The Writer’s Coin

Earlier this week I wrote about a writing formula I discovered that works for me and I think can help other writers, as well as any creative types. Well, today I went out for a run and had an epiphany: there was more to say about the formula.

Reading + “Quiet Time” = Creative Writing Ideas

Today I went for a morning jog and realized that this was excellent “quiet time.” I had my music pumping, the sun was rising over the lake, and there was nobody else around except for me and my thoughts. The music definitely helped, but I found my mind wandering and my creative juices flowing.

My mind was all over the place. First it was thinking about the lyrics to the songs, what they meant, what the artist was feeling when he/she wrote them, and all that stuff. Then my brain realized that jogging out there in the early-morning hours was very similar to sitting in the car and staring out the window. Then my mind started thinking about this story I’ve written. It’s almost finished, but I’m slowly realizing that the 12–13 pages I’ve written are all wrong. That there’s a better way of writing, the right way. It almost feels like the story is telling itself.

Then I see some seagulls flying around and thrashing in the water. The sunrise is shining on the lake and I’m struck with how beautiful it is to be out here running, all by myself. And the story starts to tell me where it wants to go. I don’t push it, I give it time. I’m not going anywhere, I’m not watching TV or worrying about picking up the phone. I’m out here in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do but keep on jogging and looking out at the lake, listening to the music.

I recommend this to anyone who’s looking to squeeze some creativity out of their unconscious. The keys? No distractions that distract your mind. That means no email, no phone, no TV, no Internet, nobody else around, nothing. It also means putting yourself in a space where you can take what your unconscious gives you and run with it.

If anyone else out there has their own method of doing this, I’d love to hear about it.

 

Tags: inspiration, writer's block, Writing