email. YOU’RE COOL! I’m feeling inspired. And I see that everyone else is too. Thanks so much! *waves peace sign*
November 15, 2013 at 12:23 pm
Melanie Vickers
I wrote your ten suggestions in my writer’s notebook. Those are great ones which I will use. Thanks
November 15, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Amy
So awesome. Thanks Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 12:28 pm
Heather Greene
Thanks, Adam…..hit a bit of a block today. Your post couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. Thanks again!
November 15, 2013 at 12:37 pm
teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer)
“Don’t worry about what comes out.” Words to write by. #PiBoIdMo @Lehrhaupt @taralazar
November 15, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Donna L Martin
Hi Adam!
I’m always writing stories from picture prompts but will listen to children’s songs more closely for more ideas. Thanks for the lovely post!
Donna L Martin
November 15, 2013 at 12:41 pm
Anne Bromley
Thank you, Adam! I will definitely use these exercises. Great ways to get unstuck!
November 15, 2013 at 1:04 pm
kpbock
Thanks Adam! I love your book!
November 15, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Dawn Young
Thanks for the ideas to break that bothersome writer’s block. Appreciate it.
November 15, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Sherry Walz
Lots of great ideas here! Thanks for sharing, Adam.
November 15, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Jacqueline Adams
Thanks for the great advice on mixing things up. I can say from experience that going outside helps, but I’ve never tried writing in the closet or under the bed! Maybe it’s time.
November 15, 2013 at 1:37 pm
Laurie Young
Thank you so much for your ideas on how to get out of a writer’s block… Some of them sound like alot of fun… lol
November 15, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Suzy Leopold
Jump starting is such a fun way to get going with the written word when one is struggling with what to write about. Thank you for the inspiration. ~Suzy Leopold
November 15, 2013 at 2:03 pm
LeslieG
A delightful smorgasbord of ideas! (which probably means I’m going to start with #7…) Thank you!
November 15, 2013 at 2:07 pm
amievc
Thanks for the great list of ideas! I also enjoyed watching the trailer for your picture book–I had never seen a trailer for a picture book before. My curiosity was piqued–so fitting for that book! What fun!
November 16, 2013 at 9:46 am
lehrhaupt
It was SO much fun to put together. There are some awesome picture book trailers out there. They are well worth searching out.
November 15, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Karen Mae Zoccoli
Thanks Adams for such a thoughtful post! These are all great ideas and will be very helpful during the dry spells….
November 15, 2013 at 2:26 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
Adam, you look like a person who gets the most fun out of life he can. Thanks for this motivational post. Writing under a bed never occurred to me; what a neat idea! Well, maybe not always ‘neat’ … move over dust bunnies!
November 15, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Michelle O'Hara Levin
Thanks, Adam! These are helpful suggestions (although Calvin had some good points too.).
November 16, 2013 at 9:47 am
lehrhaupt
Calvin always makes some good points. 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 2:39 pm
heather sisson
great advice!
November 15, 2013 at 3:20 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thanks, Adam. I always appreciate a concrete list. (that’s not the same as a concrete block)!
November 15, 2013 at 3:31 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
I love lists. . .they are like homework. Thanks for the great list, Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 3:33 pm
Stella Jane Stauffer
I love your thinking and sense of humor.
Went thru your blog and couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.
Thank you for filling my day with positive thoughts.
November 15, 2013 at 3:34 pm
Kaye Baillie
Thanks, Adam and I really like #8. That seems like fun.
November 15, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Didi Wood
Great ideas – thanks!
November 15, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Christine M. Irvin
I don’t think I have room on my desk for all my “writer’s blocks”! LOL Thanks for sharing, Adam!
November 15, 2013 at 3:41 pm
danacarey1
That’s a great list, Adam. I’m printing it out!
November 15, 2013 at 4:02 pm
taracreel
I love this! We can use it for any project in the future, not just PiBoIdMo. Thanks for sharing!
November 15, 2013 at 4:13 pm
Dorothy Wiese
I like the list too. Thank you.
November 15, 2013 at 4:32 pm
jheitman22
Adam, this is a great list! Thanks so much! Printing & posting on my wall for those “blocked” moments.
November 15, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Jill Siegel
Excellent writing exercises. Thanks!! 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Genevieve Petrillo
I call that kind of writing, “getting the garbage out”. I do it a lot. There’s a ton of garbage in there, sometimes. I wonder if I should worry about that…..
November 15, 2013 at 4:45 pm
gail maki wilson
My favorite is #3 or is it #10. No. I think #6! Great post.
November 15, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Lori Dubbin
Thanks for these very helpful 10 ideas for jump-starting – #6 is great and something I never thought of doing even though I’ve been thinking lately how Country Music tells some great stories. Love your trailer and book!
November 16, 2013 at 9:48 am
lehrhaupt
Well, with kidlit you may want to write those country songs backwards. You’ll get your car back, your dog back…
November 15, 2013 at 5:29 pm
Denise Bowman
Such practical suggestions! Thank you so much!
