A novelist’s creative process is often difficult, as the task of writing an engaging story can seem daunting and overwhelming. Often, writers find themselves stuck in a rut, struggling to develop fresh ideas or develop compelling characters. There are a few ways that writers can make their stories more interesting and exciting, which this article will discuss.
Take Time for Yourself
One of the most important things you can do when trying to get your creative juices flowing is to take some time away from your story to relax and de-stress. Allowing yourself ample space from your work can help you clear your head and come back to writing with a fresh perspective. You may even find yourself inspired by some new ideas that came to you while taking time away.
It is also essential to take the time to explore your interests and passions outside of writing. Taking part in activities such as exercising, painting, or walking can help you gain new perspectives and understandings that could benefit your work. Additionally, engaging in conversation with others can spark new ideas or provide insight into specific topics that might be helpful for your story. Don’t be afraid to open yourself up to what the world offers.
Read Often
Reading is an invaluable tool for novelists, as it allows them to explore different writing styles and pick up new techniques from authors they admire. Reading works from other genres or mediums can also provide much-needed inspiration when writer’s block strikes.
As Stephen King has said, “if you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” Reading can open your mind to new ideas and perspectives you may never have considered before. It can give insight into characters and plot devices you might not have thought of, helping to bring your work to life.
Reading can also help to sharpen the skills necessary for effective writing. While reading, you can actively focus on elements such as sentence structure, word choice, and metaphor use which can be applied directly in your own writing. The more you read from different authors, the more you can learn. Reading should be unrestricted to the genre of your own work, as reading widely can provide a wealth of knowledge and ideas that may help to bring your story forward.
Never downplay how much relief it can be to lose yourself in a good book. Taking a break from writing can help refresh and relax your mind before tackling the next chapter. If you’re stuck, reading can motivate you to continue working on your novel, as it may help bring back that spark of inspiration. So make sure to put aside some time each day to read something you enjoy; the rewards will speak for themselves.
Brainstorm Ideas
Taking a break from writing and instead brainstorming ideas with pen and paper, or talking them through with friends, may help jumpstart the creative process. This is also an excellent opportunity to gain insight into how others view your story and provide valuable feedback that may lead to new plot points. In fact, a study was conducted to prove the link between brainstorming and writing abilities. The study showed that those who used a brainstorming strategy significantly outperformed the control group in their writing skills.
Making a list of ideas, characters, and plot points can help organize your thoughts and lead to more creative solutions. Try writing out key questions related to each point that need to be answered for the story to make sense. For example, if it’s a mystery, ask yourself: “What is the crime?”, “Who are the suspects?” and “What is the motive behind it?”.
Consider reworking an old story idea or plot line with a new twist. Think about what elements of the original you want to keep and how you can add your own unique flair to make the story even more enjoyable.
As mentioned before, another helpful way to develop new ideas is watching movies or reading books in a similar genre. Ask yourself questions like “What makes this story gripping?” and “What could I take away from it for my own story?” Taking inspiration from other works is an excellent way to gain insight into the genre you are writing in and could lead to new plot points or characters that you may not have considered before.
Make Sure Your Writing Environment is Comfortable
Creating a comfortable writing environment can be the difference between pages of inspiration or hours spent staring at an empty page. Consider the location where you write and ensure it’s conducive to your creative process, whether an office or a coffee shop. Additionally, ensure your desk and chair are suitable for extended periods of writing; comfort is key!
Above all else, comfort should be your first consideration when choosing furniture. Take the time to browse different office furniture in the market, as each person has different needs and preferences regarding seating and desks. Look for chairs that offer ample lumbar support and adjustable armrests, along with a desk that is not too high or too low and is the correct size for your space. You should also consider soundproofing, as many writers appreciate a quiet environment when focusing on their craft.
Finally, add personal touches that make you feel comfortable in your workspace. This could include adding a few plants to liven up the area or hanging photos of family and friends. Your workspace should feel inviting, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
For those who want to take their writing environment to the next level, consider investing in ergonomic furniture that is designed for optimal comfort and support. Each person has different needs when it comes to furniture, so find something that works for you.
In Summary
Novel writing can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Writers can overcome writer’s block and get their creative juices flowing again. By following these tips, you’ll soon find yourself well on your way to crafting an engaging story that readers will love. So don’t let writer’s block stop you from writing the story of your dreams!
