Finding inspiration for writing can be EXTREMELY difficult sometimes, and I can attest to that personally. I haven't had the proper inspiration to write anything at all for a good eight months, and it's starting to wear on me. When I'm not writing, I feel like there's a hole in my chest, something missing, something that's not right. So join me on this question to eradicate the root of this lack of inspiration.
Inspiration, as surprising as this might seem, isn't as hard to find as we think it is. For example, it can simply be - forgive this terrible cliche - found in the beauty of a sunrise/sunset, or in the threadbare carpet with fading designs someone took the time to create that has been laying on your kitchen floor for decades. It can be found in the most common of places. I feel like sometimes, though, we expect inspiration to be in the larger things, not mundane, every day occurrences. I feel that a lot of times we wait - or procrastinate - for that source of inspiration to do anything. In my case, I like to diagnose it as being lazy.
Lazy.
Yes, that's right... I said it.
Lazy.
What many of us call "lack of inspiration", is, in all actuality, a case of the lazies. It's quite easy and hard at the same time to cure it, but it sadly will never completely go away. However, it can be pushed away in the dark, cobwebbed and dusty closet part of your brain that is mostly forgotten.
Okay... Here's the secret... The cure... What we've all been waiting for...
Drumroll please
*drum rolls quite dramatically*
It's called writing.
*gasp*
I know... Shocking, right?
Here's what you do: you take a pair of headphones, the closest device that plays music, your preferred form of something to write on or with, and a darn good cup of tea or coffee. Turn the internet off, plug your headphones in, turn on any preferred music playlist, stare at your screen or wad of paper, and spout out the first idea that comes to you. Yes, it's that simple. And yes, it's that hard.
Here are some tips and strategies that seem to "cure" the writing lazies for me, if only for a little while.
1) Disconnect from wifi
I know, this is a difficult one, but it works quite well. Personally, most of my distractions come from the internet. Even when I'm on pinterest, claiming that I need this board up for character inspiration *eye roll*, it almost always turns into a HUGE distraction. I go on a tangent of related pins and next thing I know I'm researching the cost of plane tickets to Antartica to save penguins. My antidote: don't use the internet.
2) Listening to inspirational playlists while writing
Yes, music. It fills the listener with emotion. The composer toys with you as they take you on a ride filled with tears, grins, melancholy, etc. (If you are interested in any new, inspiring writing music, feel free to ask me because I have more than enough suggestions to give to last three lifetimes.)
3) If listening to music, keep it on a single playlist
If I'm listening to music while I'm writing (which I always am) and the music is not on a queued playlist, I am most definitely going to get distracted changing and searching and switching songs. I find keeping my listening music on one playlist that I have specifically made for the genre I'm attempting to write or just any old playlist I don't mind, it helps a lot in diminishing many distractions. Don't switch from one playlist to another. Keep it on one.
4) Devote small amounts of time strictly to writing every day
I know this seems obvious, but really, it's very most important. If you're anything like me, you find it extremely hard to find time to write. There is just not enough time in the day to do everything; school, work, etc. However, if you just simply devoted even ten minutes of writing a day, I promise your time will grow, as will your inspiration and your word count.
5) Create a writing nook for yourself
Not only should there be devoted amounts of time to writing, but there should also be a sacred place where you put your pen to your paper. It gives a secure, comforting atmosphere that puts you in the writing spirit, so to speak.
I have many more tips, but these five that I have chosen are the most important to me and aiding me in the quest to rid the lazies! I sincerely hope that these help you and your never-ending journey to record the written word.
~Angelina
P.S.
PST... check out my new blog that I PROMISE to keep updated! It's more simple and easier on the eye. ;) Addicted to Pink
