Connect with Your Creative Writer

75 Comments

Do you have to complete a piece of writing but are putting it off? A report, a blog article, or a letter? Are you finding that the moment you sit down to write, your mind seems to go blank? Crap! Writers block! What can you do about it?

Although, the term writers block is popular, this feeling of blockage and mind blanking is not specific to writing, but of any creative feats. Other examples include, brainstorming for a new business, dancing, musical performances, music composition, painting or photography. I’ve personally experienced this during my photography work, blanking out as I stand in front of a client waiting for me for direction. I call these Creative Blocks, where your mind just comes up empty and you feel lost. It’s purely mental.

Through practice and observation, I’ve gotten pretty good at getting past these blank moments, and this article shares some insights for unlocking your creativity. Throughout the article, I will be using writing as the example, but keep in mind that it is equally applicable to any creative activity.

Creativity & Mental Blocks

Before digging into how we can unlock these creative blocks, here are some observations on the subject of feeling mentally blocked.

The more we Think about it, the worse it becomes. The more we think about not knowing what to write, the stronger the feeling of not knowing what to write, the harder is it to come up with creative and original content.
Creativity is a miraculous interaction of the mind and spirit. Regardless of how we label it, I believe it is inter-linked with spiritual realm of things (not religion). Talk to any exceptional artists and they’ll explain that the creative space is comparable to that of no-mind spiritual state. My brilliant cellist friend once explained it perfectly, “that place in you which is infinite and unexplainable and nothing physical can compare to that space. When I am in that place, all thoughts clear out. It’s just me and the field of infinity.“
We all have the capacity within us to access this place of infinite creativity. However, what may be blocking us is our mind, our thoughts, the inner noise created by ourselves, consciously and unconsciously.
When we are working in that creative space, we are experiencing flow. We feel happy, content, and passionate. Time just flies. Think of the last time you were deeply in joy with writing, creating something or deeply immersed in a project. What did that feel like?
There is no such thing as “I am not a creative person“, it may only be the case because we keep telling ourselves that. Creativity is something that can be cultivated. We are born with access to the creative space, some of us may be more in-tuned to it, but it is never too late to get in touch with that side of ourselves.
When we need to produce something creative on a deadline, we may succumb to fear and start to procrastinate. Our thoughts get in the way sometimes, because we are afraid that we won’t be able to produce quality result in time, and so we push it away.

How to Overcome Writer’s Block

From my experience as a writer, I’ve learned that unless I was exceptionally inspired to write about a particular topic, I will experience writer’s block every single time. Sitting in front of a blank screen, my mind chatter would fire off random and discouraging thoughts. Ones like the following:

How should I start the article? Errr.. I donno.
How to structure the body? Can this article be as good as the last?
Crap, I don’t know what to do. I don’t feel very good.
I think I’m gonna check email. And to get a drink after that. I’ll delay this a bit more.

Can you relate? If so, you are not alone. It is quite normal to hear mind chattering. As widespread and as ‘normal’ as these self-destructive thoughts, they are not the problem. The problem is when we start to believe in these thoughts.

The secret to overcoming writer’s block is simple, and that is to just do it. Literally!

Here’s a simple stepped process that I follow when doing any sort of writing:

Step 1: Awareness - At any point during the following steps, you may be interrupted by your mind chatter yapping in the background. When you hear him or her, just say, Thank you for sharing. And continue on with what you’re doing.

Step 2 - Topic Selection - When selecting a topic, always choose one that you align with, closely. Preference goes to topics that you are personally experiencing now or in a recent past. Being able to emotionally connect with what you’re writing about is the seed for inserting that passion into your writing. Passion adds energy into a piece of writing and makes it come alive. If you do not connect with the available topics and you don’t have alternative options, visualize what it would feel like to be passionate about that topic.

Step 3 - Brainstorm & Capture Random Ideas - Spend 5-10 minutes to list out everything you can possibly talk about for this topic. List out all ideas, thoughts, sentences that come to you. List in bullet points and do so as fast as possible. Do not judge the thoughts that come to you, write everything down. No editing, just listing. Don’t worry about spelling, structure, or grammar. You can always delete them later. The point of this step is getting as many ideas down as possible. Also, this step helps you to get into the flow and rhythm of creative thinking.

