Make Writing a Habit
I am most wide awake in the morning, so I try to write as much as possible before lunch. And I do this every day, so it’s become a habit for me. If you want to write and finish a novel, you have to sit down and write, and you have to make a habit of it. Consistency is the key to success in many endeavors, including creative writing.
Pick the time of day when you are at your best; it doesn’t have to be the morning. Try to be as energized as possible, so eat something, and maybe go for a walk. The fresh air may help to kick start your creativity. Then sit down and write, hopefully for an hour or more. However, if you can only manage fifteen minutes, then don’t feel too bad about it. Fifteen minutes is better than nothing.
Play Some Appropriate Music
Music is a wonderful way to stir my own creativity, and it’s the same for many writers. Try choosing music appropriate to whatever it is that you’re writing. If you’re trying to compose a medieval novel, perhaps some folk or bardic music might suffice. Use upbeat music for those scenes that have a little more action. Choose music that you enjoy, and your writing will benefit from it.
If there are lyrics in the music you play, make sure you’re not listening to your favorite. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be tempted to sing along instead of writing. If you must listen to music with lyrics, use something that you can tune out, if necessary.
Take Advantage of Plot-Storming
Plot-storming is exactly like brainstorming, except that you’re focusing on the plot of your novel. If you’re unsure about where your plot’s going, what your characters should be doing, or how to formulate your story, take a break from writing, and try plot-storming. Take a paper and pen, sit down where you can be alone and quiet for a time, and get to work.
When I plot-storm, I use bubbles. I write down key thing I’d like to see happen in my novel, draw little bubbles around them, and then try to figure out how to connect these things. When I’ve done that, I collect my notes and write myself a decent plot summary. It’s okay for this plot to change over time, but having a general idea of where my story is going makes the writing of it just that much easier.
Switch off the Television While Writing
In my experience, having the television on while trying to write is not only a distraction, but it actually stifles creativity. Most of the shows on TV these days don’t do much to promote creative thinking, so you’re better off without the distraction.
If you really feel you must use television as background noise, at least choose a high quality show or movie that actually stands a chance of enhancing your creativity rather than shutting it down completely.
Reading to Write Creatively
Read. This final tip is as simple as that. Read everything you can get your hands on, no matter the genre. Read fiction, non-fiction, newspapers, letters, or anything else you come across. You will be amazed at the inspiration that can be found in the written words of others. Besides, it gives you something to do while facing writer’s block.
Writing a novel can be a long and arduous path, and getting started is not always easy. But, with a little perseverance and patience, and armed with the basics of writing a novel, you can finish your own great work of fiction.
