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Our Favourite Tried and Tested
Creative Writing Tips
Here are some creative writing tips that we’ve tried and tested over the years in an attempt to kick-start the part of our brains that generates the ideas.
So you've decided to
write a novel for children
but have you ever sat in front of your keyboard waiting in vain for inspiration wondering what is creative writing anyway? Most writers, both aspiring and published, have experienced this feeling and so have we.
What can you do to overcome it and get your creativity flowing once again? If reading a few
inspiring writing quotes
just won't cut the mustard you could try the following:
1. Go for a walk
I really enjoy this creative writing tip! It's great if you live somewhere peaceful such as in the country or by the sea as these are excellent places to clear your head and make room for all those creative thoughts that you want to encourage. As the Dawson’s Creek character Jen Lindley says “spend a lot of time at the ocean, because the ocean forces you to dream.” I really think that's so true.
2. Listen to some music
Music can really change your mood can’t it? Best-selling author, Stephen King plays in a band and Stephenie Meyer of the Twilight saga says she can’t write without listening to music. She even put together a list of songs which are her soundtrack for Twilight. We all know how many books Stephen King’s written and how many books Stephenie Meyer’s sold so load up your iPod or pick up an instrument.
3. Read a book or a poem
When I’m really stuck I step away from the keyboard and pick up a volume of poetry or whatever book I’m part way through and spend half an hour just reading. It doesn't matter what genre of creative writing topic you're working on. They definitely don't have to be the same. This can just help to get you into the right creative head space to write.
4. Read over what you’ve already written
This is a well known tip that I find works 99% of the time. If you don’t know where to start, read over what you wrote the day before. And before you know it new ideas will start flying in to your head.
5. Punch the keys for God's sake!
In the film Finding Forrester, Sean Connery’s character William Forrester gives his protégé the following creative writing tip: try typing a line from another book. He says, “Sometimes the simple rhythm of typing gets us from page one to page two. When you begin to feel your own words, start typing them.”
This is one of my favourite creative writing tips and a great exercise to get the words flowing! Exercise some caution though. You don't want another writer's words to find their way into your finished manuscript.
6. Creative writing games
You could also have a go at playing some creative writing games. There's one I like to play at the supermarket that I find gets the imagination going. When you're standing in the queue waiting to pay have a look around you at all the other people at the tills. Pick one and come up with a name for him, an occupation, a personality and think about where he's going after this etc. The more outrageous the better. As well as sparking your creativity this game can help you come up with some
good creative writing ideas
as well.
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