Burst through Creative Blocks: 10 activities for Neurodivergent Writer

Sidetracks to breakthrough writer's block, plot holes, or creative writing ennui.

Well writing this blog post is a sidetrack for me but so is creating our Subscription boxes (especially our Dracula and Poe inspired Writer's boxes). They are soo much fun, but they sidetrack me- in the guise of helping you. Which is what I am doing today.

Caveat: Yes I know many of these you have heard before, they are not new! But I always find reminders helpful - even if I don't like them or am inconsistent in their application.

1. Tidy and clean/cleanse your writing area.
   Sorry-not sorry. But this does help. I tend to pile up reference books, journals, crystals, incense, pens, empty drink cups, inspirational pictures, endless post it notes and of course a few fidgets. No wonder I can't sit still or get my mind to focus. If somehow you are already a tidy person, then perhaps wipe down the area, polish your desk (if it is wood), or do a cleansing ritual.
   BONUS - side quest - feng shui or redecorate your writing area for inspiration and flow. This could mean a new comfy blanket, posted picture etc. 

2. Visualization - this was suggested by my therapist. There are a few different ways to do this. Post a picture of yourself writing. Take a picture or have someone else take a picture of you sitting in your writing space "being productive". Have your pen in hand or fingers on the keyboard etc. then print it out and post it in your writing space. So that every time you sit down - you aren't just imagining, you are visualizing being creative and productive there is a picture of you doing so.

3. Create your book cover and the accolades you would love to have on the back. Again print this out so there is a visual copy of your goal next to your screen, paper, journal, typewriter etc. as long as it is in your writing space.

4. Create a collage for your story or each character - Print it out and post it in your writing area. This way you can focus on and select which colors, images, quotes and general vibes you associate most with your story or character. And it's really fun. I like using Pinterest for this, and specifically their new collage function! Otherwise you can do the tried and true artistic physical rendering with sketches, cut outs and glue:)

5. Write a Flash Fiction Story of 100 or 250 words. You can enter a contest or make your own. (Sometimes being completely off topic allows your creative mind space to flex in a new area, and return to your story with a fresh perspective - think of it like a little writing vacation). The general rules are that you select a word count and a time in which to both write and edit. Example - 100 word story or less in 30 minutes. Or 250 words/500 words or less in one hour.

• Read our own Flash Fiction prompts and write your own story - then compare

• Google "Flash Fiction Prompts"

• Look at collages on Pinterest and write a story about one - this is what Adriana did when submitting to Visual Verse (while it was active) - she wrote and edited a 500 word story in 1 hour based on a visual prompt.

• Physical prompts. There are two ways to do this: 1. walk into a room of your abode or another safe space - close your eyes, and turn around a few times, then chose three things within in your view to write about. (example: write a story that contains a candle, pillow, shoe - if you walked into your living room). OR you can create a shaker with small plastic miniatures - write a story with the first two things to fall out.

6. Create a soundtrack for your story or a playlist for a character. I like to make playlists for each character and for the book. Sometimes there is a specific song that I imagine for a specific fight scene or love scene. Other people sometimes find a specific voice that sounds how their character sounds. As always - set a timer for how long you spend on this endeavor.

7. Move, Dance, Walk or Run. I know I roll my eyes at this too, but again this is an easy thing to work. This can be actual exercise in a gym or jogging on a street etc. Or it could be dancing to a favorite song(s). If neither of those are your cup of tea, then move your body in someway for 5 minutes, this could be stretches, head/ neck rolls, doing 'weird' things like stomping, swaying, spinning, shaking your hands or body like a dog after a bath etc. Just move the proverbial humors of your system somehow.

8. Snack and hydrate. Yup - again I hate when common sense intercedes on what I feel. But eating something, and moreover a balanced meal or nutritious snack makes a difference and keeps your brain healthy and happy. Drinking lots of water is also really helpful and it's an easy win.

9. Shift your space. If your writing space still isn't inspiring you - it might be time to try an hour out somewhere new.

• Physically: This could be writing on your couch instead of your kitchen table, or your bed. Or going to a new coffee shop or new library.

• Virtually: Try joining a new writing group or ask one of your writing friends to adjust the day or time of when you write? (I know routine is epically important but sometimes it needs a refresh or alternative).

10. Change your clothes or cosplay a character. When writing, "putting on that hat" sometimes helps me. So I have blue-light glasses, rings, wrist-warmers and headwear (crowns and hats) to help me physically personify a character I'm struggling to write about. This could be a special sweater, scarf, ring or even makeup to help you "get into character". Also I recently saw a video where they suggested changing to fresh socks when you are overwhelmed. If you are comfortable and refreshed that is what matters!