Tips for aspiring writers: what to do if there is no inspiration

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

If you dream of writing a novel in three parts, and you have before you a completely empty sheet of paper for a day, you need to pull yourself together and get down to business. Here are some simple guidelines from Matthew Trinetti, who writes for the Huffington Post, Business Insider and other publications, and also runs his own blog GiveLiveExplore.

This is how you write: just sit down and start writing. But how you do not write: languish in anticipation until the right mood appears and you are completely ready, the whole story will take shape in your head and become overgrown with details, and only then you sit down and just start writing.

But there are difficult days when you try to write and realize that there is essentially nothing to say to you. What if nothing works? Will the pages remain blank? At times like these, think of simple ways to get creative in yourself.

1. Answer the question

Any burning question that comes to mind? Does he care about other people? Help them figure it out. Help yourself figure it out. It doesn't matter what the question is, just pick one. Even if you don’t know how to answer it, in the process you will be able to get closer to a solution.

Writing is research. You start from scratch and learn while you write. Edgar Lawrence Doctorow American writer

2. Write to one person

Stephen King advises writing for your ideal reader. By targeting everyone, you will not hit anyone. You won't be able to concentrate like a puppy in the rain of tennis balls. It is hardly a coincidence that the books that have come down to us from the depths of history are often letters to one person: "Letters to a Young Poet" by Rilke, "Moral Letters to Lucilius" by Seneca, "To Myself" by Marcus Aurelius. If you're having a hard time getting started, open your email and compose a new message. Enter one person in the "To" field. And start writing.

3. Don't be afraid of bad rough sketches

Thanks for this great advice Anne Lamott. When you first start writing, the first results can be disgusting. Luckily, you are a writer and most of your job is polishing and polishing text. You might end up with something really good. Either way, editing is always needed, and you can edit anything. But first, let this "whatever" come out.

4. Grab onto inspiration when it comes up unexpectedly

Trust your intuition. Sometimes inspiration strikes out of the blue. When this happens, grab it and hold it with all your might. And only then see what you caught. Almost every lucky find you can catch on starts with a light fleeting whisper. Concentrate and listen.

5. Don't wait for inspiration while sitting around

It is a trap! William Faulkner once answered the question whether he writes by inspiration or by schedule: “Well, of course, I write by inspiration. Fortunately, it comes every morning at quarter past nine. Do your thing, even if you don't feel enthusiastic. Oddly enough, this is the fastest way to find inspiration.

6. Turn inside out

You are human, so your thoughts will surely seem close to other people. Write about what hurts you personally. And in your feelings the other person will surely find something familiar.

7. Take the reader on a trip

The reader wants to travel to a new location. The reader wants a conflict. The reader wants the conflict to be resolved. The reader wants to know what will happen at the end. The reader wants a story. Tie it all together and give it to him.

8. Remember the analogy about night headlights

Another great tip from Doctorow: “It's like driving at night. You will never see beyond the light of your headlights, but this way you will be able to drive all the way. Sounds intimidating, but just start writing.

9. Beware of your inner voice

I can advise you not to listen to the inner voice that says that nothing will work out, you are not a writer and you should not even start. But it is difficult to ignore it, one might even say impossible. So just remember about it.

The inner voice should remain in the background, like the ticking of a clock in your room.

Pretend not to hear him, object to him, laugh at him. And finish the damn phrase while he leaves you alone for a while. Your life will change depending on whether you listen to this voice or not. We hope you choose the second option and write.