I don't know about you, but I find myself writing all the time. Be it for Odyssey, a school assignment, or for pleasure, I need to write almost daily. However, my favorite times for writing are when I do it at my own accord. There's something therapeutic and satisfying about writing down our emotions through poetry or fiction, so when I've had a long day, it comes as quite a bummer when I sit down to vent or try and be creative and no words come to mind. It's especially frightening when my ability to write is contingent upon an impending assignment. Some of us simply do not have time for writer's block. Never fear, for I have compiled five easy ways to get your creative juices flowing which will result in at least the beginning of a project.

1. Word Vomit

This one is also sometimes referred to as "freewriting," but I like my term better. If you're stuck or if the words in your brain can't seem to formulate into anything sensible on paper. Pull out your laptop or get a notebook and start writing the first word that comes to mind. It could be inspired by objects around you, even. By the end, there should be a wad of jibberish that looks like it could be a poem in a Lewis Carol novel. Something like, paper, potatoes, flower pots, tigers, I have no idea what I'm doing, I could really go for a honey butter chicken biscuit, bank account, what's up, gee whiz. Pretty beautiful, huh?

2. Copying

Don't worry, I'm not encouraging you to plagiarize. Simply find a paragraph or page from your favorite book, or even a textbook, and copy down some of the sentences. Activating your hands to connect with your mind in terms of creating words, even though they are not your own, can warm up your brain to create your own. Don't believe me? Give it a try.

3. Pick a prompt

Any writer will tell you that sometimes we have to Google topics or ideas before we get started. Everybody feels creatively empty at times. There is nothing wrong with asking someone else for a writing idea; in fact, it's encouraged! Sticking to an outline or an idea will make it less daunting to begin. Sometimes, prompts are so inspiring that we want to continue to write about it beyond what was required.

Life is too short (and school is too demanding) for writer's block. Even the most creative literary geniuses have trouble focusing at times. Don't let the above exercises intimidate you; have fun with them! If you do have a great writing idea already, these tips can still be helpful in generating more or in getting your mind up and ready to express the ones you have. Happy writing!