If you’re a writer, then you’ve faced this question before: “Where do you get your ideas?” Well, the idea part is easy. They pop up all the time. Ideas are like atoms, easy to discover and there are only so many to choose from. It’s how you combine these ideas that matters. Creativity is chemistry, constantly rehashing the same core concepts to create something new.
Category: Creative Process
What methods do you use to create, write, or draw?
Attention Adventure: Achieve Mindfulness and Boost Your Creativity
I suck at meditation. I know it’s the best way to achieve mindfulness and calm my mind, but honestly every time I try it, I just get bored. My thoughts wander and soon I’m thinking about anything but my breathing. Then I stumbled upon Bill Keaggy’s Noticing Workout (he called it Attention Adventure when working with kids, and I like that title better). It’s a method to achieve mindfulness that won’t bore you to pieces. Plus it’s fun.
Worry Seeds? Coping with Anxiety in Writing
Sometimes I’m afraid to write the next new chapter. It’s like a seed of doubt growing inside my head. As an avoidance, I switch to revising. Like that will somehow dodge this fear. Yet this slows down my writing as a whole. Coping with anxiety in writing can be daunting.
Question Every Thought (Inner Peace with Stoicism)
In this whirlwind of a world, finding inner peace might seem like an adventure of its own. But fear not, the ancient wisdom of Stoicism can help. And you know what the secret sauce is? Question every thought!
Explore Character Roles to Improve Your Novel
When crafting a captivating novel, writers often employ an array of diverse characters. From the compelling protagonist to the formidable antagonist, and even the lesser-known deuteragonist, writers have a list of possible character types. Knowing what role each character serves will help you improve your novel.
Writing a Compelling Scene Part 2 (The Sequel)
Scenes are the beating heart of any gripping tale, captivating readers with their relentless action and unyielding tension. Yet we writers often neglect the aftermath. When the dust settles, it’s time for the sequel to shine — the final part to writing a compelling scene.
Boost Your Creativity with the Art of Wu Wei
In the pursuit of creativity, we often rush from one idea to another, fearing the dreaded void of boredom. However, according to the wisdom of Wu Wei, allowing yourself to experience moments of stillness and boredom can open up a portal to creative insights. So take a break from the constant bombardment of stimuli, let your mind wander, and boost your creativity by employing this ancient Chinese philosophy.
Niksen: Unleash the Power of Doing Nothing
In this hyperconnected, hyperproductive world, we often find ourselves caught in the clutches of endless to-do lists. But fear not, dear creatives, for Niksen offers a momentary escape. Niksen is a Dutch concept translating to “doing nothing”. We need to embrace the art of idleness! Take a break from the warp-speed of life and allow your mind to wander freely. Sit back, relax, and let the celestial winds of inspiration gently caress your weary soul.
Should You Keep Writing or Abandon Your Work?
In Aswan Egypt sits the world’s tallest stone obelisk, at a massive 137 feet in length. Pity that it’s laying down. After years or even decades of carving the monument from stone, the Egyptians abandoned the project. Why? Because a massive crack developed along the center. As writers, crafting a novel can feel like chiseling words out of stone. But if a fundamental flaw develops in your work, should you keep writing or should you abandon it all together? Here are three things to consider.
How to Come Up with that Really Great Idea
Why is it that when we hunker down to come up with a new idea, our minds suddenly empty of any interesting thought? As writers or artists, our basic job description is the come up with new and interesting things. It’s the definition of creativity. But how to come up with that really great idea? Sometimes, you have to trick your brain in to being creative.
