To get rid of writer's block, change what you are doing: think about your characters instead of the plot, remove distractions, write freely for ten minutes without stopping, watch or read something that inspires you, or simply write about how much you hate writer's block.
It doesn't matter whether you are an experienced writer or someone who has just started on a first script: writer's block can hit you at any time. It can make you think you were better off in that soul-destroying office job that made you want to pull your hair out. If the blank screen is teasing you and a voice in your head whispers, "You just don't have it in you", don't worry. It is only writer's block, and it happens to many writers.
There are more ideas in how to write when you're struggling, but here are 6 good ways to get rid of the dreaded block.
1. If you are writing a story, think about your characters
When you have just started a story, every plot point can be hard to lay out, because you are in the early stages of the writing process. It takes a few drafts to get the story going somewhere. So when you are stuck on a plot twist, or on how to develop the story line, step back and focus on your characters. Your characters will not change with each draft; they will only become a little more consistent each time.
2. Get rid of distractions
Removing distractions has always been a key to productivity. Distractions are everywhere, but the good news is that you can recognize them as the weak points in your writing process. If you make a real effort to remove them, you will find that there is nothing left to think about but your story.
3. Use free association exercises
Free association lets your ideas develop naturally. Writers often use it to break a block, but it also helps to keep a block from forming in the first place.
Set a short amount of time, such as ten minutes. Then pick a plot line and write down every word and sentence you can think of, even if it doesn't sound good to you. Your only goal is to write for ten minutes without stopping.
4. Watch something you like
Watch a film, a video, or your favorite episode of a series again, and think about what you are seeing. The idea is to find inspiration anywhere. Once an idea grips you, the words are bound to follow faster than you can write them down.
5. Read
Anything that inspires you works. If you cannot write, read, and soon the wheels in your head will start turning again. If your usual reading doesn't help, try something outside your comfort zone. There is plenty of fan fiction online, for example. Who knows? You may feel like trying a new genre or a new way of writing.
6. Write about how much you hate writer's block
Writer's block has you thinking about it anyway, so write about it. As you get into the flow, you will be surprised how easily you stumble onto new ideas.
For more ways to start again, read how to beat writer's block and motivate yourself to write.