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Author: Rachel Grosvenor

Categories
Craft Publishing

The Draw of Fantastical Fiction

According to sales statistics, fantasy book sales grew by over 45% in 2021 compared to 2020, and I’m not a bit surprised to hear it. As a reader, I’ve always drifted toward the fantasy section in a bookshop, and as a writer, it was the promise of adventure that sparked my writing career.

            I began writing as a child after reading (you guessed it) The Lord of the Rings. As an elder millennial (I know, but I didn’t give myself that title), I was at that age when the movies started coming out just as I was allowed to go to the cinema to watch them with friends, alone. I had already read the books, and to see the characters come to life before me was thrilling. With Justified playing on my CD player, I would roll up my sleeves, stare for a while at my poster of Legolas, and begin writing fanfiction.

            The internet was different back then. I would post on a site where other Tolkien lovers would write their own fiction. Our characters would interact in Middle Earth, and I created a complex backstory for my elven warrior and her horse, Tengwar. By day, I was a mild-mannered Brummy student, but by night, my bow was my greatest weapon.

            I have always remembered the magic I felt at the keyboard of my family’s old-fashioned, loudly whirring computer. I would rush home excited to write, delighted to see updates from others, and I have striven to keep the same feeling.

            This is what fantasy offers me as a writer – excitement. Anything can happen, the world can be moulded into the magical. The mountains near my home become promises, begging to be traversed on a life-changing mission. The alleyways in my town hold secrets, bricks that, when pushed, reveal hidden houses and private rooms where witches dwell.

            As a reader, my favourite fantastical place to visit is Ankh-Morpork, the city of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. I had a similar cityscape in mind when writing my debut novel, The Finery (Fly on the Wall Press). Corruption and intrigue abound, but there is beauty there too. My main character, Professor Cripcot, is facing a very real situation – eviction. It isn’t that she overcomes this with magic, assisted by the aid of swords or bows and arrows, but rather that she is supported by those around her. The fantastical elements lie within the norms of everyday life – the care wolves given to older people, the tarot cards that truly reveal the future, and the underground network that survives for generations without sunlight. My writing has gone full circle in this way; I no longer pull fantasy into my real life but rather write my real life into fantasy. Perhaps that’s why fantasy book sales have shot up recently, the stress of the pandemic driving a desire to escape into a fantastical world.

As I write with my own wolf (really, more of a standard poodle) beside me, I do two things my education in writing taught me: I write what I know, and I add a dash of magic. After all, it’s that magic that leads me to both the keyboard and the fantasy bookshelf, every time.

Want to read some fantasy? Check out this post:

Fifteen Fantasy Books to Read When You Need a Break From Fiction

 

Categories
Coaching Craft Productivity

How to Collaborate with a Fellow Author

Collaborate with author

This week has been a lovely one, as I’ve been writing with fellow author, editor, and writing coach, Isobelle Lans of Inspired Creative Co. Isobelle joined me for a week in Wales and we decided to begin a project we’ve spoken about for a while – writing a novel together.

If you too are looking to collaborate with a fellow author, here are our top tips on making it work:

1 – Communication is key.

An obvious one but worth mentioning is communication. We all communicate in a different way, but being receptive and open to each other’s ideas is a big part of creative collaboration. Before writing together, consider how the other person communicates, how they prefer to write, and what you can both bring to the project.

2 – Giving constructive criticism.

How do you receive feedback? It’s an important subject to raise. I like the compliment sandwich, and clear informative information about how something can be improved. Identify something you like, and then explain how something could be changed and why you think this. Be open to discussion on that change, and remember that creative writing is a subject often close to the heart. Find a middle ground for what works for both of you, and don’t be afraid to refer back to point one.

3 – Respecting energy levels.

Everyone has different ways of writing and working throughout the day, and routines that they are comfortable with. If you find you write best in the morning but your creative friend writes best in the evening, come up with a schedule that suits the both of you.

4 – Encouraging each other.

Discuss open ideas with each other and be mindful of all of the above. Spur each other on and take regular breaks where you don’t discuss writing – creating together requires a relationship too!

5 – Sharing a plot.

Everyone’s ideas are valid, so remember to share a plot. If you have an idea that you feel strongly about, politely explore it and allow your author friend to do the same. Remember that there is more than one solution to a problem, and that different personality types respond in different ways to situations – that’s a key point for your characters too!

6 – Working to your strengths.

At the start of your collaboration, communicate your creative strengths to the other person. Explore the topics and themes that you enjoy, shared favourite books, and decide on division of labour. For example, Isobelle and I discussed the kind of characters we like to write. Personally, I enjoy writing from a woman’s point of view, so I chose a character that matched my preferences. Isobelle is the opposite, so she chose a character that matched hers. In research, I enjoy writing about historical elements such as food. Isobelle prefers researching geographical features, such as floor plans and setting.

