Are you ready to start a new writing project but are struggling with finding that new story? I have known a number of writers who can't seem to find a new direction after finishing a big project. If you're need of some inspiration try one of the following techniques to jumpstart your next writing project.
Dream Your Manuscript into Being: If you having trouble coming up with that
next story, stop thinking about it and start dreaming about it. After finishing her first novel, debut author Crystal Chan worried that she might not have another story in her. One night while tossing in bed she woke up and saw in her mind's eye a boy with outspread arms standing on the edge of cliff. As she saw him jump, she heard in a girl's voice the words "Grandpa stopped speaking the day he killed my brother John". She jumped out of bed, fired up her laptop and Bird was born. By the time she stopped typing that night, she had written the first chapter. If you don't think you can jump out of bed when inspiration rouses you from your sleep, keep a notebook on your nightstand. This will keep those creative ideas from slipping back into your subconscious.
Create a Vision Board of the Story that’s Coming Next: I often recommend story vision boards when you have a clear plotline. You can also use this technique if you need to come up with the topic for your next project by creating an Idea Vision Board. You'll need a poster board, markers, glue and a few magazines. Start pulling out pictures and words that you are drawn to and glue them to the paper. If a picture evokes a feeling, write the word on the board. Do you want to travel across the country speaking about your next book, put pictures of faraway cities. Have fun with the process. Fill the board with images, words and colors. When you’re done, post it where you can see it each day and see if you can find some inspiration in the board.
Find Your Story Through Creative List Making: On your mark, get set, go! You have 90 seconds to create a list of possible characters. Next make a list of...
- settings
- personality quirks
- problem situations
- time periods
The list categories could be endless. Once you've created your lists, mix and match items from each list. (e.g. A single woman in the Bayou, bites her lip when she’s nervous, just lost her job, 1950s) Keep your lists; you can come back to them when you are ready for your next writing project.
I’d love to hear how you find inspiration when your searching for an idea for your next writing projects.
Mary Jo Guglielmo is writer and intuitive life coach. For more information check out:
http://facebook.com/DoNorth.biz
