Tips for Creativity in Writing

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I wrote a poem one day. I thought it would take a long time to think up an idea and write it, but it didn’t. I learned something from that encounter. Here’s the secret, you don’t necessarily need creativity to whack you in the face to start writing something. Really! The poem I wrote was literally about me sitting in my living room writing a poem and feeling bad because I wasn’t cleaning my house. That’s a pretty mundane thing to write about, but that’s where creativity is born. Creativity, in my opinion, comes from taking a deeper look at the everyday things in your life. Every person is different, our lives are different, and our views are different. Sometimes, though, it can be tough to write something you think is good. Writer’s block is real and I have experienced it myself. One day, you are writing nonstop and the words come to you so easily, but other days it seems like your mind has built a brick wall between your creativity and your writing. I get you; this happens to all of us. We can get over it, though. Here are some tips to help you open up the creative part of your brain and bring that wall down.

  1. Go outdoors- Take a hike! No, really, get outside and breathe some fresh air. Being in a different environment can really open up the inspiration part of your brain by flooding it with new ideas. This can come in a variety of ways, going outside and sitting in the grass, planting some seeds, going on a walk, cycling, or even visiting your local nursery. Coming close to nature can help clear your mind and prepare you for new ideas.
  1. Get moving- I know, I am a lazy couch potato most of the time. I would much rather sit and binge watch Stranger Things on Netflix for the third time than go to the gym and do squats. But, you don’t have to do crazy exercise to get your mind going. Just a bit of movement will do. The best kind is combined with nature, like walking, riding a bike, and taking hikes, but you don’t necessarily have to go elsewhere. Dancing in your own home, following a yoga session on YouTube, or doing a quick workout, are just some of the ways you can get several parts of your brain engaged.

  1. Spend time with children- Have a young niece or nephew? Maybe a son or daughter? Maybe you work with kids? Whatever it is, kids have the most incredible minds and are a great source of inspiration for writers. The key is to ask them questions, though. Letting kids explain the way things work can help you come up with new ideas or spark a story you hadn’t thought of just yet.


    By Catalina Chaffin-Chicas, FCC Student, WRC Tutor

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