Step 4 - Roughly Organized the Flow - See if you can move some of the thoughts from last step into meaningful groupings. It doesn’t have to be perfect or finalized. This step helps you to organize your thoughts a bit and starts to create a sense of logical flow.

Photo by Katsuaki Shoda

Step 5 - Jumping Over the Block - Start writing your opening paragraph without too much editing. Your first attempt might suck, and you will hear yourself shouting that in your head. Ignore them and continue to write without caring about how it sounds. Don’t bother erasing, just keep going. If you want to rephrase a paragraph, just write it above the old paragraph without removing the old paragraph. No perfection here, we’re just getting thoughts in paragraph form. Don’t worry about tweaking, do that later. The point of this step is to create the article flow.

I’ve found that often time, we get stuck at properly re-wording a sentence. In the end, we’ve spent so much time tweaking every detail that we still don’t know how the writing will flow. The important point here is to just write and get your ideas down in paragraph form, regardless of how sloppy or casual a paragraph may sound. You can always come back to perfect the paragraphs later, or re-write them once you have the important ideas down.

Step 6: Going with the Flow - After doing step 5 for a while, you will find an emotional connection with your writing. For me, this typically takes about 3-5 paragraphs of just writing without editing, at which point, words and nicely phrased sentences would flow out of me, effortlessly. Now, follow that flow. Either continue to write the rest of the article draft, or go back to re-phrase previously written paragraphs.

Step 7: Keep a Scratch Pad - As you come up with better ways of re-phrasing ideas, take your old wordings and paste them into a separate file known as the scratch pad. For example, I keep a file on my laptop called “blah.doc” which acts as my scratch pad of random paragraphs and sentences during writing. As useless as they may seem, they can pose as a pointer to the original idea. Even if the original phrasing is rough around the edges and not presentable, keeping the words mean no ideas are lost.

Step 8: Rephrasing & Trimming the Extra Pounds - Go through the article several times. At each sentence, ask yourself whether you can better phrase the sentence using less words? Add clarifying sentences only when you feel that it adds to the article. Do paragraphs sound verbose and not add value to your writing? If so, cut it out.

Tips for Unlocking Creativity

In addition to the steps above, here are the habits and tips which have helped me get more in-tuned with my inner creativity:

Follow Your Heart - Being inspired and passionate about what you’re creating is like swimming with the waves, they help push you in the direction you want to go without too much extra effort. Equally, when you’re creating something you don’t have much passion for, is like swimming against the waves, you can get back on the shore, but you’ll have to work a lot harder, while spending more energy doing so.
Tell the Truth - If you aim for truth without letting your ego take center stage, you will find that brilliance results as a side effect to your efforts. Practice candidness and speaking honestly, your authenticity will shine through and people will know because they too can feel it. Here’s a sweet quote you might like:
- “Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring two pence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.” ~ C.S Lewis
Keep a Notebook at all Times - Always carry some form of paper and pen with you. You will never know what strokes of inspiration you’ll encounter as you enter the realms of everyday life.
Writing Down Ideas - We tend to get creative ideas during the week at times when we are not in front of the computer. Make a habit of writing everything down in your notebook, everything from inspirational quotes, to ideas that strike you, to personal thoughts and observations. For example, for this blog, I keep a doc containing a list of topics for future articles, and I add to this list whenever I feel that passion kicking in my heart about some new topic.
Inviting Creativity - When we get ideas, often our mind is so loud that we don’t notice them. Even when we notice these ideas, we start judging them. We would come up with reasons why they wouldn’t work. However, when we do this, we are really sending messages to our unconscious mind that we’re not interested in receiving notices of creative ideas. And we stop receiving them as often. Make a habit of seeking creative ideas, and create a space that welcomes them without judgment when they come, noting them down and give gratitude for having received them.
Give it Time - Send out a clear intention on what you would like to create and think about it over the next few days. You’ll find that once the intent is sent, you’ll start receiving related ideas at random times. Make sure you write everything down as it comes. You’ll be thankful you did.
Establish an Enjoyable Routine - We are creatures of habits and we are strongly subjective to associations. It’s a good idea to create a routine or ritual around when you write or do anything creative. With time, your mind will associate the routine with falling into a creative space. My personal routine is: having hot tea, listening to ambient music without singing, and having a blanket or my little dog covering my lap. It’s true! :)
Meditate - I cannot emphasize enough the benefits meditation and spending alone time for gaining mental clarity and easier access to your creative space. There are some fantastic guided meditation audio at Zencast, free of charge. For starters, just start with 5-10 minutes of silent time every morning with complete focus on your breath.
Practice, Practice, Practice - The more we do something, the better we get. Period. Not only do we get better, it becomes easier, or rather, we adapt to it. The more opportunity we spend in that creative space, the easier it will be to fall into it next time. It’s like anything else.

