Finding Inspiration as a Writer

As a writer, it can be difficult to keep yourself motivated and keep finding inspiration. There are certain things that you have to do as a writer that can drain your energy and enthusiasm such as citing a website or book, or proof-reading your work. These things are an essential part of the process but can prevent you from being able to flow freely. Here is some advice about how to keep finding inspiration as a writer. 

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 Change your scenery

As a writer, you likely work for yourself. This means working from home or in a co-working space. This can send anyone a little stir crazy. Try and mix things up by going to cafes, sitting outside or going into your local library. 

It can also sometimes help you to be around people - they may help you think of a character or situation. Or you may overhear someone speaking and have sudden inspiration!
 Always carry a notebook

One good tip is to always carry a notebook or a voice recorder, including having one by your bed. This means that no matter where you are, if something comes to you, you can quickly write it down or record it. 

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Whilst you should try and manage your time by only working during set times, you don’t want to lose an idea by not writing it down. You may take advantage of walking past a pretty park or tall building to sit and absorb your surroundings and try and let inspiration come to you. Write about what's around you

If you are struggling, sometimes you just need to look around. Start writing, even if it's not very good you can always go back and change it later. 

The best way to do this is to start writing about something you see or something you are experiencing. Describe it in detail, even if you don’t initially see how you could use it, it could be a funky shirt or a weird dream. It may help you to get your creative juices flowing.
 Stimulate your creativity

There are practices you can do to help get ideas flowing such as word association games, where you think of a word and keep thinking of words related to the last one you thought of. 

You may also want to listen to music, which is something you may already do while you work but consider choosing a piece of music and doing nothing else but listening to it. This will give your mind space to think, which is so important in the modern world where we are constantly stimulated by something. 

You should also keep reading for enjoyment. This may be hard when you have to read for work, but it will help to keep your mind creative. 

Sometimes the best thing you can do is exercise or take a break and do something different. You can find more ideas about stimulating creativity here.
 Meditating

Meditating has lots of benefits, it can help you to stay focused for longer and help clear your mind and make way for new thoughts and ideas. On Youtube, you can find meditations that are specifically for creativity or inspiration.