All writers hit a rough patch every now and then—times when our creativity feels drained or dormant or even nonexistent. There’s a reason behind the stereotype of the sulking artist who can’t create because their “muse” has deserted them.
Fortunately, we don’t have to accept that stereotype. When we’re having trouble focusing on our work, coming up with new ideas, or tapping into our passion for writing, we can be proactive. We can intentionally engage in activities that will awaken our senses and fill our minds and souls with fresh experiences and perspectives. To get you started, here are ten ways to recharge and wake up your creativity.
Try writing prompts. If you're having a hard time getting into your character's head or you're feeling stuck in your story, do some freewriting guided by a prompt. Even if the prompt doesn't really have anything to do with your story, you might find your brain bringing you back to your story in a way that helps you see the next step to take.
Read books—both in and outside your genre. When we spend too much time locked inside our own heads, we forget about the other exciting and inspiring things that other writers are creating with their words. Pick up some new books from the library or volunteer to beta read for another writer. Read books similar to yours, but also branch out and read things that are completely different.
Write something completely different. Maybe your creativity has stalled because you’ve been writing the same thing for too long. Try something completely new: poetry, flash fiction, creative nonfiction, short stories. Even journaling might put you in touch with your creativity again.
Try a different kind of creativity. Draw. Dance. Crochet. Bake. Make music. Paint some pottery. Do a diamond painting. Be creative in a way that is completely separate from writing.
Learn something new. Get on YouTube and learn about something completely random. Watch a few documentaries. Browse the nonfiction section of your library. Learn about a different culture. Start learning a new language.
Talk to someone new. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a long time. Find a fellow writer to connect with on social media. Ask to interview someone who works in an industry you’ve always been curious about. Talk to the barista who hands you your coffee. Strike up a conversation with a new neighbor, a seatmate on public transit, or a fellow client in a waiting room.
Visit new places. Eat at restaurants you haven’t tried before. Visit an art exhibit, museum, or tourist attraction you haven’t tried. If circumstances permit, take a trip to a place you’ve never visited before.
Spend time outside. Take a hike or work in your garden. Watch a sunset or sunrise. Visit a botanical garden or state park. Go camping. Being outside has a way of opening up the heart and mind.
Meditate. Make time to be fully in the moment and reconnect with your deepest self.
Get extra sleep. Maybe your creative energy is drained because your physical energy is drained. Try going to sleep early or taking cat naps during the day.
Do something just for fun. Go ice skating or swimming or to an amusement park. Have a game night or movie party with friends. Binge your favorite TV show. Watch comedy sketches on YouTube. Go to the movies. Go bowling or dancing. Let loose and play!
The next time you’re feeling stuck and uninspired, try out a few of these activities. Before long, your creative batteries will be recharged and you’ll be writing again!
Happy writing!