Creative Sparks: Small Daily Rituals to Ignite Your Imagination
Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is not the writing itself.
It’s getting started.
And it’s not because you don’t have anything to say. It’s because your mind feels full, distracted, or just not quite ready yet.
I’ve found that creativity doesn’t always arrive on command. It often needs a little invitation.
What I would call, a spark.
I’ve come to rely on a few small, simple rituals that help me ease into that creative space.
These are not things you have to do all at once. In fact, I would suggest you don’t. Just pick one or two that feel natural to you and let them work quietly in the background.
Here are a few that work for me.
Write by Hand
There’s something about writing by hand that feels different.
More personal. Less structured. Less pressured.
Sometimes I simply sit down with a notebook and begin writing whatever comes to mind, with no plan, no outline, no expectations. Just a stream of thoughts.
It may feel a little scattered at first, even random. But you might be surprised at what begins to surface when you allow yourself to write freely like this.
I’ve shared more about why writing by hand has become so important to me in a previous article. You might find it helpful if you’re just getting started.
Why Writing By Hand First Can Help You Write Better | Mary Oluonye
Take a Walk and Pay Attention
A short walk can do more than clear your head. It can awaken your senses.
As you walk, notice what’s around you. The flowers, the trees, even the pavement beneath your feet. The smells in the air. Watch how things grow and where. Observe people, cars, pets. Notice the weather – the light, the air, and the feeling of the day.
There’s inspiration in the ordinary, if you take the time to see it.
Watch Something You Enjoy (Like a Cooking Show)
If you enjoy cooking, watching a cooking show can spark creativity in unexpected ways.
It may inspire you to try something new, create your own version of a dish, or even begin writing down your own recipes.
Creativity doesn’t always come from writing itself. Sometimes it comes from creating in other ways.
Listen to a Podcast
Listening to others share their thoughts can often lead you to your own.
No matter the topic, be it writing, business, health, storytelling etc., something you hear may stay with you. It may challenge you, inspire you, or simply make you think more deeply.
And from there, your own ideas begin to take shape.
Listen to Music
Music has a way of shifting your mood and unfurling your imagination.
Sometimes a song can take you somewhere, bring back a memory, create a scene, or stir a feeling you didn’t expect.
And from that feeling, a story can begin.
I’ve also written about how music can inspire writing and storytelling in ways we don’t always expect.
Finding Writing Inspiration in Music | Mary Oluonye
Ease Into Your Day
Instead of jumping out of bed and rushing into the day, try slowing things down just a little.
Sit quietly with a cup of coffee or tea. Listen to the sounds around you. Let your mind wander without forcing it in any direction.
You may find that ideas begin to surface naturally, without effort.
I’ve written several reflections on starting the day slowly and listening for the day. This practice continues to shape how I think and create.
Here are two short reflections for you to check out.
Light Creeping In | Mary Oluonye and Coffee Before the Sun | Mary Oluonye
Whether it’s the sunrise, the rain, or even snowfall, there’s something calming about watching the world move at its own pace.
Moments like these can quiet the noise and create space, and in that space, ideas often appear.
Read Something Uplifting
Reading something enjoyable or encouraging can also spark your own creativity.
It could be a passage from a book, a quote, or even a simple affirmation.
And sometimes, it may lead you to write your own thoughts, your own reflections, your own words.
Practice Gratitude
Each day we are given is a gift.
And especially as we move through our 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond, that awareness becomes even more meaningful.
Taking a moment each morning to reflect, to be grateful, to simply acknowledge the day can shift your mindset and open the door to creativity.
Gentle Reminder
You don’t have to do all of these.
Choose one or two. Try them for a few days. Then switch it up if you like.
The goal is not to create another routine that feels like work.
It’s to find what feels natural… what helps you ease into your thoughts… what allows your creativity to flow without force.
Because creativity is already there.
Sometimes it just needs a small spark.
If you enjoy reflections like this, you’re welcome to join me.
I share thoughtful notes on writing, travel, and living fully – by email and at a pace that allows us to breathe.
