Writing Tips From a Friend · 11:01pm Oct 29th, 2021
I saw one of my pals on here write his own blog post about writing tips, so I figured I'd do the same to the few folks who might actually read this. It's not going to be anywhere near as cohesive or detailed as his, but hopefully it will get the job done, and maybe help a few people who have been having some trouble lately.
I don't have much, but what I have is yours. You're all friends, after all. 
1) Set the mood. Before writing a scene, ask yourself "what mood should the reader be in when reading this?" Whether it be tranquil, furious, calm, tempestuous, loving, hateful, healing, and harmful, there's always some music to listen to that will amplify those emotions and make you focus on that mood when you're writing that scene.
Want to describe some grand, sweepingly-epic city but you just cant find the words? Take a step back, find some grand orchestral suite, and listen to it.
Want to describe a high-speed action scene but keep stumbling over things? Put on some high-octane music to get your blood pumping.
Want to describe a romantic scene between two characters but you just can't nail the emotion? Put on some slow, quiet music that brings peace to that overthinking, tempestuous mind of yours.
The words will always come.
2) Talk to your characters. No, don't look at me that way, I'm not crazy! ...Well, not too crazy, anyway. But seriously, talking to your characters doesn't make you insane. In fact, it can not only give you someone to talk to during those lonely nights, it can also tell you more about that character's personality.
If you're struggling to write dialogue, ask yourself "how would they respond to ME if I were to talk to them?" And then...just talk. Let their personality shine through the words that come from your mouth, and then when it's over and done, try to capture that same energy and personality.
People have often told me that the dialogue I create for my characters is absolutely brilliant. Well, that's my secret --- I talk to them. I talk to Ponies. I talk to Humans. I talk to Dragons. I talk to Angels. I talk to a whole host of creatures that most people have never even heard about. I talk to people.
People, real or fantasy, are still people, and they aren't just words on a paper. They have lives, dreams, hopes, skills, likes, dislikes, loves, hates, friends, enemies, beliefs, and so much more, just like us. The only difference is that they're so far away, beyond our world, that they can only talk to the one person they've been able to reach: YOU. You're their only hope to let the world know that they're alive. You're telling their story, creating their world, crafting their very soul, word by word.
3) Take a step back and look at the world around you. We all get burnt out, that's a simple fact of life. Sometimes, no matter what you do, the words will just stop coming to you. The characters will stop speaking, the music won't help, and even prayer might not be enough. When this happens, ol' Doc GT prescribes one simple remedy, which is guaranteed to cure the sickness known as Writer's Block: take a walk. Step away from your computer, get out of your house (wear a mask, of course, and stay safe), and simply go walking.
It doesn't matter where you go, whether you go down a forest path or a concrete jungle sidewalk, just walk. Let your mind rest and relax as you take in the sights around you. Listen to the sounds, look at the people around you, watch the world turn for a few hours and observe what happens. I guarantee you, every time you do this, you'll find something new, see something new, and hear something new. Every time. Sometimes you may even hear the voice of God whispering gently in your ear, telling your mind what to write, and your heart what to feel. Let the world's troubles wash away from your broken heart for a moment, and let the wonders of Creation and the joys of life rejuvenate your soul.
It may take days, weeks, months, or even years, but someday, those words that inspired you once will do so again, and when that day comes, your characters will welcome you back with open arms.
To anyone reading this, if these tips have helped you in some way, then you know what to do. God bless you, keep on writing, be excellent to each other, and party on, dudes. 
Wise words of wisdom from a wise and wisdom-filled man. Every author has his own little tips they can contribute to the world. I'm glad you can contribute in your own way.
Some really good advice.
And if you're crazy by talking to your characters, then so am I.
(Might just be a side effect of playing TTRPG's vut I digress. )
Really glad I took the time to read this