Kill Writer's Block with These Prompts

Below are eight simple exercises that can do away with Writer's Block and allow fresh inspiration to flow.

Using Objects to Cure Writer's Block

Collect ten random objects on a tray and cover them with a cloth. Then choose one without looking. Now write 100 words describing this item. Here is a brief example using a thumb tack:

• The tack lay on the table, a miniature umbrella with a brightly colored top of vibrant red. The underneath was dull brass with tiny striations circling the pin. The point was sharp and tiny shards of plaster clung to it. Maybe it had tumbled down from the ceiling.

Magazine Characters can Help with Writer's Block

Cut out an assortment of photos that show a cross section of people. Include both sexes, different ages and races and different economic groups. Then choose one and write a complete profile underneath. Here are some of the points to remember:

• Name
• Age
• Sex
• Appearance
• Address
• Job
• Family
• Hobbies
• Weaknesses
• Strengths

Atmosphere in Television Shows

Choose a favorite television show and describe the atmosphere in any given scene. Look for things like tension and suspense as a person ascends the financial ladder on Who wants to be a Millionaire, or recreate the utter weariness and desperate hunger of a contestant in Survivor. This is an ideal way to bypass writer's block.

Describe a Natural Disaster to Help with Writer's Block

Place a character in a normal setting such as on a bus to work or washing dishes in the kitchen. Then introduce an unexpected earthquake or volcano and tell the story of the character's immediate reaction.

Convert a Newspaper Article to get Thoughts Flowing

Choose a newspaper story and change it from past tense to present. Try substituting different verbs and adjectives as well and see if the meaning is retained. Building on another person's work often helps to banish writer's block

Write a Tongue Twister can Cure Writer's Block

This is a fun way to get words flowing. Make the tongue twister one sentence long and try and start most of the words with the same letter. Here are a couple of examples:

• Susie Slug slithered silently, sulking sourly
• Timmy Turtle trudged tiredly on tarred tracks

Then laugh while repeating them fast and watch writer's block disappear.

Describe a Terrifying scene

Imagine being on an airplane on a routine commuter flight. Without any warning, there is a loud bang and flames shoot from the right engine. Describe the emotions, physical manifestations and levels of fear as the pilots battle to land the aircraft.

Brainstorm Weather Words to Help with Creative Writing

Take a large page and write weather words inside circles. Then surround them with words that expand and add to their meaning. Here are some starter ideas.

• Lightning
• Clouds
• Hurricane
• Sun
• Depression
• Gale
• Blizzard

These prompts are simple and easy to do but can trigger fresh ideas and overcome writer's block. The secret is in stretching the mind and causing it to think in new patterns and look at life in a different manner.