: What do you do to prevent dips during which you're not writing anything? I'm currently a student and I write non-fiction every day. I've committed myself to writing 1000 words every day, and

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Well, I've got my own method. It's called Planned Procrastination writing. You may or may not like it.

So, I've got A Project to write about. And I also have three writing projects that have nothing to do with Project A. So, if I get stuck and nothing's happening with Project A, I go to Project B, for however long it captures my interest, or alternatively, I give myself 5 minutes to do whatever I can.

The 5 minute timer is fun because it creates an artificial deadline! It's like GO! This the time you have!

And if things are going well for B, I reevaluate and keep writing. If I run out of steam there, I look back at Project A. If I've still got nothing, I go ahead and jump to writing Projects C and D, real quick.

I find that breaks help with creativity, as well as having another task, whatever that task might be, to fill your mind. Other writing projects, or specific things, can fill that time. Even writing exercises or spending 5 minutes on a board like this answering questions. That counts as writing, if that's your goal, you've just got to set an alarm every time you go off task, so you don't wander too far and away from the goal.

But if I can get more than one project going at a time, it's ideal for me, especially if they all have different deadlines. Deadlines are good.

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Think about the writing when you’re not at the keyboard; e.g while walking the dog, especially if this immediately preceeds the writing time. Have an idea or three queued up before you start.

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"Zoning out" is normal, good even, as it shows creativity and imagination. The important thing is finding a balance.

When people's minds wander off and they stop focusing on the task at hand, it's usually because of brain linkages. For example, you're writing a scene where someone forgets something, which reminds you of the time when you forgot to close your apartment window, which gets you thinking about replacing them and then you're off. Identifying these linkages helps. Trace back to the original thought to regain focus and reduce mind wandering.

Consciously try to increase that ten-minute time frame for productive working.

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This is more commonly known as 'writer's block', and the solution is simple: Write about something else, on a separate piece of paper (or separate file if you're typing). Write about whatever comes into your mind, until you get your creative juices flowing again.

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