Photo by Katsuaki Shoda
Exposure - If you want to be good at something, expose yourself to it as much as possible. If you want to become a better writer, read powerful and inspirational writing, often. If you want to be a photographer, check out publications from photographers whose work you connect with, or inspires you. Find someone with the kind of results you want, and model the positive traits they have. Assimilate these traits and develop them into your own style.
Remove Distractions - There’s nothing like being interrupted while you’re in the zone. Once you are interrupted, you need to spend extra time in order to get yourself back in that state again. If you’re about to get in your creative zone, it’s a good idea to get rid of all potential interruptions. Turn off the TV, put your phone on mute, don’t answer the door, put pets in another room, let your spouse known what you’re up to, etc.
Just Be Yourself - When you try hard to sound good, you’ll come off sounding unauthentic, and people are sensitive to that. Don’t try to be anything, just BE. Be in the moment as you are, right now. And from where we are, see what unfolds in this moment.
Cross-train - Think of the creative space as an infinite field of energy and intelligence. The activities we consider to be creative endeavors, such as writing, drawing, dancing or playing instruments, are simply tools that give us glimpses into that space. And when we practice other creative activities, we access different channels to the same stream of energy. Try doing something creative that frightens you or you don’t have much experience with. Go dancing or take a salsa class if dancing isn’t your thing. If you don’t think you’re a good writer, write a personal letter to yourself, make it introspective and intimate. If you feel that the best you can draw are stick figures, you have to check out this book: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and workbook. Phenomenal book on developing the creative side of your brain.

What do you do that makes you feel creative? Got any tips for how to get in touch with this beautiful state we know as creativity? See you in the comments below! Talk soon.

If you enjoyed this article, please vote for it on Digg, share it on StumbleUpon or bookmark it on del.icio.us. I appreciate your support. :)

Other Articles You May Like:

External Resources on Creativity:

Video: Dr Jill Bolte Taylor: My Stoke of Insight

Book: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
Book: The Myths of Innovation
Web: Thinking Like a Genius
Interview: with Chuck Close
CopyBlogger: 10 Mental Blocks to Creative Thinking
Skellie: 110+ Resources for Creative Minds

75 Responses (55 Comments, 20 Trackbacks ):

Comments

RJ

Jun 25 08, 4:45 pm PDT

1
What a happy circumstance, I just came back from the store with a pocket notebook to carry around at all times when an idea pops into my head so I can write it down and flesh it out a little bit. That has always been my biggest problem - being out and about when I think of an idea but nothing to write it on with. I wonder how many post ideas I’ve lost this way? I also seem to come up with a lot of ideas in the shower. Hmmm…a white board and marker in the shower perhaps?
Great article Tina ^_^

******************
REPLY:

You can get one of those waterproof voice recorders. :)

I usually repeat the thought until I can jump out of the shower to write them down.

Tina
Devesh

Jun 25 08, 4:51 pm PDT

2
That’s an excellent article :)

I didn’t know about zencast - so thank you - will be checking it out soon :)

P.S. - Dugg!
Annie Binns

Jun 25 08, 4:53 pm PDT

3
What a great post - so many good ideas!! I especially like Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - I am not an artist and can’t draw my way out of a paper bag. However, the techniques in this book force you to shut down that annoying left-brain chatter and I find the work like meditating with a pencil. Very calming and the results always surprise me!
Jesse Hines

Jun 25 08, 4:54 pm PDT

4
Tina,

Nice article on creativity and how to amp it up. Very comprehensive article. Well done. The quote by C.S. Lewis is awesome; I’ve used it before and love seeing others use it too.

Here’s the best quote on writer’s block I’ve ever read, courtesy of Robert Ringer. I can’t really add anything to it, so I’ll just pass it on. Ringer says:

“What separates professional writers from amateurs is that they take action and start putting words on the computer regardless of whether or not they are motivated. In my experience, after I force myself to start writing, a seamless transition takes place and I become motivated.

