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How to Generate an Abundant Stream of Creative Writing Ideas

Staring at a blank page can be daunting. You may wonder how prolific writers churn out meaningful work time and again. Creating and maintaining a flow of creative writing ideas takes practice and habit. Once you find techniques that work for you, you'll be able to go to the well time and again. Ideas don't have to be stand alone. You can take one idea and alter it to make story sequels. You can also explore the same theme in story after story, writing about different aspects. Ideas lie within you, in your immediate surroundings and in the stories you encounter in the world around you.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep pen and paper handy at all times to jot down ideas as they occur. Ideas sometimes come from incidents you remember or that you see happening. You may hear or read a funny line. Having the pen and paper in your handbag, bedside drawer or briefcase will ensure you don't miss any fiction-worthy ideas.

    • 2

      Write about what interests you. When you're exploring ideas that matter to you, you will write more abundantly and more freely. Keep a list of topics that intrigue you, be they international espionage, motherhood or trains.

    • 3

      Read the paper and watch the news to get ideas from true stories and current affairs. Subscribe to relevant journals or e-zines. Keep your eyes open for stories that pique your interest. True life stories often inspire the creation of fictional characters and plots.

    • 4

      Find writing prompts that you like. Write one daily or as often as possible. Prompts provide both writing practice and a source of ideas.

    • 5

      Practice free writing. Get a blank sheet of paper or screen and start writing absolutely anything. Don't think too much -- just let the words flow. Don't worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation while you write, just type while the words are coming. If you need to, use the words "I think" or "When I was a kid" at the top of the page. Stop writing when you feel satisfied. Doing this will unlock ideas in your subconscious.

    • 6

      Keep a diary or journal. Write in it once or more a day. Keep multiple journals if you wish -- one for creative writing practice, and one for your personal thoughts and activities.

    • 7

      Review your notes, journals, free writing pages and prompt exercises. Extract from these ideas and themes that you think are interesting and that you could develop into a work of fiction or poetry.

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