Five Steps to Inspiration

We’ve all had it - the dreaded writer’s block!  Suddenly, our mind goes blank.  We can’t come up with ideas, and even if we do, we can’t get past the idea to the plot or outline.  All good writers know this is only temporary.  Inspiration will strike again.  Some time. 

But rather than wait for that moment, why not make it happen?  There are many different places to look for inspiration to get that story idea or to fill out that plot.  Here are five steps to get you started.

1.      Read the Headlines – Truth is stranger than fiction.  That’s the truth.  People are so unpredictable, I often find myself wondering – what were they thinking?  Capitalize on these stories.  Here are just a few headlines from today’s news: “Unidentified Man Found Dead Under Des Plaines Underpass” “One Man’s Life With 5 Identities” “Teen With Heart Transplant Dies After Broken Promise To Change”  Without even reading these stories, just imagine what you could create around one of these headlines.

2.      Study Your Family – Whether you write historical or contemporary, your family is full of inspiration.  When did your family emigrate to America?  Where did they settle?  What were their occupations?  How about today?  Who has an interesting profession?  An unusual one?  A dangerous one?  Is your family dysfunctional?  Of course, if you use a family member as a central character, make sure to change enough that the person won’t be easily identified, especially if the description isn’t flattering.

3.      Read History Books – History is full of colorful figures.  Some changed the world, whether it was through ill deeds, or charitable acts.  There are criminals and heroes.  There are those who broke barriers, and those who dared to think outside the box.  You can use their life story as your core plot, or build your characters around that event in history.

4.      Read Biographies – While these are similar to history books, biographies give a more in-depth look at what life was like during the time period.  They usually offer insights into the emotions of the day, as well as the current events shaping their lives.  What can you glean from their lives that would be appropriate for your characters?

      5.      Meditate – While this won’t actually fill your head with ideas (you’re supposed to rid your mind of thought during meditation), studies have shown that daily meditation (as little as ten minutes a day) will help you concentrate and focus.  Also, the more you meditate, the less anxiety you will have.  And when your mind is clear of stress, it can fill up with inspiration.

These are just a few ways to find inspiration for your writing.  What’s your favorite method of finding ideas?

Six Ways Meditation Can Boost Creativity

Meditation can be beneficial for anyone.  It gives us an opportunity to become more present with ourselves just as we are.  When we are mindful, we show up for our lives.  We don’t miss them in being distracted or in wishing for things to be different. 

Drawing on this sense of mindfulness can boost creativity.  By finding happiness in every moment of your waking life, your mind opens to wonders and possibilities.  Conversely, when you are living in fear, anger, regret and worry, that is all you know.

Taking away the negatives boosts creativity.  Here’s how:

1. De-stressing – Being mindful of your life forces you to concentrate on something other than your worries.  As writers, we put ourselves out there, risking rejection and criticism on a daily basis.  Meditation soothes these rough edges and creates a safe, stress-free place. 
2. Clarity/Focus – Focusing on your breathing teaches you to focus on your projects.  Once you get rid of the mind clutter, you’ll see everything else more clearly.  This will take time, though.  As time goes on, the more clarity you will realize.
3. Perspective – When you spend time being aware of nothing but your breathing, thoughts and feelings, you’ll begin to see how trivial your daily worries really are.  Life will be put into perspective.  So let go of the small stuff. 
4. Patience – We are bombarded with messages every waking moment of our lives, whether it’s driving to work or watching television in the evening.  Thinking about nothing is difficult.  It takes patience to bbe successful in training your brain to resist thoughts. 
5. Eases Anxiety – With meditation comes a calmness of the mind.  Internal chatter will eventually ease.  And when internal chatter eases, so does anxiety.
6. Improves Concentration -  Meditation strengthens cognitive control.  By quieting other brain functions, your ability to concentrate is enhanced.   

There are many benefits to derive from meditation,  But like anything else, it takes practice.  Be patient.  Be consistent.  Set aside a time every day to meditate.  Don’t break from this time and don’t let anything distract you.

Do you meditate?  What is your favorite time of day?  Where do you meditate?