What to do when struggling for the next word

I'm sitting at the computer. The curser is flashing, waiting for me to begin typing. I start cursing at the curser because I have no clue what to write.

Does this happen to anyone else? Anybody?

I don't believe in writer's block. Ask any journalist and you'll learn that the story must get written. Whether they work for a daily, a weekly, or a monthly, there is no time to struggle with writers block. Deadlines must be met.

Fiction, however, can be a little more tricky. I do have some suggestions for those who are stumped.

1. Take a break from writing. Sometimes a new perspective will help you figure out what needs to happen next. (Hey, this is when I get my Farmville fix!)
2. Do some research. Since my novels mention real spots, I've been known to visit so that I can get a renewed "feel" for the location.
3. Write a different scene. Stuck at an intersection and can't decide which way to turn? Write whatever happens next and come back to it later.
4. Read something. This is very similar to the "take a break" suggestion. I firmly believe no one can be a good writer without being a veracious reader. So even though you're taking break from the writing, by reading a book, you're helping yourself become a better writer. (Might I recommend Ghost Mountain?)
5. Draw a card. When all else fails, I've been known to ask my characters what they want to do next. Usually this involves drawing a tarot card and seeing what that tells me. It's not a suggestion that will work for everyone, but I've had success with it.

I'm sure there are a ton of other suggestions. For the authors out there, what works for you?

Blessings!

Nichole

Ah, geez.... what happens next???

First let me apologize for this post being late. It's been crazy around here!

Now for the topic of the week: writer's block.

I'm not sure such a thing exists. Let me tell you why. As a reporter, the excuse didn't fly. I know. I tried it! I've never met an editor who said "You don't know what to write about that community function? No problem." Space had to be filled, and reporters fill it. Period. End of discussion.

Now as I dwell in the realm of fiction, I find an entirely new problem. No longer am I reporting what someone did or said, I'm coming up with the day-to-day activities of a fictional set of people. I can't ask them to give me a quote to fill up a few more lines of copy. It's a little (okay, a LOT) more difficult.

But not impossible.

So what do I do when I'm not sure what's going to happen next? I skip it.

Seriously. I skip that part and move on to the next thing I know is going to happen. For example, in my current work in progress Cerri and her spirit guide have just visited the Black Hills National Cemetery. Cerri goes home and... I have no idea!

But she needs to get some more information about the murder victim. She needs to find a direction to head. As a freelance journalist, maybe Cerri will get the chance to do a story on Bear Butte, where the murder took place. Maybe she'll get a call from her mother, a "wise woman" of the old tradition. Maybe she'll receive an e-mail from her sister, who also embraces the traditions of their mother.

So I'll write those scenes and worry about connecting the dots later. Either way, I'm actively working on the manuscript.

And writing is much like bodybuilding. If you don't exercise the muscles (or the brain, or the fingers on the keyboard), you won't make any progress! Don't you agree?

Blessings!

Nichole