My A - Z to inspire your writing
Writer's Block; the phrase is enough to give me the shivers. Like the word shank in golf. Golfers don't mention the S word in case they get it and their game goes all to pieces. So I'll mention WB very quietly and quickly, and then cross my fingers.
Better still, how about we call it Creative Blockage?
Nah! Don't like that either; sounds like you should call a plumber or a doctor.
I know; experiencing a creative slowdown sounds better. So if you're staring at an empty page or blank computer screen because you're finding it difficult to come up with new ideas, here's my A - Z of suggestions to jump start your creative juices.
Better still, how about we call it Creative Blockage?
Nah! Don't like that either; sounds like you should call a plumber or a doctor.
I know; experiencing a creative slowdown sounds better. So if you're staring at an empty page or blank computer screen because you're finding it difficult to come up with new ideas, here's my A - Z of suggestions to jump start your creative juices.
A Animals.
If you’re stuck and getting uptight, have a cuddle session with
your pet. Or if you don’t have a pet, relax by looking at some cute photos of
kittens and puppies.
B Brainstorm ideas.
The more the merrier. You might come up with a gem.
C Critique groups.
Read your work out and the suggestions you get back could
help sharpen your skills.
D Dreams.
Keep a dream journal or notebook by your bed to jot them down.
E Exercise.
Particularly outside. The quietness, combined with being out in
the fresh air with nature, can stimulate the mind.
F Films.
Edit them in your head or write a review.
G Groups of like-minded people.
Their energy could stimulate you.
H History.
People and events can spark ideas.
I Imagination.
Go with the flow and you could come up with some crackerjack ideas.
J Just start writing.
Choose a subject and write continuously. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation or grammar. You might end up with a load of garbage with free writing but there might be a nugget hidden in there as well.
K Kids.
They have a different outlook on life that might give you fresh
ideas.
L Listen to other people’s conversations.
It's an important form of research. You can pick up information about accents, character and you may get a story idea from something you hear.
M Memories.
There may be something from your childhood that you could use as a scene/storyline.
N Newspapers.
They are packed with human interest stories.
O Objects.
Looking at a family heirloom or a bus ticket could evoke a memory or an interesting thought.
P People watching.
Study their facial expressions, mannerisms. They’ll inspire and fascinate you.
Q Quotations.
A turn of phrase can trigger an idea.
R Research.
This may give you a plot twist or inspire a character or
scene.
S Silence.
Close the door on the world. Have some "me time" with your
writing.
T Travelling.
Visiting new places, meeting new people can unlock ideas.
U Upsets.
Express your emotions. Jot down how you are feeling when your are mad or sad. It can bring realism and passion to your writing.
V Visit book shops and libraries.
Read the titles and first paragraphs, see what pops into your head.
W Write and read.
Do this as much as you can. Energy in other people’s work can rub
off.
X X Factor.
Not the TV reality show. Your x factor. Ideas that pop into your head apparently all of their own that are unique to you.
Y Yarns.
Not the thread, a tale. People love to tell stories and jokes. Listen, you never know what you might pick up.
Z Zen.
Be aware of the here and now. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not
making the progress you wish for. Have fun with your writing and the easier it will be, then inspiration could become your friend.
If you have the time, you can read a sample of ANTics HERE
* If you have written a children's book, I would love to feature you on My Guest Author's Blog to talk about where you got your inspiration from.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to keep reaching for the stars
If you’re stuck and getting uptight, have a cuddle session with
your pet. Or if you don’t have a pet, relax by looking at some cute photos of
kittens and puppies.
B Brainstorm ideas.
The more the merrier. You might come up with a gem.
C Critique groups.
Read your work out and the suggestions you get back could
help sharpen your skills.
D Dreams.
Keep a dream journal or notebook by your bed to jot them down.
E Exercise.
Particularly outside. The quietness, combined with being out in
the fresh air with nature, can stimulate the mind.
F Films.
Edit them in your head or write a review.
G Groups of like-minded people.
Their energy could stimulate you.
H History.
People and events can spark ideas.
I Imagination.
Go with the flow and you could come up with some crackerjack ideas.
J Just start writing.
Choose a subject and write continuously. Don’t worry about spelling, punctuation or grammar. You might end up with a load of garbage with free writing but there might be a nugget hidden in there as well.
K Kids.
They have a different outlook on life that might give you fresh
ideas.
L Listen to other people’s conversations.
It's an important form of research. You can pick up information about accents, character and you may get a story idea from something you hear.
M Memories.
There may be something from your childhood that you could use as a scene/storyline.
N Newspapers.
They are packed with human interest stories.
O Objects.
Looking at a family heirloom or a bus ticket could evoke a memory or an interesting thought.
P People watching.
Study their facial expressions, mannerisms. They’ll inspire and fascinate you.
Q Quotations.
A turn of phrase can trigger an idea.
R Research.
This may give you a plot twist or inspire a character or
scene.
S Silence.
Close the door on the world. Have some "me time" with your
writing.
T Travelling.
Visiting new places, meeting new people can unlock ideas.
U Upsets.
Express your emotions. Jot down how you are feeling when your are mad or sad. It can bring realism and passion to your writing.
V Visit book shops and libraries.
Read the titles and first paragraphs, see what pops into your head.
W Write and read.
Do this as much as you can. Energy in other people’s work can rub
off.
X X Factor.
Not the TV reality show. Your x factor. Ideas that pop into your head apparently all of their own that are unique to you.
Y Yarns.
Not the thread, a tale. People love to tell stories and jokes. Listen, you never know what you might pick up.
Z Zen.
Be aware of the here and now. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not
making the progress you wish for. Have fun with your writing and the easier it will be, then inspiration could become your friend.
If you have the time, you can read a sample of ANTics HERE
* If you have written a children's book, I would love to feature you on My Guest Author's Blog to talk about where you got your inspiration from.
Thanks for reading and don't forget to keep reaching for the stars
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