6 Ideas for Fresh, Inventive Writing

Take your brain out for a ride to yield amazing results

It was one of those days — again.

I was stuck, my fingers locked in float mode above the computer keys without an inkling of a concept. I couldn’t even find a reason to write about not writing. My brain was empty, a vacuum. And it was quickly affecting my attitude with equal doses of lethargy and frustration.

So I did what I usually do when battling the dreaded block. I let out a heavy sigh and stepped away from the computer.

Grabbing a water bottle, I convinced my husband we should take a break.

Maybe going for a walk or a little light exercise might provide the distraction I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. Driving to our local gym, we parked in the lot and decided to sit in the car for a while to listen to a podcast. With my computer in my lap, I nibbled on trail mix and watched traffic go by, waiting for a disconnect from the I-can’t-think-of-a-thing-to-write-about anxiety that was holding me on edge.

But after 20 minutes, I had nothing.

Nada, zip, no one home. Only virtual swirls of smoke obscuring a blank screen. And in the background, the sound of muted laughter — my muse reminding me that even inspiration occasionally takes a day off.

I needed another source of input, something to kick-start the creative corner of my brain.

Snatching the gym bag from the back seat, we headed inside. Adjusting to the sudden assault of bright lights and mirrors was easy. But the volume level of the music seemed to be set for overriding the earbuds everyone was wearing.

I stashed our gear in a locker and headed for the lightly used aerobics room to stretch my muscles. I hoped the foam earplugs I’d brought would provide enough protection to prevent any potential hearing loss.

That day in the gym, I discovered an interesting methodology for re-activating my stalled inspiration to write.

It worked for me, and the process may hold some promise for you. From that exercise session — which turned out to last well over an hour — I developed a few new rules to keep me on track and offer a necessary mental escape to overcome the unwelcome lack of motivation to pen a single word.

1. If Your Brain Has You Stumped, Give It a Break, and Get Your Body Moving

The connection between the two is undeniable.

Whether you head to a gym, walk the dog, take a hike, or go on a picnic, you need a change of scenery to help see the world from other viewpoints and perspectives.

2. If the Only Input You’re Receiving Is Cerebral, Your Thoughts Can Start Playing Ping-Pong With Your Creativity

Personally, I work best when focus and interest are locked-stepped in equal proportion.

If you find yourself staring at a blank page, chances are you haven’t given your mind enough stimuli to develop a well-written piece of work.

By introducing a new activity — including a different view, sound source, and physical influences — your frozen state of mind will eventually thaw, allowing questions and curiosities to emerge.

Turn on your favorite music and dance around the room, or grind up some coffee beans and inhale the rich aroma — or better yet, ask your partner if they’re in a playful mood.

3. Stirring the Mental and Emotional Pot Is the Main Reason We Must Periodically Relinquish the Writing Chair

Changing our thinking pattern with outside diversions generates subliminal rumblings — the kind that triggers the brain to begin working in the background.

Although we’re not aware of it, our mind will subconsciously activate its natural tendency to resolve questions, issues, and concerns by responding with fresh thoughts and ideas.

4. Wherever You Go — Whatever You Do — Keep a Pad and Pen or Recording Device With You

Once your brain begins to shift back into imagination mode, the fog will lift and some pretty interesting stuff will start streaming through.

Sometimes the rush of ideas is impossible to hold back, and racing around looking for paper and pen is not only counterproductive, but it’s also frustrating. So be prepared to make the most of what comes from the process.

5. You May Find One Idea or Subject Sparks Another

Taking notes in the form of keywords can help you keep up.

Use short phrases, word association, and memory pegs to retain as many details as possible. You can also make a list of headlines, take-aways, or emotional breakthroughs to help streamline your notes into a cohesive story.

For example, I dictated this article into my phone between a series of stretches — despite the stares, strange looks, cranked-up music, and a constant parade of sweaty bodies.

At the time, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out — even considering that it may end up in the trash-to-be-burned-later file. But as I recorded the last sentence, I was filled with renewed energy — and I was ready to write. And all the way home, I continued expanding my scribblings into additional concepts and ideas to explore.

6. Trust in Your Support Systems — Wherever They Come From

Finally, I realized there were a few key components that evolved organically, bringing my strategy full circle. Your own method may materialize in a similar manner.

Personally, I’m crediting this piece to my phone’s note-taking app (translating my voice with 85% accuracy), my overly-patient husband who kept intruders at bay between sets, and the bulky, muscled guy on the bench press who motivated me more than I’m willing to admit — and who shall remain nameless, at least for the moment.