5 ideas for writing inspiration
Sometimes, we want to write and don’t know what to write. Sometimes, we know what to write, and don’t know how to figure it out. Here are some tips I’ve learned, that hopefully help with this writer’s block-- or at least, give you something new to try in your downtime.
1. Word collages. This technique is where you cut out random words/phrases from newspaper clippings, magazines, coupons, etc. Instead of a ransom note, though, we’re trying to make poetry. Don’t only choose words you like or want. Choose any word or phrase. Collect them and keep them in a dedicated folder. If you don’t have magazines at your disposal, you can write down the words. They can be words from what you see or hear during your day or random words from a thesaurus or dictionary. After you’ve gathered some variety in words and phrases (a selection of verbs, adjectives, nouns), take a random handful out of your envelope. Try ~15 - 20 pieces. This amount, I find, is enough to make some thoughts / sentences of your own, without being too overwhelming in the number of choices. Think of it as a puzzle, what statement or poem can be said in what’s here? Work with what you got. Even if you get multiple small phrases out of your random assortment, find something you can say. Who knows? It could be a blurb that leads to something else. Be open to the possibilities.
2. 10 word stories. This is another creative method I discovered looking at writing blogs. It forces you to make something meaningful in an abridged way, similar to the word collages. Here, however, you’re trying to tell a complete idea or feeling, in only 10 words. Sometimes, trying to know what to say is difficult. Like with anything, “where do I start?” can be daunting. The point is: to try. Start with a feeling you have right now, or take a thought you already have in your head (like writer’s block or that this is a stupid idea or whatever else) and write something about it. Then cut it down or add to it. Once you start writing a few, it allows you to get used to the concept. As you write more, you increase your chances of crafting one that is a catalyst for future inspiration.
3. Random object prompts. Pick an object and draft a short-story paragraph about it, however it fits. This is another way to jump-start prospective ideas. A character could be using the object, or it could be about the object itself. Looking around where you are, pick one thing. It doesn’t matter what it is. Don’t get caught up in the choice-- just pick one of the first things you see, and try to write a paragraph about one or a few of them together. Someone else can pick an object alone for you, or alongside your choice. However you get there, see what you come up with your imagination.
4. Stream of consciousness. This activity entails writing down everything that comes into your head as you start writing. You keep writing for a designated amount of time, such as 10 minutes or longer. You write down every thought as it happens, don’t edit them. It’s best to just continuously write as the words happen. You can pause, of course, as the next thought occurs, but write down everything. This is a good way to clear your head and to let go of any stress of anxiety that is coming from you or your writing. The act cleans the slate, and allows you to get into a writing mind-set, unconsciously or not. Who knows? You might just write a line you love.
5. Write. The last advice, I can offer, (and remind myself of), is to write something every day, when you can, and when you think you can’t. Whatever you have started, or wanted to try, give it another shot. Begin writing about it, and keep writing about it. Sit down and set a timer for an amount of time you can allot yourself. (I think 15 minutes is a minimum, because you gotta give your brain a chance to get working.) Write about anything that comes into your head that contributes to your idea, or what you want to write about and have been avoiding, or been stuck on with no luck. The key is to just start, or restart again. Pages get written because you take the time to write them. Though, that statement is simple, it can be hard, (I know from experience). If you keep the consistency and the reminder that it will yield results in the end, it becomes easier and less daunting to remind yourself. I don’t know why our heads make it so hard sometimes. You’ve got to force yourself. There’s no other way around it. Pretty much everything else is all in your head. It’s all the man-made cobwebs that are stopping you to get to the door, leading to all the potential good stuff. So, sit down and take a breath…
Keep creating.
[Extra tip: Have note cards easily accessible someplace, so you know where you can write things down anytime. This small storage box also acts as the mecca of previous ideas, for any future projects. The small cards allow you to be concise. You can easily jot down quick ideas and refer to them later.]