When you force yourself to write, it stimulates your brain and body cells and gets your creative juices flowing. And that, in turn, revs up your motivation. It’s the only way I know to combat procrastination. Writing is not about the future. Writing is about putting your hands on the keyboard now.”

***********************
REPLY

Wow! That’s beautiful and so perfect. Thank you for sharing Jesse. This is going directly into my quote book. :)

Tina
John Rocheleau

Jun 25 08, 4:59 pm PDT

5
I really like your concepts of creativity. It is true that we connect with a flow; something already there; already perfectly expressed, if we can only clear the path for that to take place. Your advice to just begin writing without concern for how it sounds is probably the most effect way out of creative block.

As Goethe said: “Engage, and the mind grows heated. Begin, and the work will be completed.”

In painting, the most important stroke is the very first one — then it is no longer a “blank” canvas.

Cheers,
John
Marc and Angel Hack Life

Jun 25 08, 5:01 pm PDT

6
I think the most challenging step in creating an impressive blog post is the process of brainstorming for the main points of the post. Once I have the primary points down, filling in the blanks is a breeze.

I attack each blog post like this:

1. What do I want to write about? I come up with a catchy title (first draft of the title anyways).

2. What are the main points I intend to deliver to my audience? I write a lot of lists, so my next step is to come up with my main bullet points.

3. Start filling in the blanks.

4. Research online to come up with references and further information for my bullet points.

5. Proofread and edit title if needed.

Great topic Tina! Very useful information! ;-)
Shilpan | successsoul.com

Jun 25 08, 5:06 pm PDT

7
Tina,

You’ve touched on every writer’s enigma. I really like the way you’ve simplified the entire process and provided valuable introspection.
You’re the best. :)

Shilpan
Avani

Jun 25 08, 5:14 pm PDT

8
Amazing article Tina. And timely too. I enjoyed it very much. Reading that it is common to face a difficult period for topics we are not completely passionate about is a relief I must say. :)

I avoid using the term ‘writer’s block’ at all costs. Once I label my state as “a writer’s block”, I have noticed that the state simply extends. As if, by naming it so, I am blaming my block for being unproductive and not myself - I lose power over the situation. I simply say that today my pace is slow and that writing will come with some difficulty.

I am most creative when I am fresh and relaxed. I have written in length about reaching this state at : 11 Refreshing Ways to Find Your Own Sanctuary

Anytime I find myself staring at blank screen for too long, I simply take a break. I walk around, thinking about what all would I like to write about. I start grouping thoughts in my mind. After a while, I sit to write again. If I can write 5-6 bullet points easily, I get in a flow. And reach the creativity within automatically.
Evelyn Lim | Attraction Mind Map

Jun 25 08, 5:18 pm PDT

9
Great article! In fact, you articulated many tips that I use myself when I want to write an article. When I’m stuck for ideas, I also prefer to just shut down my PC, go meditate or spend quiet time to connect with my inner creativity.

Dugg and stumbled!

Thanks for sharing,
Evelyn
Alex Shalman

Jun 25 08, 5:28 pm PDT

10
Funny that this article finds me right as I am writing my autobiography for dental school. Thanks for the tips Tina.
Sara

Jun 25 08, 5:59 pm PDT

11
Cross-training is key; I loved that point. You’ve got to live life to be able to write about life. I do best when I write as soon as I get the kernel of an idea. If I don’t write it quickly, the next time I try to touch on it will likely lead to a creativity block. This isn’t always realistic, so getting down key points and phrases is enough–this is where the notebook really comes in handy. Then, I let it stew and try to come up with new insight to add. It doesn’t always work, but it’s not half bad.
Vered

Jun 25 08, 7:15 pm PDT

12
My favorite tip for almost anything:

JUST DO IT. :)

So I completely agree when you say “Start writing your opening paragraph without too much editing.”

Just starting without over-thinking and over-analyzing is often the best way to go.
NivasKapil

Jun 25 08, 7:42 pm PDT

13
Nice one Tina..
Lines saying about “acting with your core identity”
and being yourself are really superb…
Bamboo Forest

Jun 25 08, 7:58 pm PDT

14
Bravo. What to add?? I will say, when writing something, it’s always beneficial to give it time. If you have an article you’re writing, write it over a few days if possible! You see things over a few days you do not necessarily see in one sitting or even over one day. As I like to refer to it, “let it stew.” Just like a good lamb stew, the flavors develop over time :) Yummy.
Daniel Edlen

Jun 25 08, 9:34 pm PDT

15
Tip #12 - yes. Being is creating, creating moments of Life as lived by you. The work is best when its intent is to capture those moments and nothing else.

