With tools like Scrivener, you can avoid writer’s block by skipping to write a different scene. This non-linear approach to writing has revolutionized how modern authors tackle their craft, allowing them to follow their inspiration wherever it leads. Focus on progress rather than outcomes. Create a consistent schedule to build a habit of writing, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. And treat writing like an exercise program—regular practice strengthens your skills. Divide your project into smaller sections, such as scenes or chapters. This technique, often called “chunking,” makes the mountainous task of writing a novel feel more manageable, like assembling a puzzle piece by piece rather than trying to create the entire picture at once.

Freewrite to explore your characters’ thoughts. Let them surprise you with their secrets and desires. Sometimes the most compelling plot twists emerge from these unstructured writing sessions, where your subconscious mind takes the lead. Sometimes, stepping away briefly to focus on another activity can spark ideas. Take a walk, cook a meal, or engage in any activity that occupies your hands while freeing your mind to wander. And most importantly, regularly remind yourself why you’re excited about your project.

Revisit the themes, characters, or ideas that first inspired you to write. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon is a richly layered fantasy novel inspired by themes of feminism and gender roles. It is a feminist epic that challenges traditional fantasy tropes often dominated by patriarchal structures. The novel features powerful women in leadership roles, such as Queen Sabran, and explores how different societies perceive and wield power. There are also the ideas of dragon mythology and duality where Shannon drew from Eastern and Western dragon lore, contrasting fire-breathing beasts with benevolent, water-associated dragons. The dragons represent both destruction and harmony, reflecting cultural differences and the potential for unity. Her novel contains religious tensions, queer representation, and historical and political intrigue. Shannon was fascinated by how prophecies and ancient legacies shape modern perceptions and actions. These inspirations come together to create a novel that feels both timeless and fresh, blending classical fantasy elements with modern sensibilities.