14 January 2010
by 
Words, words, and more words…. They float around in our heads – until our brains feel like mush. At least, mind does (sometimes).
But there are also times that our brains look like a vast, white space. And no matter how hard we try to tap into our inner muse; no matter how many different techniques we use, we can’t seem to find those perfect first words. Sometimes, it seems, the only words that come to mind are: contract, deadline, SEO, or even bills.
I mentioned my lack of words on a social media media site a while back and got the following response:
“Start out writing your name, address and a description of the room in which you’re writing. I wrote a newspaper column for nearly 20 years. I’m very practiced in breaking up log-jams in the writerly brain. Just remember, there’s a torrent just behind that dam!” – K. C. Compton (Editor, at Ogden Publications)
Excellent advice, K.C.! (Of course, I guess that’s why she is one of the Editor’s-In-Chief for Ogden Publications, huh?)
It’s during the times that we’re grasping desperately for words – any word – that we can apply the following tips, as well as K.C.’s advice.
7 Surefire Ways to Find New Words
- Grab a notebook and start writing a list. This list can be about anything: your dreams, pros and cons of something you’ve been considering, maintenance or other projects for your house – even a grocery list.
- Take a break and play Scrabble. What better way to enjoy some time – and company – than being hands-on with letters and words?!
- Write a thank you note or friendly letter to someone. Think warm thoughts and share your heart with the recipient.
- Email or IM a friend. If that friend is a writer, that’s even better. They can help lift your spirits and jog your memory about past times you’ve had abundant writing inspiration.
- Read your favorite blog or a few pages from a book that’s nearby. Words from one of your favorite authors/bloggers will help get your creative juices flowing.
- Get up from your computer and go in to another room or outside. It’s amazing how much difference a view makes. By simply stepping in to the next room or popping outside for a few minutes, you can refuel your mind. Look at old photos or sit on your porch or deck for a spell – absorb your surroundings and soak up the inspiration life brings!
- Pamper yourself. Something like a cup of hot tea and your favorite magazine, a 20-minute soak in a warm bath sprinkled with lavender essential oil or bath salts, or a short nap can provide just the amount of rejuvenation your body needs to crank up your muse once again.
What do you do to find new words when your writing well has run dry? Do you stand beneath the idea waterfall? Or use any of the tips I shared above? Do you have a fabulous technique to share with us? Chime in!
Did you enjoy this article? Feel free to visit the other articles Michele has written for Writer’s Round-About–or contact her to write for you.
Photo Credit: Wordle, created by Michele Tune
*grins* YAY! I LOVE doing all of the above. Seven ways to avoid writing and not look like you’re avoiding writing.
I think one of the biggest keys to K.C. Compton’s suggestion is it puts your BIC (butt in chair). At the top of your page you’re putting the first words and by always having a routine about what those first words will be you’re never left wondering how to get started. Have you heard of Neurolinguistic Programming? That’s what those first words become, they’re a key that triggers your “writer” mode.
Where as the other options, at least for me, are the busy things I do to get out of doing the writing. It’s important to do things other than writing to refill the well, develop your compost, and dance in the idea waterfall but what it ultimately comes down to, is sitting at your desk and putting words on the page. Begin.
Rebecca Laffar-Smith shares: To Begin: Breaking Through The Blank Page
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Michele L. Tune and RawJuiceGirl, WriteNowBiz. WriteNowBiz said: Currently reading http://www.writersroundabout.com/2010/01/finding-new-inspiration-first-words-and-beyond.html @laffarsmith [...]
Thanks for the post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and article. I rarely post comment…
If I want to get a hold of you, what would be the best way to get in touch? I’d love to run some ideas by you one of these days…related to the acn marketing video phone project I am working on. Thanks a lot and I look forward to meeting with you!
Regards,
Eugene Gregorio
Thanks, Rebecca!
Oh, and very funny! *giggles*
I agree that K.C.’s advice is pretty much BIC.
And I love the way you put it:
It’s important to do things other than writing to refill the well, develop your compost, and dance in the idea waterfall but what it ultimately comes down to, is sitting at your desk and putting words on the page. Begin.
Beautifully said!
*smiles*
Michele
Michele shares: Raw Juice Girl’s 1st YouTube Video + Contests!
Michele,
It does happen to all writers. Sometimes you sit at the keyboard and he cursed cursor just sits there. Blinking. Mocking. When that happens, this set of tips should get most anyone’s fingers flying.
I like their freshness, their unique nature. Good job!
George
George Angus shares: Smashwords Means Ebooks Galore!
I love these kinds of techniques! For me, if I’m having trouble, I remember my “routine”:
*Get out my notebook to track my writing (with stickers!)
*Turn on my mp3 player to drown out noise.
*Set a timer to give me an immediate time goal.
By this point, my brain knows I have to write, no excuses!
~Kimberlee
Kimberlee Ferrell shares: Letting the Words Flow
With STICKERS! Stickers sound so cool. And you could write a post about how you use stickers in your notebook to track your writing. I’d love to know more about your brainstorming and note-taking with stickers concept!
I’ve also found the “drown out noise” with music idea works very well. Except I’m not drowning out external noise, I use it to drown out the noise of my inner critique.
What do you do when the cursor mocks you, George?
Rebecca Laffar-Smith shares: New Beginnings And WRA’s Theme Tweaks
Hi Rebecca,
It’s a lot like not being able to fall asleep at night. I refuse to lay there, tossing and turning whilst looking at the clock. The same is true if the words aren’t coming. I get up and do something else. I might thumb through the latest writing mags, catch a little tv or maybe go for a drive. I wish I lived near the ocean because just staring at the sea always has a calming, inspirational effect on me.
Cheers
George
George Angus shares: Smashwords Means Ebooks Galore!
@George:
Yes, it does happen to all of us…
I know! It’s aggravating when that happens. Sometimes I run from it; sometimes I face it head-on!
I’m glad you enjoyed my tips!
*smiles*
Michele shares: Raw Juice Girl’s 1st YouTube Video + Contests!
@Kim:
Yay! I’m glad you like the techniques!
Stickers? How fun!
Oh, I can’t work well with music – I prefer silence for sure.
You have great tips, though, Kim! Good for you – and we all know they are working for you!!!
*hugs*
Michele shares: Raw Juice Girl’s 1st YouTube Video + Contests!
I love these ideas to get the words flowing. I always procrastinate and start writing emails to my friends or simply write nonsense in my journal to make the writing flow. I’m going to have to try idea 7. Pampering sounds like a treat, and I’m definitely going to have to try Scrabble, the trouble is finding an opponent.
@Katarzyna: Thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed my tips. Yes, #7 is one of my favorites as well.
There are online word games, too.
*smiles*
Michele
Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl shares: Yoga + Warm Lemon Water = a (Very) Happy Raw Juice Girl!