Switching Stories

Several times, I've read about other writers who hit a wall, also known as writer's block. They're stuck. They don't know where the story is going. The plot isn't working out. The characters are all wrong. They're not sure what is wrong, but something is and they can't write. So they don't.

Uh-oh. Therein lies the slippery slope that can lead to disaster.

I've hit that wall several times myself. But rather than quit writing, I switch stories. Sometimes, I switch entire genres. I go from writing fiction to non-fiction. From full novel to short story. From romance to fantasy. Or even just from one story to another - though admittedly, I don't do this often. It's too easy to get similar stories mixed up.

The point is, to not quit writing. To write something every day. Even if it's only the fifty words I wrote about yesterday. But to really jumpstart your brain, it should be something totally different. You might be surprised at what you come up with. And then you can go back to your blocked story with a fresh perspective.

Today's challenge: Your friend talks you into going to see a palm reader. At first, she smiles, then gasps and backs away from you. What is wrong?