\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10803-Boosting-Creativity.html
Short Stories: June 09, 2021 Issue [#10803]




 This week: Boosting Creativity
  Edited by: Choconut Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

"Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on." - Louis L’Amour

"Start before you’re ready." - Steven Pressfield

"If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot." - Stephen King

"The greatest part of a writer’s time is spent in reading, in order to write. A man will turn over half a library to make a book." - Samuel Johnson

"You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page." - Jodi Picoult


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: 1542722411
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99


Letter from the editor

When sitting down to think of inspiration for this newsletter, it hit me: Why not write about inspiration? I find this the hardest part of writing a short story. I sometimes worry I have a lack of imagination, but that’s not true. Rather, I think most writers will have the same problems now and then. Some days, you just can’t think of a fantastically exciting character whose story you need to tell. Sometimes, you can’t figure out what your fantastically interesting character would do next. That’s okay. We all experience this.

There are ways to work around this, though, things we can do to give out brains a kickstart. Some of them are obvious; some of them might ignite that lightbulb in your heads. I really hope they are useful. I found them a huge help. I’ve put them in a list with explanations where necessary.

*Bulletv* Read, read, read. This is so important. Great writers read incessantly. It sparks ideas for our own stories.
*Bulletv* Write. Okay, I’m going for the obvious here. But, what I mean is, just write. Don’t even think about what you intend to write, just do it. Free write. Time yourself. It might help to give yourself ten minutes to write about a specific word. Like ice cream, for example. Just write anything and everything you can in those ten minutes. It will help to get your brain into writer mode.
*Bulletv* Eavesdrop. This is one of my favourites. Go to a busy place and listen to other people. Watch them, see how their body language works. You can imagine all kinds of stories by doing this. Plus, it can be really good fun.
*Bulletv* Use junkmail. It has to be good for something, right? Why not take it and use it to give your character a profession and a thing that they do every day? Imagine their lives. What are their goals? You can get all sorts of ideas from this.
*Bulletv* Browse Pinterest or Instagram. Look at pictures for inspiration. A lot of people find picture prompts easier. If that is you, find an image online that inspires you. Describe it. Write about it.
*Bulletv* If characters are your problems, you could think about someone with whom you’ve lost touch over the years. Imagine what kind of person they will have become. What is their job? What makes them smile?
*Bulletv* Don’t forget the many contests on Writing.com. There are themes covering just about everything if you look hard enough. Check out the current contests by clicking on the link below.
*Bulletv* Finally, it can be helpful to have a change of scenery. Go for a walk, go to the coffee shop, do a spot of window shopping. Just a small change can make a wealth of difference to our imaginations.

Try different things, play around with them until you find something that works for you. The most important thing is to just write. No matter what. Even if it is one word over and over. In theory, this can still get your brain firing creatively.

Happy writing, and much creativity to you!


Editor's Picks

Writing Contests @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. (E)
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
#171898 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


 
STATIC
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. (E)
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
#1908150 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


STATIC
Fairy Tale Romance Open in new Window. (13+)
Oh, what a tangled web we weave
#2246802 by Words Whirling 'Round Author IconMail Icon


STATIC
Payback Open in new Window. (18+)
The small town has trouble with gangs, until a saviour comes to assist.
#2231310 by Sumojo Author IconMail Icon


An Unexpected Event (Edited Version) Open in new Window. (13+)
A woman watches herself in a diner from outside, looking through the eyes of another woman
#2245416 by Angel Author IconMail Icon


STATIC
A Princess and Her Saint Open in new Window. (E)
Legends often start from humble beginnings. 1st. Place - Dec. 2020 "The Whatever Contest."
#2240500 by Richard ~ Less Mummy Like! Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2247411 by Not Available.


 
STATIC
Woof! A Dog Tale. Open in new Window. (E)
About Qualle, a six-month-old pup who has a voice shocks his owner.
#2230370 by Alexi Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2178648 by Not Available.


 
IMAGE
Four Square Open in new Window. (E)
My Cats
#2169468 by Whata SpoonStealer Author IconMail Icon


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Ask & Answer

I'm always interested to hear where people find their inspiration. I would love to know where your ideas come from. Do you build a story around a character(s) or around a plot?

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B004PICKDS
Amazon's Price: Price N/A

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10803-Boosting-Creativity.html