For anyone who follows me, they'll know that for someone who publishes so regularly and with a new book out in a couple of weeks (that's a plug), writer's block shouldn't be a problem. But sometimes it is. Here's what I do. Whenever I find myself out of ideas or locked in a plot, there are only two ways to proceed. I can either stare at the screen until an idea shits itself out. Like constipation, it's not a lot of fun. Or I can lift weights and let the ideas take care of themselves. Because that's how it seems to work.

While I'm counting reps and focused on the results, my brain disconnects. In fact, it seems to work better without me. It's like I do my best writing when I'm not there. Stories tighten. Characters make sense. I hear dialogue in my head (hopefully, this is not the same as hearing voices). And by the end of most sessions, I've made a breakthough.

So, if you're a writer who finds themselves staring at a blank page, forget struggling to find the mot juste and turn to weightlifting and give your unconscious full rein. Hoisting barbells won't let you think about anything else. You don't have to be wealthy. Bowflex and a bench is all you need. Just make sure you don't pull a muscle in your dominant arm.