Peace.
Jarrod - Warrior Development

Jun 26 08, 3:44 am PDT

16
“The secret to overcoming writer’s block is simple, and that is to just do it. Literally!”

I’m reminded of the recent visit of a japanese martial arts sensei. We were working on using a short sword versus a naginata (like a long spear/halbeard). Everyone was thinking about how they can get in close to the opponent, past the naginata. But whenever an attack came they found themselves backing away frantically trying to block.

Then sensei stepped in. The first cut came and by the time it reached him he was already inside and heading for the opponent.

Sure he is extremely well-trained. But clearly there was only one thing he was going to do. He was going to do it!

This is the approach I used for drafting a post today. Martial arts are wonderful.

That’s a nice process you have Tina.
Andrea Hess | Empowered Soul

Jun 26 08, 5:12 am PDT

17
What fantastic advice! All very good, Tina!

I agree with Vered - “just doing it” is probably the most important thing. Next on the list for me is to give ourselves permission to write badly. Maybe even making a point of writing complete crap. It turns off the inner editor, the one that worries about what other people think or whether what we’re saying is any good.

I always let my posts percolate in my brain for a while. When I sit down to write, I usually don’t know where it’s going to go, but I always learn something!

Blessings,
Andrea
heather (errantdreams)

Jun 26 08, 5:17 am PDT

18
A long time ago I didn’t think much of ‘free-writing’—that practice of writing-without-judging. I tended to write well on most first attempts, and unfortunately that led me to think that I had to write well on the first attempt. Eventually I learned better, and ‘got’ the ways in which free-writing opens up our minds and our creativity, helping us to come up with things that our inner critics might dismiss out of hand. While it’s important to exercise quality control on something we put out for public consumption, there’s no need to start out putting restrictions on ourselves. If we do, after all, how can we come up with things that are truly new & different?
Hendry Lee

Jun 26 08, 6:22 am PDT

19
I always believe writer’s block is just a story we run on our mind.

Rather than delaying, I find it is helpful to engage in something that will move me closer to writing.

Thanks for that, now I have a systematical (and better) way to fight it.
Roy Tock
Jun 26 08, 6:53 am PDT

20
Tina, thanks for the article! It was yet another wonderful, well reasoned post.

Another one of my favorite articles on the topic is from Scott Berkun at .
Jon

Jun 26 08, 6:59 am PDT

21
I love the talk of ‘creative space’, ‘no-mind’, and ‘place of infinite creativity’. You’ve put into words what so many creative people feel when they are in that ‘zone’. It’s very difficult to explain until one experiences it regularly.

I want to add another great way to re-ignite your creative juices: take a simple weekend retreat. Most of us spend our weekends busy with friends, family, or our projects, but we don’t often give ourselves a full weekend off. Letting yourself be completely alone for a few days in a quiet, natural place, out of the city, and without thinking about your creative projects, can be a great way to give those mental blocks time to melt away.
Blake Newman

Jun 26 08, 11:27 am PDT

22
Thanks for the article. I’ve been working off and on for about a year on a movie screenplay and am stuck at exactly the mid-point. I’ll take your advice and get it done.
Anthony
Jun 26 08, 11:56 am PDT

23
Fantastic. Although I have had my stints as writers, and enjoy a script or two when I’m into it-my main drive is as an animator.

Ever since I was like one or two these epic episodes just flow right to me, and the ideas can be hilarious, beautiful, moving, happy, or sad. It’s like that plane you mentioned! It’s entertainment that no movie could give, because it comes from within.

It’s when I go to my laptop, and try to write down summaries of the ideas that I have trouble DESPITE having JUST pictured the damn thing! Thanks.
csuhumanist

Jun 26 08, 12:02 pm PDT

24
I use the Writer’s Mind CD - writersmind.com - when I’m writing and it definitely helps put me in “the zone”. My thoughts flow more freely and I get more on the page… not all of it is great stuff, mind you :-), but I’m more productive when using the CD. GO BULLS! CSUH
Rex
Jun 26 08, 12:09 pm PDT

25
An artist friend once suggested that you should never finish a sketch without starting the next one. While in flow, starting another piece gets over the “activation energy” (to borrow from chemistry),when next you pick up again. Much easier to get back into the flow with a good start to work from vs. a blank page.

