How chocolate biscuits can get you out of that writing rut

We've all been there. You sit down to write, and nothing comes. The ideas just won't flow. Or you're in the middle of a sentence and the words just seem to run out. If you're stuck in a writing rut, don't worry! Before you collapse into a dramatic sobbing heap on the sofa clutching a tin of chocolate biscuits for comfort (more on the role of chocolate biscuits in the writing process in a minute), there are things you can do to get yourself started again.

Here are just a few of my favourite tips:

• Take a break from whatever you're working on. The more you work on a project, the harder it is to detach from it. Take some time away from your writing and do something else such as make yourself a coffee and sit in the garden with it. Then come back to your work refreshed, (and maybe full of chocolate biscuits for 'creative energy'.)

• Read something completely different from what you're working on. (Here is a link to one of my favourite chocolate biscuit recipes http://bit.ly/3H9gItd). Reading something different will give your brain a new perspective on language. It can also help you get in the mood to write again.

• Go for a walk or take a quick trip somewhere you've never been before (perhaps a different shop to buy more chocolate biscuits?) See something new, breathe in some fresh air, and get your mind off your writing for a while.

• Get some more background information on your topic. The more you know about your topic, the better your writing will be. (Researching for your writing is just like researching for the best chocolate biscuits you can buy, only more helpful for getting your writing done - but chocolate biscuit research is never wasted!)

• Give yourself permission to write badly (or not at all). Bad writing precedes good writing. Don't worry about what you are writing, just get anything down and work on it after. Sometimes your writing goes smoothly straight away, some days it can take a good 45 minutes to get moving - and sometimes it's just better to wait until later. (Note that there is NEVER a good reason to put off eating chocolate biscuits or to accept poor quality chocolate biscuits.)

There are plenty more tips to get your writing going again, but Chocolate Biscuits are without doubt my go to as the most versatile, enjoyable and effective writing tool out there - or you can contact me on sandra@thatbookwoman.com and we can talk about how we can get you out of your writing rut.

I'll bring the biscuits!

Sandra Hughes - That Book Woman

#writingtips