Ah, writer’s block. It’s like the pesky neighbor who pops over uninvited and refuses to leave—even when you drop the biggest hints (like slamming your laptop shut in frustration).

As an author who’s juggled tales of selkies and secrets, I know this struggle well. Picture this: I finally carve out a quiet moment between dog park visits (Violette has a very active social calendar), keeping up with my pilot husband’s travel schedule, and convincing myself I don’t need more watercolor supplies. I sit down, coffee in hand, ready to dive into a stormy scene… and poof. My characters freeze like they’ve been caught in a Highland blizzard.

But I’ve learned not to panic. Over the years, I’ve gathered a toolkit of strategies that have rescued me more times than I care to admit:

Step 1: Step Away from the Page

 When words vanish, I take a break. Whether it’s a walk with Violette or escaping into a good book, giving my mind some breathing room often leads to unexpected sparks of inspiration.

Step 2: Fill the Creative Well

I love immersing myself in folklore—especially Scottish tales where selkies swim and witches brew storms. Reading about these ancient legends feels like visiting old friends and always lights up my imagination.

Step 3: Write Anything, No Matter How Silly

I remind myself it’s okay to write nonsense. Write about the weather, write a letter to Nessie, write a shopping list for fictional pirates. The point is to write something, anything, and trust that the flow will return.

Step 4: Outsmart Procrastination

 When the Distraction Train pulls into the station (and trust me, it does), I break my work into small, manageable pieces. Bite-sized tasks keep me moving forward, even on the stickiest of writing days.

Step 5: Coffee & Cat Memes (Yes, Really)

 There’s magic in strong coffee and ridiculous cat videos. I promise. These simple pleasures wake up my creativity when it’s dozing at the wheel.

Step 6: Dance Breaks & Chocolate Therapy

 Sometimes the answer is to dance it out. Or reach for a square of Scottish fudge. Movement and a little indulgence work wonders to shake loose those stubborn ideas.

Step 7: Plot Twists Save the Day

 When all else fails? Throw a surprise plot twist into your story. Add a new character. Stir things up and see what happens. Some of my best moments on the page started with a wild, unexpected detour.

The Takeaway: Writer’s block isn’t the end of the road—it’s just a speed bump. So brew that coffee, cue the dance playlist, and remember: you’re not alone in this creative adventure. Keep going. Your characters (and your readers!) are cheering you on.