Every writer hits moments where the words won’t come. But what you do next is what separates working writers from hobbyists.
As Stage 32 CEO RB Botto discusses in this video, He doesn't really believe in writer’s block. He believes that the stress of the creative process allows you to paint yourself into a corner.
It’s not about being out of ideas — it’s about being creatively exhausted, burned out, or so deep in your head that you’ve lost perspective.
One of the simplest habits you can build as a writer is knowing when to step away — go for a walk, watch a movie, read a script, or talk through your story with someone else. Refuel your creativity, and then come back with fresh eyes.
Let’s discuss: How do you get yourself unstuck when the writing feels impossible? What are your go-to strategies for resetting your creative brain?
And make sure you're following RB's social media for more tips like this @rbwalksintoabar!
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Sometimes I go to my outline and figure out things if they're story issues, Ashley Renee Smith. And sometimes I step away from a project, do something else (watch a movie, work on another project, write random scenes, etc.), and come back with fresh eyes.
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i start something else maybe doing something that i enjoy or go for a walk, just leave the work area and after that i could come back again with good energy .
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I do one of two things - 1) Interview my character. Sit down and write a fake interview with the main character and have them tell me about their life and how they would handle certain situations that have little or nothing to do with the current problem.
2) Write the most outrageous thing that could possibly happen to shake loose the cobwebs. The couple is having marital problems and wont speak to each other. Have them stuck in an elevator during a fire, trapped in the mountains with a bear stalking them, or get into a car accident where the other driver pulls a gun.
If you force your own writing prompts, then writer's block becomes a thing of the past.
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I don't believe in writer's block. When I'm frustrating with what needs to come next, I do one of two things. 1. Skip ahead to the next part of the story where I DO know what's happening and write out that part. Somewhere in that process, I'll figure out what I'm missing and go back and fill in the holes.
2. Really make myself visualize what comes next. I'll think of my characters and their wounds. I'll pull out Save the Cat and go over the story structure for where I might be in the story. Mostly, it's forcing myself INTO the story, instead of giving in to my impulse to avoid the whole process.
Thinking about a "block" is going to shut down your creative brain. Instead, be open to signs the world around you is sending that will spark your creativity. For example, if you read a book and a certain sentence pops out for you. See what about that sentence is resonating with you and if it's a lead into your character, plot, or a bit of dialogue.
I keep a list of words and phrases/sentences in the notes app on my iPhone. I collect old fashioned words because I write historicals. I'll also collect words that I normally don't tend to use. So these words are a type of "oh, that's a different word to use instead of the same old one I tend to use." Or, "If every I want to describe something in a more unique way, this is a good word to use."
The sentences are creative jots in that they are there because I really liked them for some reason, and I wonder how I could in my own words describe a similar concept. Or how I would describe a visual that the writer is describing.
When I need some inspiration, I look at my word/phrases/sentences list.
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I turn to the left and play my piano Ashley Renee Smith and let it go. Without fail, whatever I'm blocked on always makes its way to me.
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Ashley Renee, I'm a bit like RB in that I don't really believe in writer's block.
That doesn't mean I don't get stuck at times...and when I get stuck, I like to get on the Web and do some research. And when that doesn't work, I watch TV, listen to music, and/or jump on YouTube.
Anthony, Debra, Leonardo, Maurice, and Naim, I like your ideas, too!
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Thanks. Jim Boston. I like your ideas too. I jump on YouTube sometimes when I'm stuck and watch short films, sport highlights, funny videos, etc.
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Maurice Vaughan, That’s such a great approach, and I completely agree, sometimes stepping away is exactly what the creative process needs. I’ve found that giving my brain space to breathe often helps me come back with a new perspective or the solution I couldn’t see before.
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That’s a great approach, Naim Tirsi. It gives your mind the space to relax and reset and more often than not, the ideas start flowing again when you’re not forcing them.
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Anthony Moore , I love these strategies, especially the character interview! That’s such a creative way to get back into the voice and perspective of your character without the pressure of “writing the story.” I’m definitely going to borrow that.
And throwing in the most outrageous scenario is brilliant, even if it doesn’t stay in the final draft, it shakes things loose and reminds us that we’re in control of the story. Sometimes the best ideas come from those wild “what if” moments.
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Debra Holland, Skipping ahead is something I’ve leaned on too. It’s such a relief to write the scene you do know and let that momentum help guide you back to the missing pieces. And I absolutely love your notes app strategy. Collecting words, phrases, and lines that spark something is such a beautiful way to build your own creative toolbox.
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Leonardo Ramirez, I’m so glad you have that outlet. I think every writer needs their version of “turning to the piano.” Thank you for sharing your process!
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Jim Boston Research has been such a great tool for me too. It often sparks an idea or sends me down a rabbit hole that helps unlock the next scene or character moment.
And I completely agree, this thread has been full of amazing ideas from everyone!
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Awesome share, thank you Ashley!
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If I get stuck with a scene I tend to leave it and carry on through the script. Sometimes I need time to mull a problematic scene over in my head before I can write it... minor perk of having a boring day job!! I found myself getting a bit lost with my current pilot script so decided to do some work on the series bible which made me think ahead in terms of future episodes and that was surprisingly helpful.
I jump on Grok3 that helps me tons.