“Curioser and curioser!” cried Alice (in Wonderland)

How to stimulate writers’ creativity

Rediscovering your curiosity and writers creativity in order to write your story in this age of linear thought processing might seem daunting. But help is at hand, and it might be easier than you think!

It is possible to slip back into a state of heightened consciousness of the world around you and have access to free-flowing thoughts and emotions.

WALKING YOUR WAY TO FLOW

American author and teacher Julia Cameron is a huge advocate of getting the body moving to get your thoughts flowing freely. In her book Walking in This World: The Practical Art of Creativity, she explains the benefits of movement:

“Nothing brings home the beauty and power of the world that we live in like walking. Moving into our bodies, we embody the truth that as artists we are out to make a ‘body of work,’ which means we must encompass more than each day’s march. A Weekly Walk helps us to acquire such an overview. It allows us to find both perspective and comfort. As we stretch our legs, we stretch our minds and our souls. St. Augustine, himself a great walker, remarked, ‘Solvitur ambulando’ — ‘it is solved by walking.’ “

WAYS TO STIMULATE YOUR WRITERS CREATIVITY

We have all seen images of famous writers at their desks or writing place of choice. But before you can venture to your desk, you need a tool to unlock memories. Any form of repetitive movement is an excellent start.

I adore the following quote cited by Jared A. Brock:

“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear… We tell ourselves stories in order to live.” (By Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne)

If walking doesn`t appeal to you, there are hidden benefits in the humble art of knitting. Jane E. Brody in her article “The Health Benefits of Knitting” explains the benefits of engaging in a repetitive action where you become more relaxed, which allows your attention to shift inwards. 

Free access to one`s memories and thoughts is possibly the most precious advantage a writer could wish for.

THE REASSURANCE OF THE STANDFORD STUDY

Repetitive exercises boost memory and writers creativity.

A person`s creative output increased by an average of 60% when walking, journalist Mae Wong found in a Standford study in which researchers discovered that walking boosts creative inspiration. They examined the creativity levels of people while they walked versus while they sat.

VENTURING OUT: REVISITING FAMILIAR PLACES

When writing something like a memoir, there is much to say about taking road trips to visit those places that pop up in your memories. These are excellent opportunities to jolt your mind and access your thoughts and musings. A good idea is to scribble or type them down right away. Your car will suffice quite well as a writing space, as will a seat on a bus or a bench in a nearby park.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED

A road trip without a planned destination is another way of accessing the map in your mind. Goodness knows which people or experiences you are going to encounter! Writers creativity can be sparked by moving out of your familiar surroundings and venturing somewhere unexpected. Getting out and taking a walk in unfamiliar surroundings provide a sense of adventure that can ignite the creative spark to get your words flowing.

BUT, HAVING SAID THAT…

The bottom line remains to get words on paper. So, a firm commitment to self is needed to write your story. Balance is needed between thoughts and memories and writing those down. And even if it feels like a lonely journey, just remember that your work just might be the next hot topic!

Remember that as an author coach, I am available to assist you.