When I can't upload, I download. I read a book or watch an inspiring film. I often turn to DVD commentaries and extras which provide both entertainment and education.

Don't be afraid to suck, as the one video put it awhile ago. Plow through it. Embrace your inner crappiness. Remember, it takes a lot of fertilizer to grow a first-rate screenplay.

This may not be up everyone's alley, but I take a break and play an hour of a mindless, aggressive videogame that I'm excellent at. Self-esteem re-established, tension released. :)

i buy a few hours in a recording studio/practice room and haul my amp and guitar out there, crank the amp up to 9 and really let that thing roar. There is no problem that my guitar and amp can't cure.

I honestly have to get back to it ASAP. It's good to have a day or so just to step away and catch your breath (day jobs are good at providing this time), but I gotta get back, fix it, and vanquish the awful feelings. Otherwise they dwell and fester. I have to fight through it, even if it takes a few tries.

Drink. Heavily. And listen to Joy Division.

I often listen to a specific type of music when writing. If the words aren't flowing or if the words are just coming out wrong, I'll switch up my music. If that doesn't help, I change locations. If still nothing is working I will take a break for a few hours.

To paraphrase, even the worst day of writing is better than the best day in the office.

Writing isn't always about writing. Sometimes it's about thinking. Go for a walk, listen to music, do something mindless. Think about the story.

Scotch. Sex. Use the f-word a lot. Beers on the porch with my buddies. Play Smash Bros. with my two brothers. Watch a cartoon with my son. I used to smoke the hell out of a pack of Marlboros. I quit and replaced that with pushups or going for a run.

If I'm writing, regardless of which specific activity falling under the overall umbrella of writing I've undertaken, it's by definition a good day. Some days are better than others, but none of them are actually bad. Only less good.

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