Surround Yourself with Writing Ideas

As a writer I often hear other writers complain about having writers' block. Is there really such a thing? I know many professional writers who claim there it does not exist and is just a matter of a writer being able to define those ideas that are in his or her head. After all the world around us provides plenty of ideas if we just put them to work for us. When you walk out the door of your home or office you should always be on the lookout for ideas you can use in a story or article.

No matter where you are always make certain you have a way to jot down notes even if it means leaving yourself a voice mail or text message on your cell phone. Sound silly? think how silly it would sound for you to return to your destination and try to remember the idea that was in your head. If you are driving and unable to use your phone keep repeating the idea until you can pull over to the side of the road and record it after you move to a safe spot. Some of the best story ideas are lost to the wind because the author did not take the time to jot it down. The beautiful red sunset that indicates fair weather for the following day can add an aura of description to an event in your book or scene in a short story. The more ideas you are able to develop the more you will be able to write.

Sometimes writers' block occurs because as writers we think we have to sit down for hours at a time and write. Real life issues come into play and we lose the momentum and sometimes don't get it back for days. Learn to take advantage of each moment--if you only have five minutes use it wisely. Write a few paragraphs or write down your ideas for an upcoming chapter or scene. If you get into the habit or looking at everything around you as part of the big picture you will have less problems with writers' block and actually write more often.