How to Use AI to Overcome Writer's Block (Without Losing Your Voice)
As an author, there's nothing more frustrating than staring at the blinking cursor, waiting for inspiration to strike. Writer's block can show up in so many forms: maybe you're stuck on how to start your next chapter, unsure of your character's dialogue, or just overwhelmed by your plot threads. And while it can feel defeating, you don’t have to face it alone.
One of the tools I encourage my clients to explore is AI. I know, I know—there’s a lot of fear and skepticism around AI in creative spaces, especially in the writing world. But hear me out: you don’t have to let AI take over your book to make use of its strengths. Think of it as a creative companion in your brainstorming process, not your ghostwriter.
Let’s talk about what that can actually look like.
1. Using AI for Brainstorming
Sometimes, you just need a starting point. AI can give you plot prompts, character dynamics, or setting details to help spark your own creativity.
Examples of prompts to use with AI:
"Give me five plot twists for a cozy mystery set in a small beach town."
"What are some motivations for a villain who thinks they’re the hero?"
"Describe a winter forest setting for a fantasy novel."
These aren’t meant to be final decisions; they’re idea seeds. You still decide what grows from them. But sometimes, that first nudge is all it takes to get you writing again.
2. Character Names, Family Trees, and Worldbuilding Details
Ever needed a name for a side character and found yourself stuck on Baby Name websites for an hour? Or tried to build a believable family with multiple kids born in different decades and settings?
AI can help streamline this process:
Ask for names popular in a specific region and time period
Generate a basic family tree structure with character ages and dynamics
Brainstorm occupations, hometowns, or hobbies for supporting characters
This is especially useful when you need to make a lot of small decisions quickly that support the depth of your story, without derailing your writing momentum.
3. Writing Dialogue Starters
Dialogue is one of the most common areas where writers get stuck. You know what your characters want to say, but not how they’d actually say it.
Try prompting AI with a situation and character details:
"Write a few lines of dialogue between two siblings arguing about a family secret."
"How would a 60-year-old retired detective respond when accused of hiding evidence?"
"Give me examples of flirty but awkward banter for a romantic comedy."
Once you see a sample, you can adapt it, rewrite it, or use it as a jumping-off point. Again, it’s not about copying, it’s about sparking your brain.
4. Creating Writing Prompts and Exercises
If you feel totally stuck, AI can also generate custom writing prompts based on your genre, themes, or characters. Ask for warm-up exercises or mini-scenes:
"Give me a writing exercise to develop my main character’s backstory."
"What’s a quick writing prompt for exploring tension between a teacher and student in a dystopian world?"
"Suggest a freewrite prompt that blends romance and suspense."
These short exercises are great when you need to get the creative gears turning before diving into your manuscript.
5. Staying Ethical and Authentic
Let’s talk boundaries. I don’t recommend using AI to write entire chapters or books for you. That crosses into territory that can weaken your voice and authenticity. Honestly, if you can get AI to write a full chapter that doesn’t sound ludicrous, kudos to you!
But using AI as a tool for creative ideation? That’s absolutely fair game. You’re still the one shaping the story, making the choices, and putting your name on the final product. Using AI doesn’t make you less of an author.
Here’s a good rule of thumb: if you wouldn’t feel comfortable publishing it without editing, rewriting, or putting your own spin on it, don’t use it as-is.
6. My Favorite Ways to Keep Track of AI Ideas
Once you start generating ideas with AI, you’ll want a system to organize them. Here are a few tools I use and recommend:
Trello: I keep a board for "writing prompts," "scene snippets," and "dialogue ideas."
Google Docs: Create a running "idea dump" document for each book project.
Notes App: Quick ideas go here until I can transfer them later.
Voice Memos or Siri Reminders: Especially helpful when you’re out on a walk or driving.
What matters is not how you track them, just that you do. The more you build this habit, the easier it gets to capture inspiration before it vanishes.
Writer's block doesn't mean you're out of ideas. Sometimes, it just means you need a gentle nudge forward.
7. Remember: You’re Still the Author
AI doesn’t replace your creativity; it supports it. If you use it wisely, it can become a quiet co-pilot that helps you stay in motion when the fog of writer's block rolls in.
Your voice, your ideas, and your intuition matter most. AI is just another tool in your toolbox, and in the ever-changing landscape of author life, it can be one that saves you time, stress, and frustration.
So the next time you’re stuck staring at a blinking cursor, don’t panic. Try asking AI a question. You might be surprised at what happens next.
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