The fact is writing engaging content is not like flicking on a light switch. Writers have different approaches – some wait for inspiration to strike and some have a regular writing schedule. However, the fact of the matter is that sometimes people just aren’t in the right frame of mind to write. It’s all about tapping into a creative state, rather than waiting for it to appear. As soon as you figure out what gets you fired up to write, you can recreate that spark almost every single time. This blog is all about how to get into the creative zone!
Create A Workspace That Actually Works
Not everybody is privileged enough to have a dedicated writing room, or a spare room, or even peace and quiet. Some people have no choice but to write in twenty minute bursts between other commitments, or with children sitting on their laps! But if you have a workspace and want to make it work for you, you’ve got to try to get some sort of structure in place. Declutter your writing space and try to make it as distraction-free as possible – the mortal enemy of any writer is procrastination! If you are frequently putting off writing, finding any excuse not to do it, it might be because you don’t have a great workspace setup.
Create a useful, inspiring space you are proud of!
Although it may seem counter-intuitive to spend time getting your workspace just right rather than writing, it’s not if it helps your creativity both short term by creating a great space, and long term by having that great space to write in! Replace or makeover your desk, get a chair that supports your back better, pin motivational quotes to a pin board, create an inspirational gallery wall, and/or zone the area using your favourite colour paint. Pinterest is brilliant for ideas for any size workspace. Put a bit of (inexpensive) effort into making a writing space you are proud of and that works for you!
Minimise problems and frustrations
Even if you work at home pretty well most of the time, there will be times when your home environment completely derails your productivity, such as when there are problems with Wi-Fi or appliances and utilities. When writing at home, the best thing you can do is to get these distractions fixed. If it’s a problem with the air conditioning, a 24 hour AC service provider can fix this for you, for example. If it’s a problem with Wi-Fi that frustrates you, contact your local internet provider to solve the issue. Do what you can now to minimise physical and technological problems and distractions for the benefit of your writing in the future.
Get Into ‘The Flow’
You know how it feels when you get into that ideal writing frame of mind – where you can type for ages and reel off chapter after chapter. But sometimes getting into that frame of mind seems like a trial. This frame of mind is what they call The “Flow State.” The Flow State is an incredibly powerful tool, but you need to make sure you set yourself up for success in this way. However, it depends on how you write. Some people like to write and edit later on. This is effective for people who are constantly second-guessing themselves. The old adage ‘don’t get it right, get it written’ is a perfect piece of advice in these circumstances because if you constantly stop and edit every sentence, it will disrupt your flow. Instead, think about the tools to help you get into this state.
Reduce distractions to increase productivity
Reducing distractions by using noise-cancelling headphones can help, as can using voice dictation software to narrate your ideas, if that helps you express them more freely. The added advantage of voice dictation software is that it’s often faster than typing, but there may be more to edit at the revision stage!
Triggering that creative state is not always easy – sometimes it’s all about that battle you have within yourself. If you want to get into a creative state, look at your physical space, but also look at the part of your brain that’s sabotaging you and do what you can to overcome it. Hopefully this blog has given you some possible solutions!
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