Sometimes, we fall into ruts where we can’t seem to find anything to write about. It doesn’t seem to matter whether we’re writing for the first time or winning National Book Awards. It happens. A great way to break from that rut, also known as “writer’s block,” is to practice “writing sprints”—the wind sprints of writing. Make a list of five subjects to write about today, items that you’ll have no problem conveying in words. Take one subject, and write 100 words about it—quickly. When you’re finished, switch to the next topic and write 100 words. Then move to the third, fourth and fifth subjects. See if the process becomes smoother and more fluid with each new topic. If one of the subjects demands further exploration, return to work on it. Keep this exercise available for those days when ideas don’t flow readily.
Tags: national book awards, workshop, writing