Treat this like any partnership with fair exchange and respect, and you too will be writing a novel with a close friend with ease and creativity.

 

 

Categories
Publishing

How Do You Book a 1:1 with a Literary Agent?

literary agent

First, let’s talk about why you might be interested in doing this. If you have a novel and it’s completed (you’ve edited it, taken it through a few drafts, and you’re feeling good about its condition), you might be thinking about or currently querying. A 1:1 with a literary agent can be so helpful for a few reasons. 

  • They give you valuable feedback on your query package. As these are the people receiving queries, they are the experts! Their feedback will help you improve. 
  • They can give you insider advice. Agents are up to date on literary market trends, publisher preferences, and more. All of this information can increase your chances of getting published!
  • To build a relationship. You’re not going to become best friends over a 15-minute phone call, but talking to an agent who represents your genre and having the opportunity to discuss your work with them is more impactful than sending an email. First of all, you are guaranteed their attention – and that’s huge. Often, submissions will be reviewed by an assistant first and won’t even make it to the agent you are contacting, so having the opportunity to talk to the agent you are querying is so valuable. 

If you’re ready to book that 1:1 – here are some options on how to do it:

  • Literary festivals. At literary festivals, you have the opportunity to pre-book (rarely is it first come, first serve on the day, so always pre-book) a face-to-face 1:1 with an agent. Festivals such as:

The London Festival of Writing

How to Hook an Agent Event by Bloomsbury Publishing

The London Book Fair

  • Online. Various writing organisations offer 1:1 sessions over the phone or on software such as Zoom. You can peruse the agents available to make sure that you will be speaking with someone who represents your genre. Here are a few:

I am in Print

Jericho Writers

  • Query. Querying is the traditional way to get an agent 1:1. The above ways are guaranteed because you book them in advance, but querying can lead to a chat with your chosen literary agent. Want to know more about querying? Check out the following blog posts:

3 Things to Avoid When Querying Literary Agents

5 Ways to Find a Literary Agent or Publisher

When to Follow up With a Literary Agent or Publisher

Categories
Coaching Craft Productivity

My Top Five Tips for New Writers

New writers

Hey writer, I see you. You have a dream, and it’s to write a novel. Well, everyone has a story inside them, people tell you. That’s true, of course. What they don’t tell you, though, is that novels come from more than ideas. They come from effort. There are some scary statistics out there when it comes to writing, such as out of those who actually start writing, only 3% finish their manuscript. If you dream of having a book on your bookshelf with your name on it, read on. The idea is just the start, but I genuinely believe that with some help, you can be the writer you want to be.

1: Build a community.

This is number one because it’s the most encouraging. Peer review is one of the most powerful tools a writer can have, and nothing will drive you to sit in front of that empty page day after day like a community of writers supporting you. You can find them in all sorts of places, but if you want to join a great one today, consider Instagram or Twitter. There are ready-made writing communities sharing their processes, tips, and time. One of my favourite things to come from a writing community is writing sprints – the act of sitting together online and writing for a designated amount of time. Remember – you are not expected to do this alone, and writing a novel doesn’t have to be a lonely experience. There are people out there in the same stage of writing as you, just waiting to say hello and hear more about your work. Another great way to build your community is to take a creative writing class. There may be some in your area, so take a look!

If you haven’t found your community yet, check out The Fiction Fellowship. Run by myself and Isobelle (Inspired Creative Co.), we’re a friendly bunch of writers from across the globe who meet on Zoom to write, chat, and teach. We have pre-recorded classes, workbooks, and more.

2: Hire a writing coach.

As both a writing coach and someone who hires a writing coach, I know how incredible this step can be. A writing coach (also known as a book coach) is like a personal trainer for your writing life. They can be whatever you need them to be! I act as a chapter editor, accountability partner, teacher, mindset coach, and more. I have helped writers start their novels, finish them, push through the murky middle, and find agents. In turn, my writing coach has helped me with my mindset, plotting, and figuring out what kind of writer I want to be. There is something incredible about someone holding the space for you to talk about your craft – it’s life-changing.

If you want to know more about how I can help you in 2024, click here. Specialised support for your writing life will take you from idea to print.

3: Embrace your time.

