Writer’s block, tips on writing through it part 2

Tip two.

Make a list, make a bunch of lists.

On a sheet of paper list ten items in column A of things the hero has to do to win or get to the end of the story. In column B list ten items or things the villain must do to achieve his goal. These can be big goals or little goals. The hero’s goals could be to save the world, get the girl, get a job, get out of debt. The villain’s goal could be to save the world, get the girl, (he’s already got a job), win fame as the savior of the world, even lead a revolution to save the world.

Now take the top item from column A and the bottom item from column B and mash them up. Doesn’t offer a quick fix then try another item from each column. Save your most important items for the end of the story. It may not sound like much but matching a column A item like getting a six pack of beer with a column B item like taking over the world ended up with the hero pouring warm beer into the villain’s doomsday device and the beer shorting the device out thus saving the world.

Make another list of the things the hero needs to save the day. Make a column of things the villain needs. List the items with the least important item on top. Write a scene showing the hero or villain making or getting the item he needs. No cheating by having him drive to the discount mad scientist outlet. Have the hero stand behind the villain in the checkout line at the hardware store where each is buying something they need.

Make a list of places the hero would never go and make him go there and show the problems he has there and why he dislikes being there. Do the same for the villain.

Make a list of things the sidekick could do to help the hero but would instead help the villain.

Make a list of red herrings.

Write on, draw on.    Professor Voltage