Whether you’re a published author or you’re just starting out, one thing is for sure – the world of creative writing is a lot more welcoming than you’d think. Between the numerous different contests, grants, and publishers who are always looking for new material, it’s never been easier to get your work published and gain some recognition for your efforts.
However, being able to write creatively is only one part of the battle. For the rest of us, the process of putting pen to paper can seem almost impossible. There are just so many things that come with the “packaging” of a novel that it can feel overwhelming. Even if you’ve got an idea for a story, it can still feel like a huge challenge to pull it off in a way that is compelling and interesting to readers.
So how can you as a writer, editor, or even just a person who likes to read get inspired to write something new? That is the question that this blog post will answer. We will discuss a few different methods that you can use to get the creative juices flowing in your mind and then let you know which one is the best for you.
Surfing The Net
Depending on how long you’ve been writing, you might already be familiar with the ways in which the internet can be a prolific source of inspiration. If you’re looking for new ideas, all you have to do is pull up a few good book blogs or movie blogs that cover creative writing, and you’ll have your answer. These types of blogs tend to post about once or twice a week, which gives you plenty of opportunity to scan through the content and find those that speak to you most closely.
The problem with relying on the internet for your creative writing fix is that it is easily accessible and therefore potentially distracting. When you’re experiencing a creative writing drought, the last thing that you need is additional stimuli to throw off the train of thought that you’re occupying with your current project. Instead, look to other types of blogs and websites for inspiration, whether they pertain to writing, editing, or design.
Walking The Plank
Another great place to look for creative writing inspiration is right in front of you. You might not usually think of it this way, but the very place that you’re shopping or eating at might be inspiring you to write. Sometimes, just the act of getting out of the house and going somewhere new can boost your creative mood and let you get back to work with a fresh perspective.
You might choose to visit a museum, gallery, or theatre – all of which can encourage you to write. If you’re really stuck for ideas, just write about what you see before you. You can always go back and forth between a restaurant review and an article about art history to ensure that you never get bored.
Head To A Coffeehouse
Nowadays, many coffeehouses are starting to open their doors to customers during the day, which makes them even more accessible to writers. If you want to get inspiration for a story, simply pull up a coffee shop’s website and take a look at what they have to offer. If you’re in London, you can’t miss out on the array of literary-themed coffeehouses that the city has to offer. When you’re in Paris, you can grab a drink at one of the many bistros or visit the nearest café culture for inspiration.
There is something very unique about stepping into a coffee shop in the middle of the day and having the sun streaming in through the large windows. If you really need an escape from the routine of everyday life, a visit to a coffee shop can become a creative writing retreat you will always remember.
Take A Class
If you’re looking for a more structured outlet for your creative writing, then consider taking a creative writing class. Most universities will have a class that focuses on fiction or non-fiction, so it should be easy to find one that fits around your schedule. Even if you’re not looking to become a full-time author, taking a class can still be beneficial since it will give you the inspiration and support necessary to get your work published. It may even lead you to consider a new career as a full-time author.
As a class, you’ll be working with a tutor who will help you shape your thoughts into prose. In addition to that, you’ll also be required to attend conferences, read authors’ work, and follow any writing-related courses that your university offers. You should never underestimate the power of a good tutor and the encouragement of your peers. Not only will a class provide you with the structure necessary to complete your work, but it will also help you find the joy in writing again.
Join A Society
If you’re looking for ways to expose yourself to new ideas and opportunities, then consider joining a society of writers. Through events and networking, you will gain access to a lot of different places and people that you normally wouldn’t get the chance to meet. Whether you’re a published author or an aspiring one, joining a society of writers can open up a whole new world of possibilities for you.
Joining a writing society can be a great way to meet other writers – both famous and otherwise – and get advice and support from experienced individuals. You’ll not only be able to take part in lively debates and informative workshops, but you’ll also be able to get inspiration from the best of British and worldwide talent.
Watch Movies
There is a reason why many people turn to film and television for creative inspiration – they are both very accessible. You don’t have to search the web for movie ideas, as there are plenty of film festivals that you can attend where you will find the inspiration straight on the big screen. If you’re looking for suggestions, just head to Netflix or any other online streaming platform and search for films by genre or starring popular actors or actresses.
If you want to get a cinematic experience without having to leave the comfort of your home, then there is a solution for that as well. Many cinemas around the world offer full-length movies with English subtitles, which you can watch at home. In addition to that, many newer films offer downloadable content that you can access anywhere through your device.
Go To A Library
For those of you who love to read, libraries are a great place to be during the day. The key advantage of a library is that you can escape from reality for a little while and focus on your creative writing. If you’re looking for a quiet place to work, a library is the best option – you can browse through books and magazines without having to worry about your surroundings or bother other people.
If you really want to get in touch with your creative side, then libraries are the best place to be during the day. From historical fiction to horror, there is a wide range of genres and stories waiting to be uncovered at your local library. For those of you who love to read, libraries are a great place to be during the day. Whether you’re in London, Paris, or anywhere in between, there will always be a library nearby if you need one.
Play Some Sorting Games
There is also a large market for online games that promote creativity and imagination. While many of these games are free, others require an annual subscription fee, which can be a great source of income for indie game developers. Many of these sorts of games allow the user to pull items from a digital inventory and use them to create something new, which is exactly what you need to get your creative juices flowing.
Some examples of these sorts of games include: