It’s no secret that every individual needs to figure out their own best writing-routine(s). Some need a routine, some don’t. Some are waiting to feel inspired in order to write. In that case, some wait longer than others. Some wait their whole life.
I have collected everything that helped me get back into writing, and I hope that some of these tips and tricks will appeal to you, will be easy to incorporate in your daily life, and ultimately inspire you to actually write.
1. Meet Other Creative People / Attend Writing Meetups
My number one go-to to instantly feel inspired is to meet up with my writing groups. It’s not just inspiring, but also a form of sharing knowledge when overcoming a certain plot problem, having found new resources, or to just chat about current projects. If you have written already something, or have an idea - it can be freeing to actually share it with someone. If you don’t have any other writing-friends, let alone know a writer’s group, check out the following resources to find someone creative close by:
Meetup - download the app, create a free account and browse through the existing writing groups that are close to you. During the pandemic, many groups switched to Zoom Meetings (and have continued to do so now!), so don’t be afraid to check out big cities from the country you live in. In my experience, you will be welcomed to the digital meeting even if you’re not from the same city as the group. Good to know: This app is great for finding groups that share your general interests, whatever it might be - so, it’s not solely writing related.
Shut Up & Write: Similar to Meetup though the focus is more on writing. There are physical meetups scheduled (in the meetup group), but also monthly challenges (usually 1 week long) that you can join on their website in your own pace - just have to sign up for them (which is also free)!
2. Write a Diary on Reading, Watching, Listening
I started this during a course I took on writing reflective essays. We had the assignment of writing down our thoughts (really anything that came to mind!) on what we were currently reading (whether it’s our current book, articles, magazines, newspaper), watching (series, movies), listening (podcasts, conversations, radio) - really anything that leads to thoughts whether they are creative or not. And no one needs to read it. This is also a great warm-up exercise before you actually sit down to write on your project. It’s a great reflective resource that you can look back upon later - if you do this consistently during a time period you might find patterns on what you actually like and appreciate in your chosen type of media. And from that information you can learn, and incorporate it into your own writing.
3. Go to a Museum/Art Exhibition
One time I met with friends to go to an art exhibition, and I saw this one painting. I stood in front of it, and started feeling claustrophobic. I got fascinated on how a painting could affect me like normally a movie or a book would (which makes more sense as I'd spend hours consuming those), but a painting? I had this whole short story suddenly in my head. I think what’s important to remember is not to force creativity, but rather stay open minded when inspiration kicks. Even if it’s a different kind of inspiration that you haven’t asked for. Any kind of writing is experience and practice. Now, every time I go to a museum or an exhibition and I get an idea just by looking at something - I take a photo and write down my thoughts/idea in bullet points on my phone. It’s there for whenever I feel I want to actually use it for something.
4. Use a writing prompt
A writing prompt can be anything from an object, a few words you want to incorporate, a sentence, etc. which you will then use to create a story or some piece of writing within a certain time limit (which can be anything from a minute to an hour - you pick!).
For this I recommend using Pinterest, if you have it - or simply google a prompt.
A small challenge you set for yourself could also be something like: Wherever you are, let your gaze wander and stop at the first thing that catches your attention. What is it? - Write it down. Repeat this three times. Now, you have 3 words. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Write a story that includes these three words. The story doesn’t need to be perfect, nor needs to make sense. The point is to just get into writing. You might be surprised on what you can come up within such a short amount of time and a few restrictions.
5. Go on a Solo Date
Whoever hasn’t tried this yet - it might be fun! If this already sounds horrible for you, then don’t try it. You don’t even have to call it a solo date. I basically just consider this me going to a café or a walk without planning to much out on what I’ll do or where I’ll go, but rather stay in the moment. Meaning, I wouldn’t listen to music, but rather listen to the environment I’m in - noises in a café, singing birds in the forest, the sound of the sea, etc. When being alone you can use all your senses to take in your environment, which you wouldn’t be able to do in the same extent if you were to have company. You might even get to meet other’s who are also alone and you end up having a great conversation together. I have always cherished my conversations with ‘strangers’ (so far). Some of them are incredibly funny, some inspiring, some very annoying, but they all give me something to think about afterwards. And if you have many thoughts, you automatically have many possibilities of choosing what to write about.
I’m curious whether you have had similar experience(s) and whether the above has helped you already finding your way back into writing, or maybe you’ve found other tips that worked better for you? Let me know in the comments!
Or if you have any questions in regards to the above, my inbox is always open.😊