✒️ Writers’ Wisdom ~ Are You Stuck? Here’s A Trick

Another method is the old Raymond Chandler advice: When things slow down, bring in a man with a gun. It doesn’t have to be an actual man with an actual gun, of course. It can be anything that bursts into a scene and shakes things up. Here’s the key: Get your imagination to give you the surprise without justification.

Make a quick list of at least 10 things that just pop into your mind. For example:

1. A woman runs in screaming.
2. The lights go out.
3. A car crashes through the wall.
4. Heart attack.
5. SWAT team outside.
6. Marching band outside.
7. TV announcer mentions character’s name.
8. A baby cries (what baby?).
9. Blood drips down the wall.
10. Justin Bieber comes in with a gun.

Some things on your list will seem silly. That’s OK. Don’t judge. Look back and find the most original item, and only then find a reason for it.

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