November 15, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Shannon Anderson
I like numbers 1 and 4. Oh, and the last part about writing no matter which method you choose. Sometimes we forget that part. 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Yvonne Mes
I really liked your comparison with artists doing warm-up sketches and writers doing writing exercises. Thanks.
November 15, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Gaye Kick
Great Ideas! Thanks!
November 15, 2013 at 8:11 pm
Alicia van Thiel
Thank you for sharing and congrats!
November 15, 2013 at 8:14 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
I have written in my closet before…but never under my bed! LOL! #8 sounds all kinds of fun!
November 15, 2013 at 8:52 pm
Rick Starkey
It’s amazing how different physical locations can inspire. Just the thought of writing under my bed sparks the idea that I would have to be the size of a mouse to go under it. Hmm. Thanks for the post.
November 15, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Tina Cho
Thanks for these ideas. I need to jump start my brain today!
November 15, 2013 at 9:16 pm
Marty McCormick
Thanks, Adam, for the new and fun writing prompts. Good to have lots to choose from on those days that need a bit of help.
November 15, 2013 at 9:16 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Thanks for the ideas. Great post.
November 15, 2013 at 10:40 pm
Mary McClellan
Thanks for the fun ideas. I’m anxious to read your book!
November 15, 2013 at 11:01 pm
Laurie L. Young
Love a top 10 list. Very helpful, thanks!
November 16, 2013 at 12:18 am
Romelle Broas
Think small goals, which will lead to inspiration later on…I like that thought! Thanks, Adam.
November 16, 2013 at 1:06 am
Theanna
Thank you for the great ideas. We have all hit a road block in writing and you offered some great ways to overcome it. Congrats on your new book! Best of luck!
November 16, 2013 at 2:01 am
writersideup
Adam, I had the pleasure of meeting you—even if only for a minute—at the Princeton Book Festival (was that an AMAZING day or WHAT?!), and you were so friendly 🙂 Anyway, I haven’t had writer’s block (yet), but that could be ’cause I don’t write unless I’m inspired 😉 Should I ever, though, this is a great, imaginative list! Thanks!
November 16, 2013 at 9:50 am
lehrhaupt
Princeton was a BLAST. Great to see so many of my favorite authors and illustrators all in one place. I can’t wait to take part next year.
November 16, 2013 at 2:17 am
garyfabbri
Thanks Adam! I’m feeling unblocked and ready to go 🙂
November 16, 2013 at 2:56 am
Malena Fuentes
Short and concise.
November 16, 2013 at 3:24 am
dee win
thanks for all of your great ideas!
November 16, 2013 at 3:53 am
Juliet Clare Bell
Thank you!
November 16, 2013 at 5:39 am
mona861
Adam,
Thanks for your ideas on how to jumpstart.
November 16, 2013 at 6:11 am
Dawnyelle
Just keep writing, writing, writing…I can hear Dory singing it now! Thank you- perfect timing
November 16, 2013 at 8:15 am
Nancy Churnin
Adam, thanks for the post. It’s cool to have a bunch of fun writing prompts to break into as needed!
November 16, 2013 at 8:55 am
Vikk Simmons
Great ideas, all. I’ve found that simply getting that keyboard to chuckle goes a long way toward moving past any blocks so you’re ideas are terrific.
November 16, 2013 at 9:21 am
dzipeto
Great list and thoughts, especially calling out the block as a concrete item, then finding ways to chip and hammer at it until it’s gone.
Thank you for sharing 🙂
Diana Zipeto
November 16, 2013 at 11:03 am
Lynn Ann Carol
I loved the book trailer. I have a perfect person in mind to buy it for. Congrats!
Great suggestions by the way, I’m off to my closet now.
Thanks,
Lynn
November 16, 2013 at 11:20 am
viviankirkfield
In a closet with a pen…matters not who, where or when…write with passion from your heart…thanks dear sir – I’m off to start!!!!
Great tips on how to jump-start your creative brain, Adam – I love them. 🙂
November 16, 2013 at 11:50 am
MummyTheFunny (@EmiHowe)
You could do an A – Z on subjects relating to the project, might come up with some curious ideas too! Will defo bookmark this post xx
November 16, 2013 at 12:34 pm
Kirsten Carlson (@kirstencarlson)
Great inspiration and love the comparison between sketching and writing. List is being put to use TOday. : )
November 16, 2013 at 1:50 pm
Cindy Schumerth
Great ideas for a jump start. Thanks.
November 16, 2013 at 4:27 pm
cat jones
Thanks for the great tips. I’m going to share them with my writing group!
November 16, 2013 at 4:31 pm
RadSheri
Thanks for jump starting my writing today.
November 16, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Joanne Roberts
Sorry I couldn’t get my computer to cooperate yesterday, but anyway, great post. Excellent list to jump-start ideas, just like Adam’s BookDare jumpstarts my appetite for reading every month. Thanks, Tara and Adam.
November 16, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Penny
Great ideas to trick that reluctant mind into writing!
