Screenwriting : How do you beat writer's block? by Kristin Wong

I usually have more than one idea going at once or more than one medium of writing. If I get blocked on a script, I will start working on a different script idea for a bit and then go back to it. Or else if that doesn't work I'll start writing prose or poetry instead to get my mind off it! Or sometimes you just need to relax, go out for a drink, have fun with friends & forget about it for a night! Those are my suggestions...hope that's helpful!

Outlining usually works for me. Sometimes I put my work to the side, grab some earphones and listen to some music that has the feel of my script, if that makes any since.

Exercise for 20 minutes -- reread last 3-4 days writing -- reading previous parts out loud helps, as does stream of consciousness/free association writing -- writing poetry is a real big helper -- take a laxative if clogged up, seriously -- switch to another project. Writer's block is actually a good thing for writers. Your mind is telling you that it hadn't figured out the backstory to the backstory yet. Aphrodite's Rainbow, I've had writer's block on this monster/turkey for almost a year... geez, do I need a laxative!

All great suggestions, thanks! Shanika, I love the idea of listening to music that fits the tone of your script. I used to have a loooong work commute, and there was something about getting lost in the music during that drive that seemed to stimulate my creative side.

I get my best ideas in the shower or no offense, during sex. imagine jumping out of bed and writing down some ideas. Oh the love life of a writer:) But when it doesn't happen that way, I read a script or a book and the writers block gets lifted.

@Kristen -- I can just see it now: HIM: "Ooh, I love ya, baby ..." HER: "Hmmm, but does she stab him in the back, or just poison him?"

I know exactly what you mean when you say you "free write" about your writers block. I often find the only way i can clear my head is by writing down absolutely everything that crops up in there until the thought process settles down, so on my laptop I have a folder filled to the brim with random scribblings. But this is good because it A) allows you to stumble across new ideas by "hacking through" the bad ones and B) allows the brain to settle down after getting it all out of your system.

I've never experienced writers block where I just stare at the page, but I have sat wondering where the hell do I start. I agonize over my first sentence, but once I write that everything flows thereafter. I do get frustrated at times during my writing and I've learnt that's the signal my mind sends me to tell me I'm now writing utter shit and better stop. Which I do and I usually don't go back to the script for several hours. I can say this though. The worst mistake you can make is read what you've written from the start. Just read the last paragraph and pick up where you left off. Rewriting is for draft 2, not draft 1. Just get it done. Get your thoughts down and stop agonizing over the perfect draft. Use the first draft to write it. Don't worry if people will like it because they won't. The first draft is for you and you only. The block could be stemming from your insecurities as a writer. Just remember this beautiful rule in screenwriting. Everything you write is fixable later on.

Haha during sex. Yes, Norman, my block usually comes when I inevitably end up hating everything I've written! The free writing has helped a bit, not just because it clears my mind, but I usually figure out, through free writing, what it is I don't like about my script. But you're so right about just getting through the first draft. It's much easier (less overwhelming) to go back and fix those things when you already have a completed script in front of you.

I fine a tall ice-cold chocolate shake helps ;) kidding... What type of writing are you doing? I write short stories and copy for commercials, promo, etc..

A can of Diet Coke and getting 100 words on the page inside of three minutes is a terrific exercise. The caffeine jolts your head into the right direction.

When I find that I have writer's block, I just look away for a few moments... And when I say 'look away', I mean that I just put the script down for a few days and when I pick it up again, things like dialogue and monologue seem to flow. I just say never force anything. But, when it's time to put something down you'll be ready...

I take a moment to watch (or read, depending on whether I'm writing a script or prose) something that is similar to what I want to write. That tends to psyche me up and get me in the mood to do my own version.

Relax, take a breather, and let the time pass. All writer's go through writer's block. It's a struggling time, but eventually it'll pass by.

With a machette until you are left with a pile of tooth picks!