Writer’s block. We’ve all experienced it. There you are, with big ideas swimming around in your head and you’re sitting there, in front of a blank computer screen – that stupid cursor just blinking, daring you to try and put something on paper. In a post last summer I discussed some good writing habits, but I know that certain techniques don’t work for everyone. So, here’s another suggestion – get physical. Sometimes just sitting at your desk doesn’t work. If not, then get out and do some physical exercise – take a walk, mow the lawn, lift weights, rake the leaves. The physical act of exercise allows the creative part of your brain to work on its own, sorting out all the information that’s traveling throughout your neuro galaxy. It works for me. Just last weekend I was on my roof cleaning out the gutters and had a breakthrough on a creative concept for a client’s commercial campaign. There are two important things to remember about writing – be habitual and find the technique that works best for you.

Saturday, February 23 marked the 50th anniversary for the Birmingham ADDYS – the awards celebrating the best in local advertising. Each year the event centers on a certain theme and I thought this year’s selection was especially meaningful – “Never Settle.” Those two words should serve as great inspiration in whatever role you might play at your workplace. It’s a charge for each of us to select nothing but the best; to keep striving for ideas that are truly innovative and original. I know I will remember this mantra as I write and develop creative strategies for my clients. Wherever you are, whatever you do, never settle. Continue to fill up pages full of ideas. Don’t be ashamed to wad up those pages, throw them away, and start again. It’s all in a process to find the most creative idea out there.

I came across this site today that’s perfect for the aspiring screenwriter. One of the hardest things about writing is self-discipline. Writing is like any venture – to be successful you must practice. But many of us just can’t seem to muster up the willingness to sit down every day and write. However, Script Frenzy provides the writer with some accountability. It’s a writing contest that takes place for one month every year and requires the participant to write 100 pages of a screenplay in 30 days. This year’s contest comes up in April. I think I may give it a shot. It is certainly a great way to get that first draft out of your mind and onto the paper. Even if you don’t want to participate in the writing contest, the site offers up great resources for the writer as well as discussion forums and insightful articles.

Some of you are probably keeping up with the on-going Hollywood writer’s strike – listening to both sides and trying to make sense of the issues. Some couldn’t care less about the policy involved; you’re just freaking out, knowing that the upcoming season of 24 will be delayed because of the strike. Well, for those wondering what the central issue is all about, let me encourage you to read this article from screenwriter John August.

Well, the WGA (Writers’ Guild of America) strike is underway and I know many concerned Americans are wondering how this strike will impact their favorite TV shows. To keep up to date on the strike, you can visit UnitedHollywood.blogspot.com.