We’ve all been there—desperate to get lost in the magic of writing, but banging on an invisible wall of nothingness when it comes to inspiration.
Even if we have the spark of an idea, sometimes, no matter how hard we prod and poke, it just won’t transform into a story. When this happens, the very worst thing we can do is sit staring at a blank page.
Instead, we need to gulp down fresh ideas and inspiration from the beautiful randomness of the world around us.
Here’s some of our favourite inspirational tonics.
Mythical potion of hot water
Perhaps it’s the almost sleep-like sensation of lying wrapped in warmth that prompts the mind to relax and roam, opening passageways that were previously locked fast. Whatever the reason, shutting your laptop and taking a moment to shower or run a bath can work wonders for unlocking new ideas.
Several companies have even developed waterproof paper and notepads, so you can note down your moments of genius!
Refreshing tonic of walking
The problem with a blank page or a flashing cursor is it never really changes. Whilst this mundane stillness can help your mind to wander (like in a shower or bath)—it only really works if you’re relaxed and free from pressure.
Getting out and about on a walk presents your mind with new scenery, ideas and people that not only distract from pressure, but also spark random ideas that could hold the key to solving your problems.
Invigorating elixir of the museum
Museums are jam-packed with stories just waiting to be explored and developed. Whether it’s the strange mystery of an unreadable book, a nugget of history that could change everything in a parallel universe, or a historical character whose story has yet to be heard.
It’s great inspiration, but also the perfect opportunity to refresh and get away from your desk.
Just make sure to take your camera (if the museum allows), take plenty of notes, and pay special attention to the smaller signs and exhibits that others might overlook.
Enchanting tincture of soundtracks
Soundtracks are composed to evoke intense emotional reactions, which can be extremely useful if you’re struggling to nurture an idea into a story.
Finding soundtracks which match the emotion of a scene you’re writing can also help you tune into the characters’ feelings.
To avoid the awkward interruption of a sad scene with a battle soundtrack, try creating playlists of music you know will have the right emotion. You could also listen to soundtracks whilst on a walk, out for a run or whilst taking a bath.
Enthralling concoction of the journal
It doesn’t have to be a day-by-day log of all your activities. It could be snippets: a detailed description of a house you saw whilst walking home; the way a woman on the tram had a habit of plaiting her hair whilst chatting to her friend; the heavy, aching feeling when you messed up on a project at work.
It’s hard to know what will be useful when you write it down, but when you’re lacking inspiration, flicking back through these snippets can provide the spark of a story—and best of all, it’ll have come from your own first-hand experience.
Vitalising draught of collaboration
Two brains aren’t always better than one (there’s a reason for the ‘too many cooks’ expression), but when you’ve got the spark of an idea that just won’t catch, another person could be the missing piece to transform it into a full blazing story.
Try chatting through ideas, delving into questions you’re stuck on and working through sticky plot points. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes is all that’s needed to solve an unsolvable problem.
Rosalyn Robilliard 