There's a couple different methods I use.
When plotting out a new story. I tend to start off by creating my characters. I'll generally have a handful of narrative points I want to eventually want to hit, but nothing with too much detail. Generally, while I'm sorting out the different motivations and relationships, I find the story practically writes itself. In the end, you could be writing an epic Sci-fi story where the fate of the universe hangs in the arms of a small group facing planet sized monsters, and you'll find the audience will still find themselves wondering whether or not the protagonist will be able to make amends and repair his relationship with one of the other group members over and above whether or not they're going to save the universe. This is where you can really have some fun and feed these smaller narrative threads into the overarching one.
As far as actual writing goes. The trick is to find that sweet time of the day when you can most comfortably get into 'The Zone'. I find it takes me about an hour of staring at the page and writing a handful of lines, but eventually, if you don't allow yourself to become too distracted, your brain will click, you'll be away and you'll find the hard part is stopping. If it doesn't click, not to worry, try again tomorrow.
I think the other big thing is to make sure you write something every day. Even if its not your story, open a word document and just write some random drivel for half an hour. Sometimes you'll find something brilliant comes from it, other times you'll make sure that auto-save is turned well and truly off.
When all else fails; read. Nothing quite beats picking up a good book for an inspiration hit.
When plotting out a new story. I tend to start off by creating my characters. I'll generally have a handful of narrative points I want to eventually want to hit, but nothing with too much detail. Generally, while I'm sorting out the different motivations and relationships, I find the story practically writes itself. In the end, you could be writing an epic Sci-fi story where the fate of the universe hangs in the arms of a small group facing planet sized monsters, and you'll find the audience will still find themselves wondering whether or not the protagonist will be able to make amends and repair his relationship with one of the other group members over and above whether or not they're going to save the universe. This is where you can really have some fun and feed these smaller narrative threads into the overarching one.
As far as actual writing goes. The trick is to find that sweet time of the day when you can most comfortably get into 'The Zone'. I find it takes me about an hour of staring at the page and writing a handful of lines, but eventually, if you don't allow yourself to become too distracted, your brain will click, you'll be away and you'll find the hard part is stopping. If it doesn't click, not to worry, try again tomorrow.
I think the other big thing is to make sure you write something every day. Even if its not your story, open a word document and just write some random drivel for half an hour. Sometimes you'll find something brilliant comes from it, other times you'll make sure that auto-save is turned well and truly off.
When all else fails; read. Nothing quite beats picking up a good book for an inspiration hit.