From Blocked to Brilliant: Tips for Keeping the Creative Spark Alive

It's no secret that the key to a successful writing career is creativity, but the creative process itself? Yikes.

Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, there are times when the ideas seem to dry up or you get caught in a rut, writing the same thing over and over or only when you feel "inspired." 

So what happens when your creativity starts to dwindle? 

Here are five tips to help you keep the creative spark alive and burning bright. 

1. Read, read, and read some more. 

Make time every day to read something, whether it’s a blog post, a book, or articles on your favorite website. The more you read, the more ideas you’ll have to fuel your own writing. (For me, this also applies to watching movies.)

2. Switch up your normal routine. 

If you always write at the same time of day, in the same place, try shaking things up a bit. Write in the morning instead of at night, or vice versa, or try a new location.

3. Take some time for yourself. 

When you're feeling blocked creatively, it can be helpful to take some time for yourself, even if it's just 10-15 minutes. Step away from your work and do something that relaxes you. This can help clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective.

4. Talk to other writers. 

When you're struggling with your writing, talking to other writers can be incredibly helpful. Many have been there before and can talk you through it.

5. Do your best to write every day. 

Even if it's just a few hundred words, getting into the habit of writing regularly will help keep those creative juices flowing.

It's not always easy to keep the creative spark alive, but the ideas are out there, and if you can keep the faith (and your eyes and mind open to the possibilities), who knows? 

The next idea that hits could be the one that catapults you to bestsellerdom. 

Be Brilliant!

~Katie~ 

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all my stateside friends (and anyone celebrating around the world): 

Book Recommendation: The Essential Books on Writing

We're moving into the holiday season, so I can already feel things both speeding up and slowing down simultaneously (doesn't really help that the future of Twitter hangs in the balance), but before I go on my holiday hiatus, I just wrapped up another writing reference guide that I think you'll appreciate.

My official review:

Whether you’re preparing to write your first masterpiece or churn out your next bestselling novel, The Essential Books on Writing boxed set by Bryn Donovan has everything you need to get started and more. This collection is jam-packed with ideas, and part of its appeal lies in the fact that it doesn’t need to be read from cover to cover. 5,000 Writing Prompts and Master Lists for Writers are reference guides that include super-creative story prompts and thoughtful, easy-to-navigate lists covering plots, words, names, and character quirks (among many others). 

In Blank Page to Final Draft, Donovan offers writing insights that are both practical and actionable. Selections that stand out include the advice on how to end a chapter, the questions to ask beta readers so they know what to look for, and how you can turn a character’s good quality into something negative.

Any writer at any stage can benefit from any of these books, but I think more seasoned writers will appreciate the plot and word lists while first-time novelists will appreciate Donovan’s approach to writing a book, which allows them to work at their own pace.

*I was gifted an ARC of this book to review, but this in no way swayed my opinion. For me, this Essential Books collection is an easy five stars—an exceptional resource for any writer in search of new ideas and inspiration for their next project and practical advice on how to get their story from their head to the page. 

If this is a resource you feel like you might benefit from, you can learn more here.

As always:

Be Brilliant!

~Katie~