Over this past year, I’ve had my share of hitting roadblocks with my writing. As the end of 2020 looms, and the holidays draw closer, I’m eager for a refreshing jump-start for my creative writing. November may be National Novel Writing Month for thousands of other writers, but for me, it’s going to be a month where I jump-start my creativity and, hopefully, get myself back to my stories. Today, I have a few of the ways I’ll be attempting that:
- Review and update your submissions.
Just this morning, I went over the submissions I’ve sent out this past year and noticed quite a few that should’ve had an update. Go over your submission spreadsheet, and reach out to literary magazines that haven’t updated you with your story’s status. Pay very close attention to their response times, though. Many literary magazines tell you to wait at least 6 months before you write them. If you do realize it’s time to get an update, just send a polite email asking them if they can update you about their status.
Doing this gave me a refreshed viewpoint on the stories I have submitted, and ones I need to re-submit. It felt good to get familiar with this part of the writing process all over again.
- Do writing inventory.
If you don’t know what writing inventory is, it’s something I like to do in order to become familiar with my stories all over again. I talked a little about it over at WOW! Women on Writing’s blog The Muffin, but it’s essentially reviewing your stories, writing their titles or working title, noting which stage these stories are at (i.e. in-draft, edited, needs feedback, etc.) and summarizing the story’s theme or plotline. I love doing this because it reveals themes in my stories, and which ones I’ve neglected to look at for a while. I’ve even noted half-finished stories too. Those can be hidden gems!
What I like about writing inventory is that it can be so inspiring to go over stories and re-read what I’ve written before. More often than not, I’m usually pleasantly surprised and excited to revisit or continue a story I’ve previously neglected.
- Look for different ways to be creative.
I’m convinced that one creative process feeds another. I’m not an artist by any means, but my mom and I both have gotten to enjoy sketching. It’s fun, and relaxing, while not having the same burden of expectation (i.e. such as producing something amazing) that writing can sometimes have for me.
So, look for different ways to be creative, whether it’s doodling, making bracelets, cooking, or writing poetry. Actually, I have found when I do stream of consciousness writing (which is essentially, just writing every thought that comes to mind), I unearth some great morsels of writing that can turn into a poem.
- Cut down on social media.
If you really want to jump-start your creativity, cut way down on social media. I don’t even mean until the election is over, but for a long time, leave it out until you feel stronger creatively. It’s a little irksome to not be on social media these days because that’s the best way to be social lately, but social media can drain me so badly. The ongoing conversations that flood past, the disappointment over lack of likes, and obsessing over follower counts can be toxic.
So, the best thing to do is take a step back. Sure, your writing platform may not flourish like you want, but truthfully, the break is worth it. Don’t let the desire for a greater number of followers be your main focus these days.
- Write your dreams.
I am a huge fan of writing my dreams. Sometimes they provide fun insight, and on the rare occasion, they inspire stories. If you aren’t convinced about how writing dreams can influence creativity, check out this study that talks about the correlation between writing your dreams and improved creativity.
So, if you’ve never written your dreams before, I recommend getting a new journal for your dreams. It’s fun to look through dream journals years later and see what you were dreaming at the time. Now, that you have your journal, it’s time to start the habit of writing your dreams. I’ve seen many recommend leaving your dream journal at your bedside so that’s the first thing you write in when you wake up. For me, I leave my journal by the couch, where I sit, and leave it in sight when I wake up. As I drink coffee, I write my dreams.
When you first start to do this, you may only remember snippets, but that’s okay! Write those down anyways. Even if you only remember bits and pieces, you will start to remember your dreams more vividly as you make this a habit. I have realized the more I write my dreams the more vivid they become.
- Read whichever way you can.
I’ve been seeing more and more articles and posts about how people aren’t able to read! I actually totally understand, because I’m struggling too. However, I encourage you to read however you can. Maybe consider short stories or poetry to start.
Here are a few places I love reading short stories and poetry:
If you are new at poetry, consider Teach This Poem. It breaks down poems and helps you figure out their meaning and impact on you.
Read Electric Literature for some excellent writing, including short stories and poetry.
For some awesome flash fiction and short non-fiction, read Sky Island Journal. I’m not biased, I promise! However, make sure you catch my flash fiction piece, “We’ve Been Here Before,” published in their Fall 2020 issue.
Read American Literature’s Short Story of the Day.
And consider short story collections! Or maybe read outside your usual genre. Go for middle-grade fiction, young adult fiction, or even graphic novels.
If you are more used to reading e-books, get a physical book instead.
However you can read, do so. It will help you overall and ease your stress.
With any luck, these ideas will help you jump-start your creativity!
How are you gong to jump-start your creativity?
