InkyBlots

Whether we think it’s necessary for good writing or not, most of us would love to have a set block of time each day for sitting down and letting the creativity flow. It doesn’t always work that way. Even if you are fortunate enough to make the time and have the energy for daily writing, the creativity flow tends to cooperate when it wishes.

However, there are ways you can encourage the muse and open the creative floodgates. Here are just some suggestions on getting started.

1. Brief meditation.
Even a few minutes of meditation before you start writing can help clear your mind and get things going.

2. Play some word association (like Unconscious Mutterings).
If nothing else, it will have you wondering why in the world you associated some words with others…

3. Do some mind mapping.
Easy, creative, and you can combine words with drawings and whatever else you want. It’s an excellent tool for releasing your creativity.

4. Stretch.
Get the blood flowing and you might just find that you’re thinking a bit more clearly. Try doing it a few times while you’re writing (just being mindful not to break any flows of creativity).

5. Schedule writing time away from home (café, library, train station).
Strangely enough, some of my best ideas and character profiles have come to me while sitting at the train station. I usually don’t go there for the sole purpose of writing, but I always make sure to have a pen and paper with me when I go.

6. Start at the end.
Or wherever you usually don’t start. Switching up your writing style – or just attempting to – can open up things in interesting and sometimes unexpected ways.

7. Turn off the distractions.
Radio, television, internet, emails, etc… Turn them all off, close them, put them away… Anything that might distract you in your writing must go.

8. Read back.
Take a few (I repeat: a few) minutes and look back over other things you’ve written. You may get some new ideas or get yourself in the mood for a rewrite.

9. Switch up.
Try writing from a different character’s point of view, try imagining what your best friend would write, or even do some writing from an ‘alter ego’ point of view. The key is to make it different.

10. Reward yourself.
There is nothing wrong with saying, “If I get to X words today, I’m having a piece of cake.” Just don’t make it cake every night and don’t make ‘x’ too easy.

Are there any tools or tricks you use to help inspire and motivate yourself?