The Blank Stops Here
Kicking Writer’s Block to the Curb with the Help of AI
We all know that feeling—that moment when the blank page stares back at you, daring you to write something, anything. It’s like a silent standoff, the cursor blinking, waiting for words that just won’t come. I’ve been there more times than I can count, especially at the start of a new project. The pressure to get it right—to craft the perfect opening—can leave even the most seasoned writer paralyzed.
Lately, though, I’ve found a new ally in the fight against writer’s block: AI. Now, before you think I’ve gone full robot, hear me out. AI isn’t here to take over the creative process—it’s more like a brainstorming buddy that’s always there when you need a little nudge. And sometimes, that nudge is all it takes to get things moving.
Why Writers Struggle with Starting
Getting started is hard. Whether it’s the fear of not being perfect or the overwhelm of too many possibilities, staring at a blank page can feel like standing at the base of a mountain. You know the story is up there, but figuring out how to scale it? That’s the tough part.
When I started writing Holding On, I was tangled up in that very struggle. The story revolves around Rachel, whose parents are both terminally ill and receiving hospice care. Rachel’s dealing with grief, family tension, and the strain of caretaking. I had the emotional core of the story clear in my head, but figuring out how to build the tension between Rachel and her brother, David? That’s where things got sticky. Enter AI.
How AI Helps Kick Writer’s Block to the Curb
AI is like the friend who’s full of ideas—some good, some wacky—but always willing to offer a fresh take when you’re stuck. When I needed to flesh out the conflict between Rachel and David, I asked AI to suggest family-related tensions. It came back with sibling rivalry, resentment over roles, and unspoken jealousy. One suggestion about David feeling overshadowed by Rachel’s responsibility sparked an idea. From there, I built the tension that ultimately drives their relationship in the story.
Prompt Example: Generate possible conflicts between siblings caring for their dying mother. Focus on how their different coping mechanisms might cause friction.
That one little prompt unlocked a deeper layer of emotional tension. I didn’t use AI’s suggestion verbatim, but it lit the spark that helped me shape one of the most pivotal scenes in Holding On.
How AI Shapes Ideas (Without Taking Over)
Here’s the thing: AI isn’t there to replace your creativity—it’s there to push you forward when you’re stuck. Think of it like brainstorming on overdrive. You throw in a problem, and AI gives you a bunch of options, some of which will make you think, Ah, that’s the one.
For me, AI works best when I’m in that limbo where I can’t figure out how to deepen a character, add a twist, or where to take a subplot. Let’s say I’m stuck on character motivation. I can feed AI a summary—“A brother is distant while his sister takes control of their dying mother’s care”—and see what comes back. It’s not about using every suggestion but about finding one idea that unlocks the next step.
Prompt Example: Suggest motivations for a character who avoids helping with their mother’s end-of-life care. Focus on emotional reasons, like guilt or resentment.
Once I get a suggestion that resonates, I mold it to fit my story’s voice. In Holding On, AI suggested that David might use humor to mask his discomfort. That idea clicked instantly. I didn’t take it word for word, but it gave me the direction I needed to write his character with more depth.
Step-by-Step: Using AI to Jumpstart Your Creativity
Here’s a quick guide to using AI when you’re stuck on a blank page:
Step 1: Pinpoint the Block
Figure out exactly where you’re stuck. Is it character development? Plot development? Dialogue? Narrowing it down helps you ask AI for targeted advice.
Step 2: Feed the AI Basic Info
Give the AI a simple prompt. For example, if you’re stuck on a plot twist, tell the AI what you’ve got so far. “I’ve written a murder mystery where all the suspects seem innocent. Suggest a plot twist that keeps the tension high.” AI will give you several options to choose from.
Step 3: Sift Through the Suggestions
AI will throw out a few ideas. Some might not work, but others will give you the nudge you need. Don’t feel obligated to use everything—take what resonates and leave the rest.
Step 4: Make It Yours
Once you have a spark, run with it. Even if the AI’s idea isn’t perfect, it can lead you to the next step. Shape it, tweak it, and make it fit your story’s voice and characters.
Additional Prompt Examples:
Help me brainstorm a plot twist for a romance novel where the couple is on the verge of breaking up.”
“Suggest dialogue between two characters who are best friends, but one is secretly in love with the other.”
“Generate a setting description for a sci-fi world where the environment is both beautiful and dangerous.”
These prompts showcase how AI can be flexible and help across different storytelling aspects, whether you’re stuck on dialogue, plot, or world-building.
Personal Tip:
Here’s the thing—AI isn’t perfect. Sometimes it throws out strange ideas that won’t work at all. One time, I asked for a plot twist in Holding On and got a suggestion about a secret twin—totally out of place in a family drama! But even that weird suggestion helped me think creatively. It didn’t fit my story, but it got me thinking in new ways. That’s the real value—AI sparks creativity, and you decide what fits.
Conclusion
The blank page can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be a roadblock. AI can give you the spark you need to kick writer’s block to the curb and get your ideas flowing. It’s a tool that helps you find new angles, unlock emotional depth, and move forward when you feel stuck.
Next time you’re staring down a blank page, try tossing an idea to AI and see what comes back. You might just find the spark you’ve been looking for. Give it a try today, and let me know how it worked for you in the comments—I’d love to hear your story!