Creative writing is an exhausting process, both physically and emotionally. Your chair is much more comfortable than many other work places in the world, but writing is a process that can take a great toll on your mind, and anyone who has encountered a writer’s block knows to what I am referring. While there is no a magical potion that may help you write more efficiently (except lots and lots of coffee), there are many hacks and tricks that may help you. Reaching your maximum output is a combination of hard work, imagination, and true desire to write something that is good, funny, and interesting. I have gathered some pearls of wisdom from my many years of being a creative writer and part-time ghostwriter in hope that they might help a new or struggling writer-to-be.
1. Read. Incessantly.
Reading is essential for anyone to become a complete human being. Reading will open up your mind in ways you previously thought were unachievable, and will give you a new insight into many popular topics. It doesn’t matter what you read, whether you like short novels, sci-fi, or epic fantasy – this will provide you with valuable lessons and life experience in a way that will truly make you into a great person. This is something that can only be said for traveling and for reading. Both of them open our horizons; we learn so much from the comfort of our chairs. Not only will you come up with ideas more easily, but you will improve your vocabulary vastly.
2. Create a Fitting Working Environment
It doesn’t mean that you have to work in perfect silence, because creativity is a tricky and personal thing – what might be good for someone else, might not work for you. Some people like writing in a busy coffee shop, because it is the place where they can observe and gather ideas. Some people find inspiration in music while I, myself, find it is best to be in complete silence and the comfort of my study room. I don’t even like the city noise coming through my windows, while I find the humming of my computer’s coolers calming.
3. Create an Outline
Whatever you write, short articles or even novellas, it is important to have a draft, an outline, where all your ideas are put into a coherent timeline. This is done out of two main reasons: to not forget anything, and to create order out of chaos. Make sure that everything you write serves a goal, and avoid writing arbitrarily only to fill a certain word count. While it can be done sometimes when you are totally out of ideas, avoid doing it, as it can reduce the overall quality of your content.
4. Carry a Notebook Wherever You Go
Sometimes, a few days can pass without having a single good idea, and then you have a brainstorm that will give you enough ideas for the whole month. This can especially be good, but it can’t be if you forget everything you thought., Because of this, it is essential to have a notebook always with you so that you can write all of it down. It is good advice never to trust your memory, especially when it comes to ideas and complex thoughts. That is why writing your brainstorms down on a piece of paper is always a good idea. If you want a modern version of a notebook, use your smartphone. Write everything down, from your daily chores to cool ideas that might pop up while you are commuting to work.
5. Try to Disconnect Yourself
Sometimes, it can be good for you to distance yourself from your family and friends, not to mention all the technology that surrounds you. Shut down your computer, your mobile phone, and try and stay alone with your thoughts. Searching online for ideas can sometimes help, but more often than not, Facebook and YouTube will only distract you with all the cute cat pictures and funny images or videos.
6. Accept the Writer’s Block
You are going to run out of ideas sooner or later, and you are going to be stuck in a writer’s block. This is a fact for all writers, it is best you accept it. It will pass, there is no need to panic over it as it will only create even more fear in your mind. The best thing you can do is to simply wait it out and use that time to read something new or do some extra research in order to find new inspiration. This is important because relaxation will restart your mind, and after a few days away from writing, you will have a clear path to start again.
7. Find a Trusted Critic
This can be anyone, your good friend, your husband or your wife, or even your mother. Just find someone willing to read your writing and give you his or her honest opinion. An outside input can easily give you an insight you previously missed but you can use to improve your work. While we all take great pride in what we write, we must learn to accept criticism and use it efficiently. If you think that you are the best, and that no one else understands you – chances are that you are wrong. Because of this, find someone who you know will give you an honest opinion without any ulterior motives.