A Blank Page Is Full of Possibility
You know that moment when you sit down, look at the page, or screen, and it’s just blank?
Nothing there. And for a second, or minutes, or even hours, you don’t quite know what to do with it.
After writing for years, I have come to see that blank page a little differently. To me, it’s not empty. It’s a beginning. The start of something new. Something that could be exciting, even if you don’t quite feel that way yet.
Because the truth is you are in charge, whether you realize it or not. You get to write the story.
That blank page is not empty. It is full of possibility. It holds all the things you’ve been thinking about, dreaming about, meaning to write about, and perhaps putting off for a while. The stories you want to tell, the information you want to share, the ideas you’ve been carrying, the life you are still shaping. It can hold all of it.
I know. Sometimes it doesn’t feel that way. Sometimes that blank page feels more like a wall than a doorway. Firmly closed and blocking you instead of inviting you. I’ve felt that too.
But here’s a different way you can look at it. What if that blank page is not a block, but an invitation? A quiet, gentle invitation just waiting for you to begin?
Remember, you are in control of the narrative. Whether you are writing fiction, nonfiction, poetry, or simply trying to make sense of your life, the page is yours.
And if you’re sitting there thinking, “I don’t even know what to write,” then think about what you know. Start with what you want. What do you want for yourself now? What do you want others to learn from you? What do you want for the rest of your life? What stories have been sitting inside you, waiting? Start there.
Now, I am not saying that it’s going to come out beautifully the first time. It may feel messy. Your thoughts may wander. It may not make sense right away. And that’s alright. It’s part of the process.
The more you write, the more things begin to come together. Your thoughts start to settle and take shape. And before you know it, something meaningful begins to form.
This is your story. Not perfect, not polished, but real, and that is more than enough.
So maybe, instead of dreading that blank page, you greet it differently. Not as something that is there to block you, but as something that is inviting you to come in.
That blank page really is a gift. A chance to begin. A chance to begin again. A chance to return to yourself.
And yes, I know… it’s easier said than done.
But everything begins with a thought. And if you can think it, you can create it.
So sit with that blank page for a moment. Let it do what it does. Let it stir something in you. And when you’re ready, just begin.
Your story is already there.
The page is simply waiting for you to meet it.
Finding Writing Inspiration in Music
This morning, I was listening to classical music as I drove through a quiet stretch of road not far from home. The road winds gently through a series of small hills and shallow valleys, and on this particular morning a light mist hung in the air. It was cool, peaceful, and just foggy enough to soften the edges of everything around me.
There were very few cars on the road. Just gentle curves ahead, the promise of spring somewhere in the distance, and classical music playing softly through the speakers. It was one of those quiet moments where the world seems to slow down a little.
I don’t even know what the composition was, or who the composer might have been. I simply let it play while I drove. And as I listened, I found myself noticing something I’ve experienced many times before but hadn’t really stopped to think about.
If you listen closely to music, any kind of music really, you realize something.
It is telling a story.
Music Unfolds Like a Story
As I continued listening, it struck me that music unfolds in much the same way a story does. There is a beginning, where the music introduces itself gently, setting the tone and drawing you in. Then it begins to travel somewhere, moving through different moods and directions, sometimes becoming fuller and louder, sometimes soft and reflective.
Before long, you realize the music has taken you on a kind of journey. It flows forward like a river, moving through twists and turns, occasionally pausing before continuing again. And just like a well-told story, there is eventually a sense of arrival, a natural ending that brings everything together.
The Story You Hear Is Your Story
The composer may have had a particular story or feeling in mind when that music was written. Perhaps they were expressing joy, sorrow, longing, or triumph. But the story that begins to form in your own mind while you listen may be completely different.
That’s the beauty of it.
The story you hear becomes your story.
The images that appear, the memories that surface, the little scenes that start forming in your imagination all belong to you. The music becomes a doorway that allows your own thoughts and experiences to step forward.
