by Lyra Wilson
Blink. Blink blink.
It’s like the text cursor keeps taunting me. Like it's saying “haha, it's been hours and you’ve got absolutely nothing". We’ve all been there. Closing the page, pacing around the room, tapping the pen, and my personal favorite: navigating brain fog. Only to come back and still have nothing to say back to the page. The text cursor this time: “Mwahaha”.
To introduce myself, I’m the new content writer intern with Nothing But The Arts Incorporated. I find it ironic that within my first week, the one thing I’m supposed to do, it feels like I can’t do. Which is daunting. I have responsibilities and deadlines and I don’t want to let people down. I’m sure many of you who are stuck in writer's block feel this right now in your lives/responsibilities. I must say that within this process, there are a few things that I have implemented to bring my first post to you all. Hopefully, you can utilize these tips on how to make writing easier for you.
1. Write About What You Know or What You're Currently Experiencing
This might be a little on the nose, but the only way out is through what you’re feeling. Your writing becomes more relatable and realistic. Ask yourself questions about even the tiniest details. Now, you may be asking, “ what if I have a history report; how would that even work?” It’s best to look over the notes/information you do know, and talk about the information that intrigues you and how you perceive it. I find that most teachers like personal touches that help illuminate the essay.
2. Relax
This is an underrated concept. Even though creators/writers go on a break, it's not really a break. Whether we accept this or not, artists are known to be actively still thinking about what to do next or how to go about certain things even when we’re technically on a break. My creative process has been influenced by the music legend and band leader/producer Quincy Jones. The most intuitive lesson I have learned from him: is to just be. Overthinking prevents you from coming up with the best ideas. This explains why many creatives feel inspired before going to sleep or at night. As the mind is clearing and entering rest, creative ideas can enter the conscious without being blocked. Personally, I find that a lot of my best work comes from working at night or in bed. This may not be for everyone, but I implore you to find one thing that relaxes you and subconsciously clears your mind. Check back in and see what comes to you.
3. Write Anything
No matter how mundane my thoughts may seem, I will write them down. For example, “yeah, I could really use a burger. Speaking of which, what is the Krabby Patty secret formula from SpongeBob?” To literally write “UGH” with so many H’s. With whatever you're writing, it's strange where these thoughts lead. In addition to enabling you to process what you can write, it gives you practice while you wait for inspiration to strike, and it allows you to see just how creative you are. This can be done while setting a timer, brainstorming thoughts, words, etc. Just be sure whatever thoughts you plan on writing down are appropriate for what you’re writing about. You don’t want to submit a document with UGHHH on it.
4. Do Something Or Be Somewhere Different
As I’m writing right now, I’m blasting hard rock in my ears. I normally don’t listen to the hard stuff, but if I listen to the Arctic Monkeys or the Beatles for the millionth time today, I will literally daze out. Weirdly enough, this new music is stimulating my brain. While listening, I’m sipping on a new drink. I love matcha, but I tried new things to put in my matcha latte, and it's really delicious. I thought today called for a new mix-up. Then I left my humble abode to find a relaxing place to start over my writing process. Doing things that are new to you, helps alleviate stress, and stimulates your brain to process thoughts in new ways you wouldn’t have ever imagined. Which is so much better than being stagnant.
5. Reading
Just like any other art form, reading inspires you to see how others think about little details in the writing process. You can pick up anything. Fiction, non-fiction, etc. Because I read so much this year alone, it miraculously improved my writing skills. So pick up a book, and see what others wrote that can give you ideas on how to achieve a similar writing structure.
Hopefully, you can utilize some of these tips. Another way to help with the inspiration process is by talking with other creatives in the same boat. Join our Geneva Chat to ask questions about how other creatives get out of moments of feeling stuck. Also, we are starting to add playlists to our NTBA Spotify / Apple Music Channels for some good music to listen to while you work. Visit our Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/user/31oaquncqjasl7yl42zlslom5bou?si=bc88644d59fa4865
Keep on writing!
Lyra Wilson