Every writer goes through cycles of feeling inspired...
And then suddenly, rekindling the feelings of inspiration becomes difficult. Even if You are an experienced writer, sometimes the words don’t come. Feeling uninspired can happen at any time, but we should learn to embrace it as a natural part of the creative process. The best tactic is to step away from Your laptop and venture out into the world around You.
Whether it’s exploring a new place, or trying out new things, these approaches can help You get back on track with renewed energy.
Sometimes it boils down to Your immediate environment which is preventing You from writing anything new and exciting. Getting a fresh perspective on things can happen simply from taking a break from Your usual writing nook.
Your senses get stimulated by sources beyond Your usual inspirations. If You are accustomed to loud spaces, try find solace in a quieter area. Visit a museum, gallery, or art exhibition. Being surrounded by different art and stories may spark Your imagination. Out-of-the-ordinary art forms, textures, and emotions in paintings and sculptures can prompt new ideas.
If You are used to quiet spaces, exploring a new neighbourhood can be equally as energising. Whether it’s the architecture, or the people, or local restaurants and hangouts, enjoying new surroundings is an invigorating break for finding new words.
For anyone, even going for a walk can do a lot for You, both physically and mentally. It can serve as a reset for both mind and body, and gives You a moment of respite when You feel mentally drained. Whether Your walk is in the city or in a park, it can stimulate Your senses and allow You to think beyond Your computer screen.
Consider watching media that You don’t usually engage with or might be out of Your comfort zone. Films and TV series, especially older ones and foreign media, use narrative techniques You may be unfamiliar with. Pay attention to their structures and their words. Maybe they use turns of phrase You are unaware of, or stories that are paced slower than You are used to. Even unsatisfying storylines can spark new ideas. There are endless ways to rewrite a story to solve the mysteries or problems You think need to be resolved.
Read a book outside of Your preferred genre. If You write non-fiction, try an exercise in fiction, or vice versa. Explore new ideas and subvert expectations of a familiar trope. Your goal is to expose Yourself to other writing styles and storylines to inspire new structures and patterns.
Listening to poets and spoken word and learning why they are effective for storytelling gives You insights into how tone and inflection can affect the narrative. Sometimes changing the way Your story gets told can make a monumental difference. Storytelling is originally an oral tradition, so think about whether Your stories are more suited to oral or written presentation, and then write for the kinds of audiences You want to attract.
Trying out new creative outlets in combination with Your professional writing is a perfect way to get inspired. Practicing meditation can clear the mental clutter and help You focus. Starting a visual or a written journal can give You different outlets for Your creativity and a space for new ideas.
In a written journal, engage in freewriting, where You can write anything without structure or content in mind. Set aside 10 to 15 minutes a day and make it part of Your routine. Whether it's something You do in the morning, the last thing before going to bed, perhaps even keeping a dream journal to use in the middle of the night, journaling can help You recentre Your focus.
Join our large community of storytellers and writers at DNA. Art Club, and collaborate with seasoned artists. We host different activities for writers, including workshops, retreats, and special events. Keep an eye on our calendar for weekly updates.
Our mission is to give space and opportunities to writers, so that we can get back to essential storytelling by putting words first. What better way to develop Your writing skills and find inspiration than by joining a writing community.
So join us at DNA. to be inspired, and to be inspirational.
Words by Julia Gessner