Your time is precious, and you are busy, and sometimes, that means that writing a novel gets pushed to the bottom of your list of priorities. It’s easy to do, but it also means that days, weeks, and sometimes months can pass without writing or progressing on your dream. I’ve worked with many writers on finding the time to write and even created a workbook on exactly that, and here’s my main tip: look at your week. Break down where you spend your time. Find an hour throughout the week to write, whether in one go or several sessions. You would be amazed at what can happen when you set your timer for ten minutes and focus on just that. And remember, ten minutes a day is sixty hours a year. That’s a significant amount of time to dedicate to your dream, and those minutes make a real difference.

If this is what you need to work on, click here. My Ultimate Writer’s Planning Workbook will help you find a way forward.

4: Read.

There’s a saying that I subscribe to: You can’t be a good writer if you’re not a good reader. Reading doesn’t just teach you about grammar, it gives you an understanding of genre, tropes, what you like, and how you want to write. Reading is one of the most valuable things you can do in your spare time as a writer, so head to the library and invest some real time in it. Your writing will improve because of that effort.

Looking for books on writing? I’ve got you – click here.

5: Find your process.

Stephen King says that you should write every day, and some people follow this advice to the letter. However, just because it works for some writers, it doesn’t mean it will and should work for you. Your process is allowed to be different from every writer you know, and you do not have to subscribe to something you have seen from another author. Discover your own process by writing at various points in the day, and paying attention to when you are at your most productive. Focus on what drives you to write, and what your motivators are. For example, rewards really work for me, so I’ll set myself a task of writing for ten minutes, with a cup of tea and a chapter of my favourite book at the end. Rewards don’t have to be fancy or expensive, they can be as simple as quiet time. Set boundaries with your family, and tell them how important your craft is to you and when you are working on it. Celebrate with them too, so they see what you’re doing and how they can be involved. If you care about writing, give it the time it deserves. You can absolutely become one of that 3% who finish their manuscripts.

Read about my personal process here, in this article I wrote for www.booksbywomen.org. 

Remember, writer; you’ve got this. Your story deserves to be told, and your readers are waiting.

Categories
Craft

Which Is the Best Plotting Method for You?

plotting method

Are you taking part in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)? If so, now is the time to think about your story outline.

Whether you are a plotter, a pantser or a plantser, it can be confusing knowing which story outline might work best for you. After all, there seem to be plenty of books out there suggesting different ways of plotting your novel. So, let’s dig a little deeper into the options so that you can make a creative decision! I’m going to outline five methods because there are a lot, but these are the ones that I believe are most common (based on empirical observation).

Your Story Outline Options:

The Save the Cat Method (click here for a link)

Now then, this is a detailed plan and method, and if the following resonates with you and you feel excited about it, I would strongly recommend borrowing / buying the book, which will help you through the process.

Jessica Brody breaks this method into fifteen ‘beats’ or plot points, as follows:

1: Opening Image. (0-1)%

Who your character is, and what their life is currently like.

2: Theme Stated (5%)

A suggestion of what the main character’s journey will be.

3: Setup (1% – 10%)

Exploring the main character’s current life and issues.

4 – Catalyst (10%)

A life-changing event.

5: Debate (10% to 20%)

Reaction to the life-changing event.

6: Break Into 2 (20%)

A change, perhaps leaving for a journey, a decision to try something new, etc.

7: B Story (22%)

Intro to a secondary character.

8: Fun and Games (20% to 50%)

Seeing the hero in the new world – succeeding or failing.

9: Midpoint (50%)

A false victory and a plot twist.

10: Bad Guys Close In (50% to 75%)

Things look like they’re getting better for the main character, but the baddies are still coming.

11: All Is Lost (75%)

The lowest point of the novel, something terrible happens.

12: Dark Night of the Soul (75% to 80%)

The darkest hour for the main character.

13: The Break Into 3 (80%)

The character sees how they can move forward.

14: The Finale (80% to 99%)

The main character saves the world / comes out of the other side of their struggle.

15: Final Image (99% to 100%)

How the journey has changed the main character’s life.

As you can see, this is an in-depth plot outline that gives you the opportunity to create a novel with a tight narrative structure. 

The Three-Act Method

Oh, it’s a classic, and one that I enjoy. This story outline involves breaking your plot down into (you guessed it) three acts. Honestly, I like it for its joyful simplicity and flexibility. It’s also the method we are taught at a very young age – beginning, middle, and end. It is also sometimes called:

Set-Up:

Setting up the world of your characters, including exposition, world-building, and a problem for your main character.

Confrontation:

The rising action leads to the midpoint and ultimately something similar to ‘The Dark Night of the Soul’.

Resolution:

The climax and fallout of this, the resolution of the tale.

Within these confines, you will see that there is a similar language to the Save the Cat Method…and actually, that’s true of a lot of plotting and story outline methods. They do share a language and often similar methodology. However, the three-act structure can be more flexible than other structures because it can be as detailed as you like. So, if you’re not someone who loves to plot but you like a brief outline, you can break your story idea into Set-Up, Confrontation, and Resolution without going into specifics. 

