Six Activities for Writers when Words Fail

Writers write except when they don't. There are days when the words won't come together in a coherent form. Sometimes the words are coherent but just don't quite share the message intended. When words betray writers, there are myriad activities they can engage to stimulate the process. Here are six ideas to spur creativity.

Free Associate. There are multiple ways to free associate to stimulate creativity. Some writers like to do it out loud. Others like to brainstorm with other authors. Another excellent way to free associate is to write a word in the center of a piece of paper, then write whatever comes to mind around the word on the paper. Sometimes this creates a whole new work. Other times it brings focus on a work-in-progress. It's also a way to solve a problem with a storyline. Often, if nothing else, it clears the mind of distracting thoughts. Free association is a great way to stimulate the creative process.

Take a walk. A walk gets the writer out of the house, provides physical activity, fresh air, and time to let the mind relax and refocus. Physical activity gets the blood pumping. Fresh air stimulates energy and the brain. Getting out of the house reminds the writer there is an outside world and allows for a perspective shift. Exercise is also good for the body especially since writing requires a lot of sitting. A walk reinvigorates the writer physically, mentally, and emotionally allowing the writer to then concentrate on writing.

Read something inspiring. Often when the words are stuck, a favorite book, magazine, poem, or other work can jog ideas loose. Reading words that inspire the writer can enlighten and invigorate. Even reading work the writer previously wrote can be inspiration enough to get the writer back on track. Reading one's own writing is a reminder that one has created before and can do it again. Reading something by an admired author gives the writer something to strive toward. Reading is a part of the writer's job because it informs, educates, and inspires.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen. When a person helps those less fortunate, it provides an opportunity to help others, appreciate one's own life, and maybe even find motivation to write. By doing something seemingly unrelated to writing, the mind is freed from the pressure to create. Conversations and listening to other people's stories sparks creative thought. At the very least, the writer will feel good about doing something for someone in need.

Visit a pet shelter. Animals don't judge or hold grudges. They live in the moment. Spending time with furry friends in need of affection helps one to stay in the moment and to let go of the uncontrollable. Animals won't care if the writer couldn't find the words or every word written disgusted the writer. All they'll care about is the attention the writer gives them. Spending time surrounded by animals in need care can be liberating. The writer might even find creative inspiration. Of course, if not careful, the writer could end up with a house full of furry friends!

Find a change of scenery. Go to a coffee shop, a local park, a bookstore, or a library. Take the work along. Sometimes writing in a new environment is enough to open the gates of creativity. If not, at least a change of scenery provides the opportunity to interact with people and to observe interactions between others. Looking at the same four walls can become stifling, so check out a change of scenery once in a while to keep writing fresh, exciting, and original.

These are just a few things to restore creativity. Each writer will create their own list over time. Creativity comes from life experience, embracing life's ups and downs, and allowing the imagination to go wild. Writers need to embrace their imaginations and let creativity take over without reservation. Sometimes the editor just needs turned off for a little while to let the creative side explore the possibilities. Then the words will flow allowing the creation of stories, poetry, articles, essay, novels, or whatever the writer strives to create.