****************
REPLY

That’s a nice suggestion. I do that with writing as well, as new ideas spun out of ones I’m currently writing about, I’ll start the new ideas in a separate word processor. It really does help the next time you pick it up again.

Tina
Ed Liversidge

Jun 26 08, 12:59 pm PDT

26
I find creativity comes when the mind enters a relaxed state. Meditation, as you say helps. I have an Enhanced Creativity binaural beat which I have had some good feedback on. Free download when you register at www.brainzapr.com Cheers.
John Woody
Jun 26 08, 1:40 pm PDT

27
Wow that chick in the picture is like super hot!

JT
http://www.FireMe.To/udi
Alex G

Jun 26 08, 5:09 pm PDT

28
Thanks for the great article. You inspired me to write about the old Tandy Model 100 as a digital replacement for the pen-and-paper notepad for us strictly digital geeks.
Amanda Linehan

Jun 26 08, 7:11 pm PDT

29
Tina - I think you hit it right on when you talk about not judging your ideas. If you want them to start flowing, you’ve got to just go with what you’ve got. You can always change them later, but you need to get started now!
SQR
Jun 26 08, 7:19 pm PDT

30
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! And one final thank you to Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V!
sheryn

Jun 26 08, 11:10 pm PDT

31
Thank you Tina for sharing with us.

To RJ, water is definitely one of the best source to re-connect and unlock the creativity you.
John

Jun 27 08, 7:03 am PDT

32
What a great entry. Thanks for posting!
BK

Jun 27 08, 7:18 am PDT

33
When I am having one of those creative blocks, I will start to do somethings else like reading or going out for a walk or turning on the TV. At time, somethings would pop up almost instantly and other time it might take a while.

I tend to agree with what Jesse Hines shared about the quote by Robert Ringer on writer’s block:

“What separates professional writers from amateurs is that they take action and start putting words on the computer regardless of whether or not they are motivated. In my experience, after I force myself to start writing, a seamless transition takes place and I become motivated.”

This same quote can be applied to other areas in life too. Motivation comes from action.
Phil

Jun 27 08, 10:54 am PDT

34
Very well written article, and I agree, sometimes you’ve gotta just put the first thing that comes to mind down on paper and get the juices flowing. A friend of mine got me into implementing a lot of these same routines you mention, and it’s really helped me with my songwriting and even blogging. Again, great article.
Eugene Williams | Power of Motivation BLOG

Jun 27 08, 1:26 pm PDT

35
Excellent post Tina!

I agree with you that through practice and observation, we can get rid of writers’ block.

Obviously, in the end Creativity matters.
Sangesh

Jun 27 08, 9:22 pm PDT

36
What a great article. Thanks for sharing!
Dhane Diesil

Jun 29 08, 12:02 am PDT

37
WOW!

What a great article. Having a notebook handy–at all times–is definitely a must have.
Nathalie Lussier

Jun 29 08, 7:57 am PDT

38
Much needed, at times while writing, I feel stuck up because of “mental blocks” you mentioned. These tips will certainly help..
Brian Monahan

Jun 29 08, 4:27 pm PDT

39
Awesome post. We all get blocked at times. The notebook is a requirement for great writing. Otherwise you will miss your greatest ideas.

Brian
speakindoodles

Jun 29 08, 6:09 pm PDT

40
I loved that book you mentioned. Drawing on the Right side of the brain. These are useful tips. I’ll use it for my cartoons at my blog.
Kallie Erasmus

Jun 30 08, 2:11 am PDT

41
Hi!

Great post as we’ve become used to.

A little Crazy Wisdom to help:

Kinky Friedman once wrote that “The unaimed arrow never misses”.

When the muse disappears I find it helps to just trust the universe and start writing. I usually end up where I would never have gone otherwise … and more often than not surprise even myself with where I find the answers.
Jonathan Butterworth

Jun 30 08, 11:22 am PDT

42
Tina-

I just stumbled upon you blog today and really enjoy it.

Great article - Very inspiring!

I have always wanted to try my hand at writing, but feel I am not very good at it. You have encouraged me to just do it.

