As someone, probably Gustav Flaubert, said, writing is an art. But it is also a great challenge. Whether you’re an aspiring novelist, a seasoned journalist, or a passionate blogger, you’ve likely faced the dreaded “writer’s block” at some point.
On some days, the words flow effortlessly, while on others, even the simplest sentence seems impossible. If writing is something you take seriously—or plan to pursue as a career—developing strategies to find inspiration becomes essential.
Thankfully, creativity doesn’t always have to strike like lightning. There are ways to encourage inspiration and make writing a more consistent and enjoyable process.
Here are ten tried-and-true strategies for getting inspiration to write to help you find your voice and ignite that creative spark.
1. Read as Much as Possible
Reading is the lifeblood of a writer’s creativity. By immersing yourself in diverse works, you fuel your imagination and unlock new ideas.
Why Reading Works:
- Exposes you to various styles: Reading different authors helps you learn sentence structures, tones, and styles that you can incorporate into your own writing.
- Inspires new ideas: Different genres, formats, and topics push you beyond your comfort zone, sparking creativity in ways you never expected.
Action Steps:
- Diversify your reading: If you’re a fan of fiction, try reading a biography or historical non-fiction.
- Set aside time to read daily: I think even 20 minutes of reading each day can help you stay connected to new ideas. However, famous author suggests that writers should aim to read around 70–80 books annually.
2. Change Your Environment
Your writing environment plays a crucial role in how creative you feel. If you’re always writing at the same desk, in the same room, day after day, it’s no wonder you hit a creative wall.
How Environment Affects Creativity:
- A cluttered or repetitive space can stifle your imagination.
- A new, stimulating location encourages fresh thinking and new perspectives.
Action Steps:
- Write somewhere new: Try a café, a park, or even a different room in your house.
- Modify your workspace: Set up your home office, add plants, adjust lighting, or rearrange your desk. Even switching from a pen to a keyboard or a pen tablet can change how you feel about writing.
Pro Tip: Many writers find natural light boosts productivity and creativity. Consider moving near a window or adding soft lighting to your space.
3. Start with a Prompt or Writing Exercise
When you don’t know where to start, using a writing prompt can remove the pressure of coming up with ideas from scratch.
Benefits of Prompts:
- Prompts provide a starting point for your imagination.
- They often challenge you to think in ways you wouldn’t have on your own.
Example Prompts:
- “Describe a city at midnight, but make it feel…