Old Movies Understood This Beautifully
If you go back and watch some of those old black-and-white movies, those epic films and sweeping sagas, you can see this idea at work very clearly. The music is not just there to fill the silence. It is helping to tell the story.
As the characters move through their scenes, the music rises and falls with them. It becomes dramatic when something important is happening, soft when the moment is tender, and tense when suspense begins to build. The action on the screen and the music behind it work together so seamlessly that they create a much richer experience.
Music as a Source of Writing Inspiration
All of this made me think about something writers often struggle with: Where to find inspiration. Many people sit down at their desk or open their laptop and wonder what they should write about today. But inspiration doesn’t always arrive in the ways we expect.
Sometimes it comes from something as simple as listening.
If you put on a piece of music, perhaps something different from what you usually listen to, and allow yourself to sit quietly with it for a few minutes, you might begin to notice images forming in your mind. A place. A memory. A person. A moment waiting to unfold into a story.
Inspiration Is Everywhere
Writers sometimes worry that they need to search far and wide to find ideas. But the truth is that inspiration is often hiding in the most ordinary places. It might appear in a conversation, in a memory, in a moment while traveling, or even in the quiet background of a piece of music playing on an ordinary morning.
When you listen closely, you begin to realize that stories are everywhere. Sometimes they arrive through words, and sometimes they arrive through sound. And often, they begin with a simple act that good writers learn to practice over time: Paying attention.
The more you observe the world, whether you are sitting quietly at home listening to music, or traveling somewhere new and noticing the people and places around you, the more stories begin to reveal themselves. And when that happens, the story that forms in your imagination becomes yours alone.
Once you hear it, the tale is yours to tell.
Sometimes all it takes is a quiet morning, an open mind … and a piece of music.
Perhaps on a misty road somewhere, when the world grows quiet enough for a story to be heard.
Want to read more about where to find inspiration to get you writing, then you might like reading this article: See like a Writer and Write About What You See.
Why Reading Helps You Start Writing After 60
Before you pick up that pen or open your laptop, I have a little secret to share: Don’t start writing, start reading.
Sounds backward, doesn’t it? But it works.
Sometimes, before you dive into your story, you just need to fall in love with words again. Reading reminds you why you wanted to write in the first place.
Before One Is a Writer, One Is a Reader
If you’re having trouble getting started, give yourself permission to just read for a while. Take three months, yes, three whole months and simply read.
No pressure to write anything. No guilt. Just reading.
Read the books you love. Read the ones that make you laugh, cry, or think, “I wish I’d written that!” Read books like the ones you’d like to write.
And while you’re at it, keep a reading log.
Write down the titles, authors, and what you loved about them. Did the opening grab you? Did you like the characters, the tone, the humor, or the message? What didn’t you like? All of this teaches you what kind of writer you want to be.
Learn from the Writers You Admire
When you read widely, you’re studying how stories work without even realizing it.
You’ll start noticing things like:
- How writers begin a story and pull you in.
- How they transition between ideas.
- How they use humor or emotion to keep readers hooked.
And here’s the best part: You’ll learn how to do it your way.
Reading Sparks Writing Inspiration
Reading fills your creative well. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right?
The more you read, the more ideas you’ll have. You’ll find yourself saying, “Oh, I could write something like that, but with my twist.”
Before long, you’ll feel that familiar itch to start writing again.
My Favorite Reading Tip (And a Little Story)
One of my nieces gave me a beautiful reading journal a while back. Each page lets you jot down what you read, when you read it, what you loved, what made you laugh, even what didn’t work.
Now I use it to track everything from fiction to travel books to memoirs. It helps me see patterns such as what stories really move me, and what kind of stories I want to tell.
So, if you’re serious about writing, start by filling your reading journal. You might be surprised how quickly those pages inspire your own.
Read. Reflect. Then Write Boldly.
Reading isn’t procrastination. It’s preparation.
When you give yourself time to read, you’re building the foundation for writing with confidence and joy. You’re reminding yourself of the beauty and rhythm of language, and giving your creativity a gentle nudge.
So, before you start typing, grab a book.
