The best way to break a writing block is to start writing, and creative writing exercises give you a place to start: a letter to your future self, a paragraph that begins with "I remember", two words from two ads, the 7x7x7 prompt, a story about a first, the dictionary game, or a new persona.
Many things can stop a writer from writing freely. The exercises below help you break that block and get ideas flowing through your head and onto paper, or whatever else you write on.
Creative writing is any writing that steps outside the usual forms. Most writing is journalistic, professional, academic, or technical. Creative writing, by contrast, is marked by its focus on character development, narrative craft, and literary devices, and it also includes the many traditions of poetry.
Get busy and write
A small number of writers can write a word or two and instantly find inspiration, with great results. Most writers are not that lucky: they find themselves stuck for ideas or topics to write about. One of the best ways to beat a writing block is to do what those few writers do and simply write.
1. Write a letter to your future self
Imagine what you will be like 5, 10, or 20 years from now. What would you want to say to that person if you had the chance? Write it down in a letter.
2. Start with "I remember"
Begin a paragraph with the words "I remember" and take it from there. Let your memories guide your hand and decide what you write. If you use your imagination, the possibilities of this prompt are endless.
Having trouble writing? Read how to beat writing block and motivate yourself to write.
3. Two words from two ads
Some creative writers find two ads in a magazine or newspaper and pick one word from each. Then they write a poem or story that uses those two words.
4. The 7x7x7 prompt
Find the seventh book on your bookshelf. Open it at page 7 and find the seventh sentence on the page. Now write a poem or story with that sentence as your inspiration.
Other creative writing prompts
Writing tips are useful for most people, but not every tip works for everyone in the same way. That is why it is best to try several until you find the one that works for you.
5. Write about a first
Write about one of your firsts. This prompt lets you write about almost anything, from your first pet to your first kiss. Perhaps you would like to write about your first day at school, or the first car you bought. Whatever you choose, the possibilities are endless.
6. The dictionary game
Open a dictionary at a random page and choose a word, ideally one you could not define. Then write your own made-up definition for it, with your imagination as your guide.
7. Switch persona
Many writers have found ideas and stories by taking on a different persona and writing in the first person. Become someone of a different age, nationality, or gender. Who are you, and what do you want to say to others?
If you like to write poetry, read these poetry tips by famous authors.
Keep writing
In the end, the only way to break out of a writing block is to write and keep writing. There will be days when nothing you write seems to make sense, or when you have no inspiration or desire to write at all. Keep trying anyway, and look for the sentence or idea that sets you on the path to a great poem or story.