Have you ever wanted to write something, but cannot seem to think of a good idea? Sitting at your desk for hours hoping that brilliant, Pulitzer Prize-winning concept comes to you. I used to struggle with "Writer's Block" but have developed a couple tricks that always help me break the creativity barrier.
Go on a walk
Going on a walk with the main intention of being observant and mindful can work wonders for "Writer's Block." The squirrel you just saw scurrying across the bridge can become your protagonist: a parent struggling to provide for their children. The squirrel could also symbolize the injustice between classes of society, how many people work long hours for low wages. Allow nature, the elements, and your surroundings to influence your creativity.
Eavesdrop
I know as children we were told to never do this, but I find it extremely helpful when starting my creative process. The key to artistically eavesdropping is to only catch bits and pieces of people's conversations. Write them down.
"She originally wanted her wedding to be in that trailer park where they met, but I advised against it."
"So, you moved from Indiana because of the her dog?"
I have gotten some insanely crazy ideas from listening to snippets of people's conversations. Though you have to be sneaky about it... (Disclaimer: If you are caught I'm not responsible.)
Art Museums
There are a plethora of stories that are being told through art, whether by sculpture, painting, performance, and more. I love going to art museums to gain some inspiration for my writing.
Willem De Kooning, Montauk I, 1969, Oil on canvas, 88 x 77 in., The Ella Gallup Sumner and Mary Catlin Sumner Collection Fund. Wadsworth Atheneum.
In my opinion, the best kind of art to get ideas from is abstract modern art. Most of these paintings or sculptures, at first glance, are a battle of colors and textures that the average man would argue means nothing. But I challenge you to discover what it means to you. Each color could represent a character, place in society, time period... There are endless possibilities.
Writing Prompts
Whenever I'm stuck and can't do the above three techniques to unlock the creative side of my brain, I turn to writing prompts. There are large lists of them online, some more helpful than others. I wrote my first short play based off the simple writing prompt:
"Meeting your college roommate for the first time."
Here are three writing prompt websites that I have found most helpful:
1. Writer's Digest Prompts
2. 365 Creative Writing Prompts
3. Creative Writing Prompts
Everyone has the capability to write something wonderful. I hope by using these techniques you have the luck of creating something worth sharing.