Let it teach you, inspire you, and remind you why your story deserves to be told.
And when you are ready to start writing, read my article, How to Start Writing After 60.
How to Start Writing After 60: Because Our Stories Matter
So, how do you start writing after 60? Simple. You just start.
We know our stories matter. We’ve lived long enough to know that. We’ve seen, learned, and experienced more than we sometimes give ourselves credit for.
If we don’t write our stories, someone else might, and chances are, they won’t tell them the way we would. Our stories deserve to be told by us. The ones who’ve lived them, laughed through them, and survived them.
Deciding What You Want to Write About
Once you’ve decided you want to write, that’s the easy part. The tricky bit is figuring out what to write about.
If you’re anything like me, your head is full of ideas – stories, lessons, experiences, maybe even a few life skills worth sharing. That’s wonderful! But it can also feel overwhelming.
Ask yourself:
- What story do I most want to tell?
- What lessons do I want to leave behind?
- Which experiences could help, encourage, or entertain someone else?
When the Excitement Fades
Many new writers start strong with a few pages here, a chapter there, and then hit a wall. Life gets busy, the inspiration fades, and self-doubt creeps in.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Every writer, beginner or seasoned, faces that moment when they think, Who am I to call myself a writer?
Busting the Myths That Hold You Back
Let’s clear a few things up:
- You don’t need a degree in writing to be a writer.
- You don’t need to publish a book to tell your story.
- You definitely don’t need to be perfect.
You only need curiosity, courage, and the willingness to start, even if it’s messy.
Finding the Time and Discipline to Write
You might still be working, caring for loved ones, or juggling a dozen or more responsibilities. Writing doesn’t require endless hours, just a few consistent moments.
Try this:
- Set aside 15 minutes a day.
- Write one paragraph.
- Don’t edit. Just write.
It’s amazing what a few minutes can do when you make them a habit.
Remember, Your Story Matters
You’ve lived through decades of laughter, lessons, challenges, and triumphs. Someone out there needs to hear your version of life.
Write it down for yourself, for your family, for someone who needs to know they’re not alone. Because your story, in your words, has power.
How to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed When You Write: Little by Little
Writing can feel overwhelming sometimes, can’t it? The deadlines, the ideas swirling around, the pressure to get it all done—it can be a lot. If you’re feeling this way, take a moment to breathe and look to nature for some wisdom.
There’s an African proverb that says, “Little by little, the bird builds its nest.” Think about that. Birds don’t try to build their nests all at once. They don’t gather everything they need in one trip. They work steadily, piece by piece, until their home is ready. What if we approached our writing (and life!) the same way?
Why Writers Feel Overwhelmed
At the start of a new year, it’s easy to get caught up in a whirlwind of resolutions and goals. You know the drill: “This is the year I’m going to write that book, launch that blog, finish that project…” Then you pile on even more—things you didn’t get to last year, new ideas you’ve dreamed up, and maybe a few ambitious “stretch goals” for good measure.
And then? It feels like too much. You get stuck, procrastinate, or burn out before you even really start. Sound familiar?
Little by Little: A Sanity-Saving Strategy
Here’s the thing: you don’t have to do everything at once. In fact, you shouldn’t. Instead, break your writing into smaller, manageable chunks. Be like that little bird building its nest.
Start small. Write one paragraph, one scene, or one blog post. Celebrate that win, then move on to the next. Little by little, you’ll build something amazing without driving yourself crazy.
Set Realistic Goals
Here’s another tip: don’t overload your plate. Pick one, two, or maybe three key writing goals for the year. That’s it. If you get through them, great! If not, it’s still okay.
Trying to juggle six or ten big goals will only throw off your mental balance. Instead, focus on doing fewer things well. This way, you’re less stressed, more productive, and able to enjoy the process.
Create Space for Peace
Writers need peace of mind to do their best work. Here are a few ways to protect yours:
- Stop Working at a Set Time: If you can, stop writing after 5 or 6 PM. Give your brain a chance to rest.
- Prioritize Sleep: Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Make it a priority.
