Simple Things To Try When You’re In A Creative Writing Slump
Collaborative post
Here’s something that writers will be very familiar with; the creative writing slump. After staring at the blank page for far too long, you might then decide to close your laptop or put the lid on your pen and do something else with your time instead. And that’s fine, however…
When you spend too long apart from your laptop or pen and paper, the harder it will be for you to return to that novel, short story, or poem that you have left unfinished without a satisfying conclusion. In your downtime away from your writing, you need to get into the right mindset so you can get your creative juices flowing again. You might try this in the following ways.
Read something
Writers should do this anyway, as we can gain a lot from the written work of others. We can learn more about different creative writing styles, for example, and while we shouldn’t crib from the work of others, we can still take inspiration from what other writers do to engage their readers. And when we are in a creative slump, we can let the worldview and stories of others penetrate our minds. We might pick up ideas for characters of our own, or touch upon a word or turn of phrase that can form a basis for what we are working on. So, if you’re not writing something, at least read something, as you may well find the inspiration you need to return to your work.
Use image association
A picture is worth more than a 1,000 words, or so the saying the goes. An image can provoke thoughts and feelings that might stimulate our creative passions, whether it’s because of the picture we see in front of us or be it because we are inspired by the creative talents of another. A landscape portrait might form the backdrop for a setting we are trying to write about, for example, and a character portrait might form the basis of a person in our stories. So, search for images online that might relate to what you are trying to say. Surround your creative writing area with fine art photography. And visit a museum or two, or take a look at the work of independent artists on your high street, and purchase anything that stimulates the seeds of an idea within you.
Spend time watching and listening to others
Visit your local library, café, or park, and eavesdrop on conversations. Watch how people interact with one another and try to understand what makes each person tick. You might hear a line of dialogue that would fit perfectly into one of your character’s mouths on your page. You might pick up the character traits of a real-life person to add to your fiction. And you might witness a situation that could form the basis of a scenario that fits into your work. So, be with people, and discreetly watch, listen, and learn more about human nature, as you might then have all you need to fill the space on your blank page.
We hope these suggestions were useful to you, but let us know what you think. And if you have any suggestions for any frustrated writers reading this article, be sure to share your tips and tricks with us.
Thanks for reading.