Thanks!
Mama Bear

Jul 01 08, 1:02 am PDT

43
Thanks for this. Bookmarked!
Raymond Chua

Jul 01 08, 7:07 am PDT

44
I always keep a notebook with me to “save” my ideas whenever it comes to me.

When I have writer’s block. I’ll just open that notebook and there it is. I’ll have more than enough ideas to start with.

Besides, I use the meditation technique too and it’s powerful.
Marie

Jul 01 08, 1:07 pm PDT

45
As always a wonderful, helpful, insightful article! Thanks!
Alison Wiley

Jul 01 08, 3:37 pm PDT

46
Good stuff. Another thing that works for me when I fall into the blocked victim-trap of “Too busy, don’t have enough time, ain’t it awful” is the time-life-management technique described in this article of mine http://www.diamondcutlife.org/the-inconvenient-truth-of-the-168-hour-week/
Lana

Jul 03 08, 8:33 pm PDT

47
Very good and timely article. Thank you.
As for the notebook, during the day I prefer a small, very light digital recorder, because my thoughts are much faster, than my typing. There are also cell phones with an option of recording, or if you got inspired by something you see, take a picture of it with your cell phone.
I also keep a small gadget LED flashlight and a notebook with a pen on my nightstand. This way a little circle of light doesn’t wake up anybody and is enough for me to see and write, if I need it in the middle of the night.
Cath Lawson

Jul 06 08, 8:12 am PDT

48
Hi Tina - These are really useful tips. When I’m stuck, I also find it useful to start somewhere in the middle, rather than at the beginning.

Are you still in India? How is it going?
ThaiMed

Jul 20 08, 12:15 am PDT

49
Some useful advice here……….nice article, thanks.
Tom Stine | Spiritual Life Coach

Aug 03 08, 12:26 pm PDT

50
I need this one today! I had read it before, but I was looking through my feedreader for some tips on juicing up the writing. I wasn’t feeling a block, just a drop on enthusiasm. So, I gave this one a re-read, and now I’m going to sit down with a notebook and just write. Yep, pen and paper. I want to spit out some thoughts without this screen staring at me.

At any rate, great post, Tina. I’m gonna bookmark it for future reference. :-)
Zoey Jordan

Aug 13 08, 9:19 am PDT

51
Aye Carumba! What a fantastic and timely post! I’m staring down 13 blogs I’ve to complete today and talk about feeling creatively barren! Thanks for the helpful tips and concepts I hadn’t yet embraced. I’ll be back to read more!
Thanks for sharing,
Zoey
J.D. Meier

Aug 22 08, 6:15 pm PDT

52
I like the distinction between thinking and doing. I think it’s important to start with your writer hat, before you put your editor hat on.
Will is GALVANIZD

Oct 02 08, 6:49 am PDT

53
Just when I was in a rut when it came to my writing… I just finished reading your article.. thanks Tina!

You have helped me open the floodgates to my creative writing! =D

- Will
Kurt

Oct 31 08, 8:42 pm PDT

54
I’ve found that it’s easy to get in touch with my creative side by sitting still and listening to my surroundings. Then, when all is quiet and I’m just listening; that’s when ideas come to me.
Nicholas Powiull

Nov 02 08, 10:01 am PST

55
The easiest way I found to be creative is to look at things without having a precognition about it. No limited expectations/ beliefs /perspectives/ or thoughts about anything. You can learn how to see things for the first time.

The way to do this (and find a creative angel on anything), is to look at something until that something starts not looking right. Something will seem odd about it: the light, the texture, the feeling, etc… it will start seeming sur-real. It takes about 20 minutes of completely staring at something without caressing your habitual thoughts about it.

The reason this works is because life is viewed, observed, and experienced through the filters of: beliefs, expectations, perspectives, and personal truths; which all make up your experience of things. When you do this exercise, your look beyond the illusion that the filters hold in place for you.

The creative angle, no matter what it might be or what object your staring at: will give you a insight that can be measured and put to use in other areas of your life.

For example, if you do this exercise with a rock, the feeling that you get (when you bypass your filters), might be put into words like: “I notice the similarities and differences this rock has, compared to me.”
Then you use that knowledge and apply it in everything you see. You will start to advance the way you look at things, you will notice a lot more within everything. You will compare, analyze, and grow in different way just be noticing similarities and differences in everything.

And that is just an example, imagine what could happen if you actually do the exercise ;)

Thank you Tina, for being such a creative individual!

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Connect with Your Creative Writer

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