5 Simple Tips for Writing When You Don’t Know What to Write
What should I do if I don’t have any inspiration or ideas to write on? This is one of the most asked questions for beginner writers like myself. And I looked up to the great writers, what they did. And I found these are some of the things that those big guys do-
1. Freewriting: The seemingly simple act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and letting your thoughts flow freely might appear not that productive. Yet, famous writers like William Butler Yeats and Neil Gaiman advocate for freewriting. Freewriting means just writing down what comes into your mind — intrusive thoughts, what you did, or even a grocery list. The beauty of freewriting lies in its lack of judgment. There are no red pens, no grammar rules, no expectations. So, aim for 5–10 minutes, but adjust based on your comfort level. Then check the ideas you found in those sessions after a few days. Even if you haven’t found anything (that’s almost impossible) consistency is key.
2. Changing Your Writing Environment: Sometimes, your writing space becomes a well-worn path for you; comfortable, yes, but perhaps a bit too easy to predict. The same scenery may hinder your imagination and ideas. That is why Ernest Hemingway said -
“It was easier to think if I was walking and doing something or seeing people doing something that they understood.”
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast
But also, changing your environment isn’t just about physical location. It can be as simple as rearranging your furniture or changing the genre of music you listen to. Don’t be reluctant to try new things and experiment. You never know what might trigger your next big idea.
3. Read, Read, Read: Margaret Atwood, the writer of “The Handmaid’s Tale,” famously credits her insatiable reading habit. Just as she learned from the likes of T.S. Eliot and Sylvia Plath, so can you take inspiration from the great writer you choose to follow. Don’t just passively consume the words. Think and imagine. Imagine the character as you. Don’t just observe the character as a third party. If you think of anything write it down immediately. Cause, you may forget it after a minute.
4. Limit Distractions: For writers, the ability to carve out distraction-free zones is crucial. You need a place where you can just hear your thoughts. If you don’t hear your voice then you are on the path of becoming a machine.
“My imagination functions much better when I don’t have to speak to people.”
― Patricia Highsmith
Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged by occasional lapses. Each time you reclaim your focus, you strengthen your creative muscles and forge a path toward unhindered writing. Use apps and tools to block distracting websites and schedule focused writing sessions. But also remember, the key is to find strategies that work for you.
5. Challenge Yourself with Creative Prompts: Writing prompts are a great way to improve your writing skills and creativity. Writing prompts do not give you a topic to write on. It gives you direction.By offering a fixed starting point, prompts give writers a place to start. But also, Don’t judge or overthink the prompt. Let it take you wherever it wants to go, even if it seems nonsensical at first. In the initial stage, resist the urge to edit or polish. Let the words flow freely, capturing the raw essence of the prompt’s inspiration. Collect prompts that resonate with you, creating a library of inspiration for future writing sessions.
Remember, finding your voice and conquering writer’s block takes time and practice. Experiment with these tips, discover what really boosts your creativity, and most importantly, never stop writing. Just write whatever you can.
