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INTRODUCTION:
Admit it, writing is hard. It’s not as easy as picking up a pen and paper; it’s not as easy as turning on your computer. Whoever said writing is easy has probably never written a novel from start to finish, let alone consider it.
Writing is hard. And finding inspiration to write is just as hard. However, don’t let this stop you from achieving your dream of becoming a published writer, an author. In this article, I’m going to share 10 tips that have helped me to keep writing, be it a blog post, script, or story.
I’ve already shared three ideas in this article, so head on over and read it after this one.
10 WAYS TO FIND WRITING INSPIRATION:
| 1. Just Write |
| 2. Change Up Your Scenery |
| 3. Listen to Podcasts |
| 4. Be Your Own Therapist |
| 5. Listen to Audiobooks |
| 6. Daydream |
| 7. Create Something Else |
| 8. Connect with Others |
| 9. Listen to Music |
| 10. Take a Break |
- Just Write
Write anything really. Journal, do a writing prompt (sign up for my Free Writing Prompts), write a letter to a friend or book character, create a script, jot down conversations you hear or make up in your head, and so forth.
The whole point of this exercise is to keep your creativity flowing. Unlike riding a bike, if you stop writing you’ll lose the ability to create great writing. So don’t stop. Just write.
If you need AI generated writing ideas, try Writesonic.
- Change Up Your Scenery
Sometimes the motivation we need is in our environment. Therefore, change up your surroundings. If you’ve been writing at your desk, go write outside; if you’ve been writing at the kitchen table, go to the cafe; if you’ve been writing in bed, go for a drive and write in the car. You’ll be surprised by the inspiration you gain just from changing up your scenery.
I personally write throughout the day, whenever I can. But the places that have worked out best for me have been in bed (on a weekend morning) and in the car (before work). Which makes sense because I’m a morning person.
- Listen to Podcasts
When I hear the word “podcast”, I think of the radio, which “broadcasts” information. This means the topics on the radio are very broad. A podcast, on the other hand, sticks to one particular topic.
So, as you listen to podcasts, I highly suggest areas of interest that you want to write about. Say you want to write about love and marriage, listen to podcasts about said topic. Say a character in your book is battling depression, listen to podcasts that focus on mental health. If you’re writing on history, listen to podcasts on your time period of interest. The list is endless, but your purpose is very definite with the use of podcasts.
- Be Your Own Therapist
By “be your own therapist”, I mean talk to yourself. Have conversations with yourself about life, and anything that comes to mind. You may come up with a good phrase or dialogue that may be handy in your current writing project.
Talking to yourself is also very therapeutic. Use this time to reflect and get better in life overall. You’ll find that the healthier your mental health, the more positively you’ll view writing.
- Listen to Audiobooks
Life is busy. You may not have the time to read the latest, greatest book on your reading list. Therefore, listen to it in audio form. Subscribe to audiobooks, order them online, or listen through your local library for free. I highly suggest listening to audiobooks in the genre you are writing, to gain ideas, but there are authors out there who read and listen to audiobooks that are the opposite of their writing, to gain inspiration. It’s really up to you.
And then listen to the audiobook when you have time. For instance: on the drive to work, while you are doing the chores at home, or in the shower, to name a few.
- Daydream
Picture yourself as the writer of your dreams. What do you see yourself doing, aside from staring at a computer all day? Do you see yourself collaborating with other writers? Attending conferences? Mentoring other aspiring writers? Teaching? Where will your office be? etc. Daydream about the writing career you want and let it be the motivation for why you need to finish that manuscript.
Two other useful things about daydreaming are: you can continue to make up the rest of your story in your head before you write it down, and you can use this as a brain break and not even think about your writing.
- Create Something Else
If you don’t feel like writing, or the characters in your head stop talking to you, that’s ok. Do something else instead. Get creative some other way. Do some painting, baking, crafting, house work, gardening, etc. See what others are doing on Pinterest. Like number six, this one has two purposes: story time in your head or a brain break.
And as you do your other activity, think about your writing project. Consider scenarios, conversations, the big climatic event, even. This way, when you put yourself in front of your writing again, you’ll have something to write about. Or just take a break from your writing, so you can view it with fresh eyes later.
- Connect with Others
If you’re completely blocked in your writing, and the characters don’t want to talk to you, then go talk to someone else. Go see a friend or family member. Connect with another writer, mentor, or coach. Talk about your writing and get advice. Sometimes it’s nice to get help from others when we’re stuck. Brainstorm ideas together or just talk about life. Who knows, your life experiences may just appear in the next few pages of your writing, in a good way.
If you’re seeking mentorship or writing support from authors themselves, Jerry Jenkins, creator of the Left Behind series, offers a mentorship program and newsletters of writing tips and tricks. Check him out! Also reach out to a local author. (I wouldn’t recommend big authors, like JK Rowling, because they don’t necessarily have time to check their fan mail.)
- Listen to Music
Music is known to reduce stress and anxiety. Chances of you being in high alert due to your writing is pretty high because you’re working. Give your brain a break by listening to some music.
Another great thing about music is that it improves your memory. Several authors admit to listening to the same type of music or song(s) because it puts them right back in the place when they were last creating something spectacular. The music brought back the mood and sensation, and helped them recreate the space they needed to be creative and write.
- Take a Break
Most of the tips on this list hint at taking a brain break, so I thought it only fair to make it very clear here—take a break. Don’t think about your writing for the next 10-15 minutes or 1-2 hours or a day. Why? Because something may just come to you when you least expect it to. (Just like how the missing TV remote shows up when I’m not looking for it. I don’t know how my kids keep losing it.) A piece of inspiration may just click in your head as you’re cooking or enjoying a bath.
TMI I’ve gained several story ideas, such as dialogues, while in the bathroom, when I’m not even thinking about my writing projects.
You try it!–take a break from your writing.
CONCLUSION:
Finding writing inspiration when you want to start and finish a project can be difficult. However, don’t let it stop you from creating that book baby of yours. Instead, use any of the tips I’ve given above and start–or keep–writing. The best way to keep persevering is to remain motivated. Either listen to a podcast, create a different piece of art, talk to friends or family, or just take a break from it all. Whatever you do, don’t stop dreaming about the writer you want to become. And let that be your biggest motivator of all.
Good luck, and have fun writing^-^