- Take Breaks: Schedule downtime to relax, recharge, and connect with friends and family.
- Simplify Your Routine: Don’t overcomplicate things. Focus on what really matters.
Writing One Step at a Time
If you’re working on a big project, like a book, it can feel intimidating to think about the whole thing at once. Instead, break it down. Write a chapter, a page, or even just a single paragraph. Then another.
Each small step is progress, and before you know it, you’ll have a finished piece. Writing doesn’t have to be a marathon sprint—it’s more like a series of manageable strolls.
Let Nature Be Your Teacher
Nature is a wonderful teacher if we take the time to observe it. Birds, for example, don’t stress about building a nest. They take their time and eventually create something sturdy and beautiful.
What can you create if you approach your writing with that same patience and persistence?
Enjoy the Journey
Writing isn’t just about the finished product—it’s about the process, too. Take time to enjoy it. Celebrate the little victories along the way. Each word, sentence, and paragraph you write is a step toward something bigger.
And remember, just like the bird builds its nest one twig at a time, you can build your writing life little by little.
For more inspiration, check out these two other articles I wrote: See Like a Writer and Write About What You See and Don’t Wait to Feel Inspired: Tips to Get You Writing When You Don’t Feel Like It.
Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Writing Journey?
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Keep Writing Even If It Seems That No One Is Reading
It’s tough, isn’t it? I know. The process of writing, choosing the perfect words, investing time in research, and not to mention, the tireless editing and revising. Keep writing.
You pour your heart and soul into creating a blog post, article, or book, only to be met with silence. No comments, no likes, and certainly no sign-ups to your mailing list. It leaves you wondering: Is anyone out there? Does anyone care about what I have to say? Keep writing.
It is at moments like these that it becomes crucial that you keep writing, because here’s the truth—someone is reading. Someone is listening. Someone is hearing your words. Even if you can’t see it in the numbers or the comments section, you are making an impact on that one person. And that, my fellow writers, is what truly matters.
Sure, it’s disheartening not to see an avalanche of feedback, but take heart in the knowledge that your words are connecting with at least one individual. You are helping, inspiring, or entertaining that one person. Your unique perspective, experiences, and insights matter to them.
So, the next time you doubt whether anyone is reading or listening, remember the one person who is. Your impact goes beyond the metrics, and that’s something to be proud of.
Thank your readers, whether they are few or one. Consistently show up for them by writing, even when it feels challenging (trust me, I’m still grappling with this too). I have to remind myself all the time that by consistently delivering content, you and I can strengthen our connection with our existing audience and lay the groundwork for reaching more readers in the future.
Dear writers, when you’re tempted to put down the pen or close the laptop, remember that your words matter, and your impact is real. Your readers, be they many or few, appreciate what you bring to their lives. And When motivation wanes, and discouragement tries to sneak in, read this article again and remember: you are making a difference, one reader at a time.
Here’s another article you may find helpful, Don’t Wait to Feel Inspired: Tips to Get You Writing When You Don’t Feel Like It.
#writinginspiration #writingmotivation #keepwriting
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Boost Your Business by Writing a Book
If you run a business, odds are not many people know about you or your business. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as potential clients don’t always need to know your name or your business’s name to find you. There’s a way to boost your business, and that’s by writing a book.
When people require a product, service, or answers to their questions or problems, they generally don’t search for a specific person or company, unless it’s a major corporation. Instead, they turn to the internet, using search engines to type in their queries.
That’s exactly what I did when I sought information on international travel tips and staying healthy while on the road. My intention was to share this valuable information with our clients through blog posts and articles.
Position yourself as an expert
Searching online led me to “Travel 911: A Health Guide for Adventurers,” a book authored by Dr. Yvette McQueen. I was impressed by the wealth of professional insights she provided. It gave me exactly what I needed.
Only upon finishing the book did I realize that Dr. McQueen is not just a physician but also the owner of a business offering consulting, coaching, and travel medical services for individuals, groups, tour guides, and tour operators, both nationally and internationally.
