In my online writing group, we huddle together (virtually) every day to write for 15 minutes. The only rules are to keep writing for 15 minutes.
A range of writing and responses come from the group. Many of us are disappointed that our writing still feels like journaling. We use this time to process what’s happening in our lives, to release and understand the stories we’re living.
We’re frustrated that the writing is just showing us our same old stories and not revealing anything new, exciting and sparkly. Where’s our creative genius?
It can take time and effort to shift from journal writing to ‘creative’ writing where stories and lyrical writing fill your pages.
To advance toward more ‘creative’ writing, try these approaches.
- Connect with a prompt generator like The Devoted Writer.
- Write in the third person.
- Write in the third person about someone of the opposite gender.
- Write a letter from someone else.
- Do physical exercise right before writing: a brisk walk, a bike ride, a swim, a yoga inversion, anything to get your blood pumping and refresh your mind.
- Invite surprise. Write from curiosity rather than knowledge.
- If you get stuck, refresh the writing with this prompt: what I really want to say…
Remember the elements of story or poetry and be sure to include them in your free writing. Play with:
- setting
- conflict
- sensory description
- telling details
The more specific you can be, writing about a scene with specificity, the more imaginative the writing can be. Even if you’re simply practicing by writing about the scene around you, you’ll guide your thinking toward creative writing.
If you find yourself still in journaling mode, be sure to include that in your writing routine. Make time for journaling and for creative writing, since both types of writing serve you.
Two of my favorite books for generating creative writing:
Room to Write by Bonni Goldberg
A Writer’s Book of Days by Judy Reeves
What helps you be more creative in your writing? Share your tips in a comment below.
Cynthia, you inspire me to be a writer. Being a visual artist first, however, makes me wish sometimes there was a art/painting coach that has a similar voice as yours. You are a rare gem.
Not just writing that…I do read an awful lot of blogs, email newsletters, etc. There is a LOT of junk. Most junk specializes in “how-to” instead of pushing to create. There is a place for “how-to,” but enjoy how you suggest, nudge, and guide writers into finding their own way within a small set of guidelines.
I will have to ponder how to adapt this blog post to painting/drawing….
Angie,
Your comments mean a lot to me. Thank you for taking the time to share in such an articulate and generous way, how my work impacts you! I work hard to write things that will be of use, so it’s always helpful to know when I’ve hit my mark!
How to adapt this to painting/drawing – use a structure or focus. Such as drawing daily. Or, focusing on a specific element of the craft. For instance, I’m working on drawing people, their faces and hands. This is a creative edge for me, and it’s not easy. Look for the edge with your painting – size of canvas, kind of paint, subject matter…a series can also help. See if any of those resonate.
Thanks again for reading and commenting!
I use my camera and sketchbook images a lot to generate ideas and reminders about inspirations for writing. I also add snippets from letters, quotes, horoscopes – even song lyrics to my writing.Just select a piece of your clothing wardrobe and trace it back to how it was first acquired, it is fascinating to see how many things and events in our lives distill back to a few key people. Inspiration is all around! Great post.
DJ,
I love what you’re up to here – a real blend of image, story, anecdotes and projections – perfect mix for fun stories!
Thanks for sharing your wacky creative world with us.
Great post about an issue I have noticed when doing the free write fling. I definately leave room for journaling before a free write–otherwise the thoughts/feelings/images that need to be expresssed just creep right in. (In the fling–sometimes I let them, but generally I do aspire to do something different.)
A fun way to get a prompt is from paint chips at the hardware store–the names of the colors can be so evocative!
Another idea to spark stories is to write down the stories you always tell other people–actually capture in prose “The time when….” or all you can remember of a story your parents or grandparents tell.
Katherine,
I love the paint chip idea! I always wonder how they get those names. I think naming colors is a great left/right brain exercise.
It’s also a great idea to capture your recurring stories. Those are ones you might use in your About page, or in speaking gigs…your signature stories are always on the tip of your tongue.
Thanks for sharing your fun ideas! Keep writing!