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Writing coach Jessica Page Morrell offers the following tips to writers on getting - and keeping - inspired… Start small. Write about your past and things you feel passionate about. First write small bits just for fun. And remember IT IS fun. You need to pay attention WHEN your ideas come to you, then write them down. The more you pay attention, the more your ideas will flow. Practice a lot. Write only for yourself, stuff that you never show anyone. It allows you to find your voice, gain confidence, practice description, pay attention to detail. Keep a journal or an inspiration notebook. The idea is to carry a notebook around with you constantly. It doesn't matter WHAT you write about. It's so necessary because we all simply forget our great ideas and inspirations. Keeping a notebook is a great reminder that you're always a writer. Grab moments to write whenever you can. I review my notebooks on a regular basis - especially when I'm stuck in a line at the bank. Reading is a good routine. I go for walks or, believe it or not, do some housework to empty my head. Find a place to start. It doesn't matter what the subject is. Make sure you're not reading too much to avoid writing. Writers walk a fine line between learning and procrastinating. Find a routine. A creative routine as something that gives us energy and backbone. In our culture we have such negative connotations to routine because many of us struggle with so many roles in our lives. But creative routines are great. The mind/creative self NEEDS downtime. Being constantly busy and burned out is the death of creativity. The older I get, the more I've learned that the more I relax, the more I write. Remember that everyone has to start somewhere. Your first draft doesn't have to be good; it just has to be there. Write junk at first, everyone else does. You may find that a writing partner or critique group could help you. It helps to answer to someone. Writing partners are also helpful when you're brainstorming. It's good to have others around to bounce ideas off. Put writing first. Don't have it as your last priority. Schedule small blocks of time. Write in different places to inspire yourself. Hang out with other writers. Read writers' biographies and go and meet them in person. Write about things you care about. If you care, hurt, worry, etc, you'll be closer to the subject and the truth. Writing every day is hard for lots of us but write as often as you can. I write first thing in the morning for about two hours, then go for a walk. Sometimes late at night.
Think of making a collage. I have two collages right in front of my computer. They WORK! I find that making collages, doodling, playing in a notebook is very relaxing and inspirational. I believe in encouraging the little kid in myself. Develop an ear for dialogue by listening to everyone around you. Writing down interesting bits, jokes, people with ethnic or regional flavour. Dialogue of course is a condensed version of real speech - the high points. I encourage writers to eavesdrop on life, get it all down. Dialects are tough. Remember that a little goes a long way. Try for the FLAVOUR not the whole dialect. You could try tape-recording a few subjects so that you're clear on the authenticity. I've tried taping and it really works. Try to organise your work. I'm a huge advocate of keeping idea files. I clip constantly and read widely. I have lots of files. I make collages from images I collect - lots of photos, sayings, and pictures from magazines, etc. I have notebooks stashed everywhere. Remember that sometimes our family is not our best source of criticism. How about an online group? You have to give your work to people you trust. There are toxic critics out there - out to slam, not help. When you start critiquing each other's work, concentrate on the strengths before you delve into the weaknesses. I also believe in giving a lot of support. Ongoing inspiration comes from staying alive to all things and hanging out with people who are one level up from you, who have found some answers. It helps to affiliate with inspirational, positive types. Losing a little sleep in the morning won't kill you, but putting off your dreams diminishes your spirit. Mornings are so powerful. Don't waste them.
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