I have a degree in creative writing and am as of yet unpublished; however, by no means would I call myself an amateur. If we don't know who you are, how will we find out if you've really mentioned us in your book?
I'm skeptical. But what the hell - for all intents and purposes, I'm Siren_Cytherea, and I'm 24. If you use any quotations from me, please give me credit.

Well-known or not, all artists suffer from this "block" on occasion. Your right brain feels tired, your ideas feel forced; you need something new and different to shake loose whatever it is that's preventing you from attaining that "zen" feeling. You know what I'm talking about: that feeling you get when you sit down to write, and it seems like the words just flow from your fingertips, each keystroke a tiny molecule in the body of your work; each breath you take serving only to fuel your hands as they dance on the keyboard, using language as paint on the canvases of your readers' minds...

See what I did there? Take a feeling you love and describe it. Or hell, take "love" and try to describe it.
Instead of being set on a topic for your book, I suggest you just start writing. Don't worry so much about what it's going to be, what the setting is, or the plot - let your character(s) take over, and they'll show you the answers to those questions. Razhie mentioned one of my favorite exercises already, describing something using all five senses:

"Cigarette smoke hung in the air so thickly she could taste it, bitter and burning Jeanie's nose as she walked down the stairs to the bar. The lights down here were so dim they might as well have been off, she thought as darkness enveloped the staircase. Carefully she clung to the metal banister as she began to feel the heavy bass from the music booming in her chest..." (Direct quotation from one of my own short stories)

Another exercise that often turns into something amazing (and sometimes really funny) is starting with your character saying or yelling an expletive - then build a scene around that. Right away there, you have frustration, or fear, or some extreme emotion that causes that to slip out, and you as a writer have to find out the reason behind it. This one is an exercise of discovery and lack of control. You as a writer should have no idea what's going on in this scene until you write it.
Freewriting, in general, is also very helpful.
If you'd like to bounce ideas off me, I'd be glad to help. My screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea, or you can inbox me here. Your questions here will remain anonymous, of course.
If I don't hear from you, best of luck. Just remember, be patient with yourself. Sometimes the best thing you can do is give yourself a break. You can always edit later.

Siren

Thank you, I will use some suggestions you've given into my novel.

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren

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