Brainstorm ahead of time

Instead of brainstorming when you sit down to write, take the time to come up with ideas in between writing sessions.

Weiland, for example, walks down to her mailbox every day after writing and uses that time to "run over scenes" she plans to work on the next day, "identify potential problems, and just generally form a plan of attack."

Since brainstorming and writing are two different processes, Weiland says it's helpful to break them up and brainstorm when you don't absolutely need a computer or notebook in front of you. It's also a good idea to do this when you're walking or commuting.