How to Get Rid of Writer's Block, Pixar Style

I've been editing a short story for nearly three weeks and I'm stuck. When I was working on it the other day, I got so depressed I said, “I hate this. I never want to write short stories again. I never want to write fiction again. I suck at it too much.” In other words, normal feelings when you have writer's block. That's why I was so glad when I stumbled upon this recently:

“When you’re stuck,” said writers at Pixar, “make a list of what WOULDN'T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.”

I love Pixar, and I love this idea. So let's practice it.

PRACTICE

The Story: Two friends run into a group of murderers (i.e. the sharks in Finding Nemo). Make a list of what wouldn't happen next. If you hit on an interesting idea, write a scene about it. Do this exercise for fifteen minutes. When you're finished, post your practice in the comments section. Have fun!

Joe Bunting

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Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris, a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

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