Remember, I didn’t purchase the book because I knew her or her business. I had no prior knowledge of her name or her business. I bought the book because it directly addressed and answered my questions, effectively solving my problem. “Travel 911: A Health Guide for Adventurers” is a prime example of how writing a book can help boost your business.
Provide value and mention your business at the end
The primary objective when writing your book is to provide your clients and potential clients with valuable information, tools, answers, and solutions based on your knowledge, experience, and passion. Sales and royalties from the book aren’t the top priorities; meeting your audience’s needs is.
After reading Dr. McQueen’s book, I checked out her website and the services she offers. Now, I’m considering working with her in the future. If I hadn’t searched for travel tips online, I would never have discovered Dr. McQueen and her business. By crafting a book that showcases her expertise and briefly mentioning her business at the end, she managed to reach many more potential clients than traditional paid advertisements or other methods.
So, why not start writing your book today? You already have the content at your fingertips. Create a valuable marketing tool – write your book!
If this post has been helpful, join my email list today and get your free Write a Book to Promote Your Business: A Writing Strategy Guide to Help You Get Started, and check out my other article, Write a Book to Promote Your Business
See Like a Writer & Write About What You See
Stuck on what to write about and suffering from writer’s block? Then here’s an antidote that might help. Give yourself permission to take time out to look around you. Take a walk. There are writing ideas all over the place. Look around you and be inspired by people, landscapes, objects, animals … the list is endless.
A writer sees beyond face value. The landscape itself holds an abundance of stories. Some people walk by a bush and see a bush. A fiction writer walks by that same bush and sees something looking out back at him. Others imagine what happened around that bush, or wonder about the wee people that call the bush home, or the spirits that once inhabited the branches and roots and endowed it with magic.
Or perhaps the imagination leads a writer to weave stories around the lives of the countless people who walked past that bush during the week, or maybe they think about the unseen ones that have also walked past that same bush. The people we never ever see.
Same scene, different writers, and separate stories.
A nonfiction writer looks at the bush and notices how the plant is growing, where it is growing and why. And what is that plant, its name, they wonder? What are its properties. What is it used for? Is it beneficial to humanity. They see past first glances and notice such things such as color, fruit, if any, shape of leaves, veins, serrated or rounded edges, and all sorts of other questions begin to wind themselves around the brain. Is the plant friendly or hostile or afraid and defensive?
So same bush, different writers and separate unique perspectives, narratives and stories.
Think like the writer that you are. The inspiration for stories abounds, even in fruits and vegetables. Here is one my personal experiences.
Inspired by palm kernels
Gazing upon a bunch of palm nuts one afternoon, the deep rich orangey-red and brown color of the flesh of each palm kernel captivated me. I found myself asking, why does it grow the way it does? I looked at it and marveled, Wow! Look at nature’s beauty in the heart shape of the prickly bunch of palm fruit. It’s heart shape heart led me to thoughts about love and specifically, to the love of The Creator who provides such good food for us.
That’s how writers think when they see, and then they get to work. Writing. Creating.
In my example, I could write about the nature of this plant and delve into everything about palm kernels, palm trees, cultivation, benefits, how to make palm oil, effect of palm tree plantations on the environment, cooking with palm oil, recipes, and so on.
Or, I could take a more philosophical approach and write about the bounty of nature, the importance of taking care of what we have been endowed with, and spiritual matters about God’s creations.
And still yet, I could weave a story about the caretakers of the forest, real or imagined, who reside among and within palm trees.
You see? Writers, published or not, can’t help themselves. They see and write.
It’s natural. They’re always thinking of writing, even if not consciously; observing all the time and writing stories in their mind. How many times has it happened to you? You’re reading something and find yourself changing the scenery in your mind, or re-writing the dialogue, or re-imagining the story going this way, or that way?
So those things are little bits of inspiration for you. Just look all around you and wonder.
I guess that’s it really – curiosity and wonder are crucial to inspiration.
Save this article and the next time you get stuck, read it again and then give yourself permission to take a walk. Look around you and be inspired.
