Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Ingela Johansson. Please read more about Ingela in the footer.
We all dread writer’s block. We want to write. We need to write, but nothing comes out. All we have is a blank sheet of paper staring at us.
Luckily, there are a lot of ways you can spark inspiration, and that’s exactly what we’ll be talking about today.
The best way, of course, is to capture inspiration when it hits you, but sometimes it’s not as simple as that, and sometimes we need to bring in the big guns.
So let’s get started, shall we?
1. Take A Break
If youíve been writing a lot, you know how hard it is to walk away, especially if you arenít getting anything done. You just want to get something out there, but Iíve realized that no matter what, a break is the best remedy in this situation.
As hard as it may be, taking a break will help you brain recharge and allow new inspiration to flow in. Go do something you enjoy. Give yourself some breathing room and come back later.
2. Meditate
Meditation is a new concept for a lot of people, but to me it simply means being present in this very moment.
You can be present while washing the dishes, or you can be present observing your breath while youíre sitting down. It all depends on what you like to do. Meditation clears my mind, which helps me get inspired to write.
3. Read
Whether you read fiction or non-fiction doesnít really matter, because reading stimulates your brain, which means itís taking in new information, which in turn means new ways of thinking.
You donít even have to read a lot. I might get a burst of inspiration five pages into a book, which will launch me into a writing frenzy. Try it. Itís relaxing!
4. Change Location
Itís hard to get inspired if youíre trying to write in the same place day after day. Try going outside, or to a cafÈ. Changing locations disrupts your routine, which is good.
I personally like to go outside for a walk with my dog, but I bring a notepad and pen, because you never know when inspiration hits. I then come back home, and often canít wait to start writing.
5. Uncensor Yourself
Trying to write and edit at the same time doesnít work, at all. I freewrite as much as possible, which simply means doing a brain dump on the topic youíre writing about, without editing or caring about what words I use.
Donít worry about what words you use the first time around, just make sure you get it all out. The magic happens when you edit.
6. Be Kind
Thereís something strange that happens when youíre kind to other people. It can be a simple smile, or volunteering for a day.
Just giving of yourself fills you with joy, which in turn gets your inspiration muscle warmed up. I never write well if Iím sad, or mad, but when Iím filled with happiness, it all flows.
7. Exercise
Exercising is another form of meditation for me. It clears my mind, it releases pleasure-inducing endorphins, and itís healthy.
Going for a walk, taking a swim, or even doing a workout at home will get you set-up and ready to produce amazing content.
And remember, thereís no need to aim for perfection. Your writing progresses as you move forward, so accept your writing, get it out there, and keep improving!
Ingela Johansson is addicted to all things natural, but especially skin care. If you want to find more amazing content, visit her blog, where she writes about topics such as oily skin treatment, and age spot removal.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is some great advice. I find that the best way to intrigue readers is to have a catchy headline that leaves an unanswered question, curious enough for the reader to delve in.
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Catchy headlines are always a good way to capture the readers attention. Thanks for that tip!
Definitely! The headline is always hard for me to come up with, but it’s worth to spend a few extra minutes working on it
Sparking inspiration — as you term it — fosters the creativity that separates good writers from folks like me who never seem to manage anything that hasn’t been done a thousand times before. I need all the inspiration I can get, so thanx!
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