Almost every author knows the universal struggle - you want to write something, you may already have the idea, but you cannot figure out how to get it from your mind to the great wide world. There's never been a foolproof way to get the creative juices flowing and create a piece of writing, but there are some simple strategies to hopefully get you started.
1. Get a cup of tea
Tea is a versatile and wonderful beverage. It can be served hot or cold, sweet or bitter, and there are countless varieties to choose from. Even making it can be soothing and a short distraction. Try getting up, picking your favourite mug, and making a nice cup of tea. Take it with you to write, or sit and think while you drink it.
2. Go outside
The great outdoors have always inspired people. The fresh air gets your mind working and increases your energy, according to The Huffington Post. If you're stuck on what to write about, nature can also be a great inspiration to turn to. Get outside and find something cool out there to get you going! Write a poem about the tree outside your house. Start your novel from the perspective of a lizard or a bumblebee. Think about how that one chapter would be changed if they were on top of a mountain instead.
Nature is great at showing the story of those who have come before us. Alas, bushes and raccoons can't write this story. Maybe you could.
3. Write something else
It doesn't have to be what you were planning on writing. There's time for that later. Take some time while you're stuck and write something else. Finish up another project you've been working on. Write a little bit of fanfiction for your favourite book series - yes, that does count as real writing. There are lots of writing prompts on Tumblr (here's a few) and other websites. Don't want to work on something long? Try a haiku or six word story. There's always a chance that you could come up with the missing piece for what you've wanted to be writing!
4. Talk about what you want to write
Hearing others get enthusiastic about your project could work up some of your own enthusiasm to work on your project. Plus, if you've painted yourself in a corner and don't know what to write next, talking it out (with a friend or by yourself) could help detangle the literary mess.
6. Run around
Exercise, such as running, has several physical health benefits. According to this article, it can also make you smarter! It's an easy way to get up and get a change of scenery, which can be one of the most helpful things when you're trying to write.
7. Stretch
If you don't have the time, energy, etc. to go for a run, even getting up and stretching can be helpful. Sitting at a computer fir a very long time can't be good for your posture, and you can get wrist cramps from typing for so long. Yoga is good for the body and soul, so even five minutes can be helpful just as a break.
8. Draw a little bit
Drawing and doodling are fun ways to get some ideas out without having to actually do too much work. It's a great way to tap into your wonderful creative brain so that when you finally sit down and write, you've got your right brain ready to get to work.
9. Switch things up
Do you usually write on a computer? Take some paper and pen and go write on that instead! If you normally write nonfiction, try out a super creative, no-facts-allowed story. Perhaps you're a poet - switch briefly to prose. There's nothing that can go wrong with a small change. You could discover a talent you didn't know you possessed, or maybe it'll just make you more relieved to return to your usual worm.
10. Eat a light snack
Preferably something healthy! Just getting an apple (or "nature's toothbrush," as my mum calls it) could possibly help you realise that you did need a snack break. Plus, if you're already up, now is a great time to do anything else that needs done.
11. Play with your dog
Dogs are wonderful and therapeutic. Dogs don't care if your writing is done or not. Dogs are just happy furballs that love you unconditionally. If you don't have a dog, go pet your cat. Your cat doesn't care if your writing is incomplete (to be fair, your cat doesn't care about anything).
12. Read
Similar to the saying "if you cannot do, teach," I believe that if you cannot write, read! Reading is wonderful, and that's what you hope people will be doing with your writing. Reading can be inspirational. If you're really stuck, maybe picking up a good book could at least inspire a small fanfiction.
13. Just write!
Writing is an extension of the soul. It can't be done right or wrong; even basic grammar rules can be avoided if you're writing poetry or have "author's purpose" for doing it! People might judge your writing, but they're wrong and rude if they do so. All writing is good, some is simply better than others.
Go out there and write something! You can do it! I believe in you!