If you have enjoyed reading this post and found it helpful, you might be interested in reading my other articles, Don’t Wait To Feel Inspired: Tips to Get You Writing When You Don’t Feel Like It and Not Sure What To Write About, Then You’ve Missed A Step and Why Writing By Hand First Can Help You Write Better.
Don’t Wait To Feel Inspired: Tips to Get You Writing When You Don’t Feel Like It
When it comes to writing, don’t wait to feel inspired.
If you wait to write only when you feel inspired, then you won’t finish. At best, it will take you much longer to write that paper, report, article, blog post or book you are trying to write.
Waiting to feel inspired is just not going to work, especially if you are, or want to be, a professional writer, or if writing is a large part of your livelihood and the way you make some income.
Here are some quotes and tips to get you writing again when you feel least inspired.
“I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.”
~ Pearl S. Buck
Writing is hard work. Think of your writing as a job and you are the employee. You are accountable to your employer by the end of the day. The only difference here is that you are the employer and as such, you should expect your employee to do the work that you are paying them to do.
“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
~ Stephen King
The answer sounds easy, just go ahead and put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard and write. But that’s easier said than done.
We all have those moments when we just sit and stare and wait for inspiration that doesn’t seem to come. Here are some common reasons that stop people from writing, and suggestions on how to overcome inertia and get the words flowing again.
You’re not sure what to write about.
“Everybody walks past a thousand story ideas every day. The good writers are the ones who see five of six of them. Most people don’t see any.”
~ Orson Scott Card
If you are stuck on what to write about, think about why you wanted to write whatever you are writing about in the first place. Why are you writing this blog post, this article, this report, or this book? Write down why you are writing it as if you are telling someone about it. Just keep going. This exercise will generate more topics or plot idea as you follow through on this. As you continue with your written conversation with yourself, keep thinking of who you are writing for.
You know what you want to write about, but you’re just not sure how to keep going.
“Address the people you seek, and them only.”
~ Claude C. Hopkins
The solution to this problem goes back to remembering who you are writing for – your ideal reader. If you were your ideal reader, what would you want to know? And in what order do you want the story or the information to flow? Write for yourself as your ideal reader.
If the words still don’t flow, take a break. Go for a walk, exercise, or read a book. After 30 minutes, get back to work. Read over the last five pages you have written and be inspired by your own writing. You are jump starting from your own words.
If that still doesn’t work, start writing anything. Write. Tell your ideal readers what you just did. Tell them about what you just read, or something about the walk you took. You can even write about not feeling inspired to write.
A strange thing begins to happen as you share your thoughts with your readers in this exercise. You are giving your brain a chance to get back into the creating mode. The cobwebs clear and the inertia begins to fade. Your thoughts start flowing again and before long, you are back to writing.
You feel uncertain that you know enough compared to what others are doing. You are discouraged.
“The most important thing in writing is to have written. I can always fix a bad page. I can’t fix a blank one.”
~ Nora Roberts
Don’t fall for this fallacy, often referred to these days as “imposter syndrome.” Don’t compare yourself to others. Tell yourself, if they can do it, so can you. Believe that you are unique and so is your voice. No-one else can write the way that you write. Your voice, style, expertise and experience are uniquely yours.
You’re not sure that anyone is interested in the stories you want to tell, or the information you want to share.
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
~Maya Angelou
This goes back to remembering who you are writing for – your ideal reader. Your ideal reader wants to hear from you, and that ideal reader could be one or could be thousands. It does not matter. Write for that one reader who wants to hear from you and give that reader your all. Imagine that one person who needs to hear from you and looks up to you to tell the story or impart the information that only you can provide.
All writers experience these feelings at one time or another. But the important thing is to just keep going. It is the only way to finish. I will end with these final quotes:
“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.”
~ Louis L’Armour
“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”
~ Richard Bach
If you have enjoyed reading this post and found it helpful, you might be interested in reading my other articles, Not Sure What To Write About, Then You’ve Missed A Step and Why Writing By Hand First Can Help You Write Better.