November 16, 2013 at 9:41 pm
thiskidreviewsbooks
Love the Calvin & Hobbes panel! Heehee! Great post!
November 16, 2013 at 10:30 pm
Debbie Austin
This is a timely post for me. I’m in a bit of a dry spell. I think I’ll go crawl under my bed.
November 16, 2013 at 11:36 pm
klmcmorranmaus
A pedicure helped kick- start my brain today. I like the drawing and song lyric ideas. Thank you for sharing.
November 17, 2013 at 12:33 am
Fashionista Philly
helpful posting thanks for sharing
November 17, 2013 at 1:25 am
Lacey Gunter
Wonderful idea, Adam. Thank you so much for sharing. I will definitely utilize this technique.
November 17, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Rosi Hollinbeck
Wonderful ideas to kick start one’s day. Thanks.
November 17, 2013 at 2:59 pm
bucherwurm65
My brain has been jump-started! Woo hop! Thank you!
November 17, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Kathy Cornell Berman
Thanks for sharing your kick-start brain ideas. Now I need some ideas to create funnier obstacles for my MC. Maybe I should stay under the bed until I think of some.
November 17, 2013 at 7:45 pm
erin
I love #1. Thanks for the inspiration, Adam!
November 17, 2013 at 11:27 pm
vijikc
I love #6! thanks
November 18, 2013 at 2:09 am
wendymyersart
Thank you for a great post, Adam! Some fun ideas in there. I’ll have to try writing in a closet- it just sounds fun. And maybe in our kids’ old playhouse up on stilts in the backyard.
November 18, 2013 at 8:55 am
megmillerwrites
What a great post! I needed this today. 🙂
November 18, 2013 at 10:03 am
Kelly Parker
Great tips!!! Love this post, will definitely try some of these!
November 18, 2013 at 10:56 am
Sharon K Mayhew
Great list!Thanks for all the suggestions. 🙂
November 18, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Ann Birnie
Great advice Adam! – I wish my Starbucks was quieter. Ann
November 18, 2013 at 3:15 pm
sketched out
Very enjoyable read! Can’t wait to put some if those jump starts into practice!
November 18, 2013 at 10:24 pm
helenajuhasz
I love your idea to describe a photo and its before/after. Never thought of that! The story starts to write itself!
November 18, 2013 at 10:37 pm
lisajmichaels
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the trailer!
November 19, 2013 at 2:19 am
Dani Duck
Great prompts to get rid of writer’s block. I’ll have to remember this post when I get stuck (it happens so often too!)
November 19, 2013 at 10:50 am
Jennifer Voigt Kaplan
Great list of techniques! I used a few and are saving more for later (when I really, really need them). Thank you.
November 20, 2013 at 12:10 am
City Sights for Kids
Thanks for the writing prompts – I especially like ideas 4 through 7.
November 20, 2013 at 9:04 pm
Priya Gopal
Good ideas
November 20, 2013 at 9:45 pm
Lauri Meyers
Adam, it always worries me when I hear writers like you get writers block, because you don’t seem like a blockable kind of guy! Thank you for the prompts- I am desperately inspired by the idea to describe the writing area in adjectives. Probably partially because I’m not allowed to yes them much, so the thought of using as many as I want is quite delicious.
November 21, 2013 at 10:02 pm
SevenAcreSky
Priceless points in this post….and now posted on my wall. Thanks Adam!
November 22, 2013 at 9:28 am
littledbl
Thanks for the great list! Ideas come easy for me. It’s the getting the ideas out that I struggle. I think I need to change my perspective.:-)
November 24, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Fran Price
Your book appeals to me as I have a monkey-themed work in progress at the moment and I love the trailer on YouTube (so did my son). I particularly like no.10 on your list – I have some of my best ideas in cafes where I mostly put up with tepid cafe lattes for the sake of my art. (Note to cafe owners of the UK: why are lattes hardly ever HOT enough?)
November 24, 2013 at 6:20 pm
Debbie Faith Mickelson
Just write. That’s the idea to keep fresh ideas flowing and to keep from getting rusty. Thanks!
November 27, 2013 at 1:39 am
blanchebaxter
I really appreciate these ideas! I can’t wait to try them out. 🙂
November 29, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Tracey Jackson
Thanks for the great 10 jump starter ideas and your other advice of “Most importantly, keep writing. Don’t worry about what comes out.” I usually do worry about what comes out so I will have to stop that!
November 30, 2013 at 1:40 am
angiekarcher
Writer’s block stinks! Thx for the secret path out. Very helpful tips!
November 30, 2013 at 12:53 pm
carolmunrojww
Good prompts. I’m saving them. Would be interesting to combine a few of them. Thanks, Adam.
November 30, 2013 at 7:14 pm
alwaysbedancing
Great 10 step program!
November 30, 2013 at 9:33 pm
Matthew C. Winner
Excellent post, Adam! Can’t wait to see what’s next in store for us!
December 3, 2013 at 12:05 am
Laurie J. Edwards
Sometimes I find writer’s block comes because I’m not ready to dive into the deeper emotions connected with a story that wants to be told.