The Dreaded Writer's Block

Writing is unbelievably rewarding and can be so much fun. It can also be challenging. We all get stuck sometimes and have a problem going forward. It’s important not to let that feeling get to you. Whether you’re struggling with getting your head into the fictional world you’ve written or are having trouble naming the side character that decided to pop out of the woodwork, I have some resources for you. These are some apps and websites that I use on a regular basis. They have helped me out of writer’s block any number of times and I’m confident they will help you too.

Sounds like A Plan

These are websites and apps that help you use sound to immerse yourself into the same environment as your characters. Sometimes when you’re stuck with a bad case of writer’s block, engaging your senses can help snap you back into the creative part of your mind. We’ll start with resources you can use with your headphones.

#1 Tabletopaudio.com

I find it unbelievably helpful to be immersed in the scene I am writing. This website is great for helping you do that. Writing a scene in the pouring rain? Need a crowded bar or a busy highway? Pop your headphones in and suddenly you’re hearing exactly what your characters might be hearing in that moment. There’s a wide range of sounds that play for ten minutes each. I believe it was originally intended for D&D campaigns but it’s perfect for writers as well. It’s particularly helpful for fantasy and sci fi genres. Check it out. You’ll be surprised by how easy it is and how much of a difference it makes while you write.

#2 Ambient-mixer.com

This is another great resource that gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the same environment as your characters. It is available as an app so you can use it to write when you’re away from home. The difference between this site and Tabletop is the customization. You can create your own atmospheric sound mix online and for free. It’s also possible to add and take away individual sounds within the sound mix. For instance, if you want to hear a spaceship in the background and want to mix up your own sound, having the engine louder and the music softer, you can do that. It’s also possible to mute certain individual sounds that don’t fit in your scene. If you want a customizable experience this is the perfect resource for you.

#3 YouTube

Yes, I know, everyone already knows about Youtube, but this is still my go to app for helping me out of writer’s block. I spend an enormous amount of time making playlists in my everyday life so making one for my book or even for the main characters seemed like a no brainer. This particularly helps me when I’m just starting to flesh out the characters or the worlds. If you aren’t a fan of making playlists, there are so many videos and playlists that can help. If you have a favorite video game or movie that is similar to your genre, look up playlists about that game or movie. Soundtracks can be really helpful for setting the mood before you spill out your ideas on the paper. Of course this doesn’t replace the good old fashioned plotting on paper but it can help shake out some of the cobwebs.

A Picture, A Thousand Words

These apps are excellent if you are a more visual person. Sometimes you need to see something new, a sculpture, a river, a creature that someone drew to spark an idea. Aside from going outside and experiencing the real world, these resources are the best way I’ve found to spark my imagination and give me something to expand on and recreate in my books.

#4 Pinterest

Pinterest is great for recipes and crafts but it also has a whole plethora of art, character inspiration, and even name lists. If you’re blanking on how to explain a large feast or an article of clothing, sometimes it can make a world of a difference just looking at something similar first. I’ve used Pinterest for anything from fantasy names to shades of eye color to everything in between. The best part? You can make your own boards and label them anything you want. Each of my characters have their own board and I have a general board for the world. Some writers also find it super helpful to make mood boards or aesthetics to keep closeby when they sit down to write.

#5 Artbreeder.com

This site can be tricky to get the hang of but it’s a great resource for anyone who wants to customize realistic looking characters. Once you sign up for an account, which is free to do, you will be able to customize anything from portraits to landscapes. You can even create buildings from your stories. This site is amazing for the beginning stages of writing when you’re really trying to visualize the characters you are creating.

#6 Dragonbanecreation.com

Man does this place have some amazing resources and so many generators. The map generator is especially helpful as well as the appearance and name links. If you’re looking for a one stop site that will get your mind to focus on any kind of world building this is the place to go.

Though this is a short list, I hope the resources here will help spark something inside you when you are stuck in the dreaded white screen stare off. Sometimes it just takes one image, one song, or a visual representation of something that you’ve previously only seen in your head, to stir up those creative juices. Happy Writing!

I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments. What brings you out of writer’s block? Is there something here that helped you?