The Snowflake Method

Randy Ingermanson created this method, and it is laid out as follows:

1: Write a one-sentence summary of your book.

2: Write a paragraph-long summary.

3: Write down each main character, including Name, storyline, goal, conflict and revelation.

4: Turn every sentence of your paragraph-long summary into its own paragraph.

5: Use your character information to create more detailed character sheets.

6: Expand each paragraph into an individual scene.

7: Write!

Randy does go into detail about a step that he no longer takes, and also recommends using an excel spreadsheet. You can find more information on this method here, so if this brief description has you shouting ‘Yes! That’s my method!’ Check it out. 

Freytag’s Pyramid 

Another classic and useful if you’re struggling to get a full picture of your storyline. In fact, I usually use this and the three-act method to create a plan that works for me. This one is one that you have probably seen before. It’s the shape of a pyramid, with the peak being the climax. This is broken down into the following steps:

Exposition

Rising Action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution 

As far as outlining methods go, I find this useful as, similar to the three-act method, you can make it as detailed as you please. The flexibility in this works for me personally. 

The Synopsis Method 

For those who don’t enjoy plotting, this method is excellent. This is essentially writing down the story before you’ve written the story! Usually, we write the synopsis at the end of writing our novel, but this method turns that idea on its head and asks you to summarise the novel before writing it.

So there you have it, a brief dive into five story outlines. Which would work best for you? That’s for you to decide!

Was this post helpful? Share it with another writer!

Unsure which is best for you, but know you want to start plotting? That’s okay, get in touch today, and we can have a chat about it. Investigation into your writing process is always worthwhile. I also teach my favourite forms of plotting in my novel writing masterclass, and take you through the steps using a story you know well. So, if you’re looking for some extra plotting help, that’s a great place to start.

Are you looking for a similar read? 

Online Writing Tools That Can Help You Write Your Novel

5 Books on Writing That Will Improve Your Craft

 

Categories
Coaching Productivity

The Three Things I Focus on With All of my Coaching Clients

Coaching clients

You’ve probably clicked on this post because you are curious to see what I’m working on with clients, and you may want to check if you struggle with the same thing. As an experienced writing coach, and author with a writing coach myself, these are the most common issues I see, have experienced, and continue to talk about. They require continuous work and effort, but they can all be improved hugely through coaching. Let’s dig in!

1) Imposter syndrome

The classic. The majority of creative people I have met, if not all, have suffered from imposter syndrome, myself included. Why? One big reason is that art is subjective. We aren’t mathematicians (you might be, but I’m not!), and the answer isn’t definite. Is my writing any good? Some people will love it, others will think it’s okay, and some will dislike it. Does that mean I’m a good writer or not? Hard to say, isn’t it? Especially when we constantly compare ourselves with the positive echo chamber of social media. Here’s the thing – there’s a book for everyone. I love The Lord of the Rings like I love my family (well, marginally less), but if you don’t read fantasy, I won’t expect you to enjoy it. It doesn’t mean I’m wrong in loving it or that you’re wrong in not liking it. It’s just subjective.

Here’s what we know for certain about your writing:

  • It is valid.
  • If you love it, there will be a reader who loves it too.
  • It is worth investing your time in.
  • You are the expert in your story.

If you’re struggling with imposter syndrome, here are some things that can help:

  • Hire a writing coach. Find someone to discuss your thoughts and feelings with. Remember, feelings are not facts.
  • Write down five things you are proud of achieving in your writing life. Keep that list in your writing space to review when you feel wobbly.
  • Create a ‘Positivity Folder’. When you get good feedback on your creative work, put it in your folder. Then, the next time you feel unsure or like imposter syndrome is ready to strike, you can remind yourself of the reality with actual evidence.
  • Dig deep into education and focus on the craft of writing. Whatever stage of your writing career you are in, there is always more to learn, and dedicated time and effort to this can help imposter syndrome. Still trying to figure out where to start? Check out my novel writing masterclass. 

2) What they should be writing.

Should you be writing literary fiction or fantasy? Should you be jumping into crime thrillers or romance? How are you supposed to know?

I understand this dilemma well. I’ve been through it too! It’s so hard to know what’s expected of us, and sometimes, the weight of imagined expectations can hinder our creativity.

Here’s the secret: you should write whatever you are passionate about. Love vampire stories? Go for it. Ignore the marketing when you are writing, ignore the idea that something is ‘trending’ right now (by the time you get your book out there, that thing won’t be trending any more), and write something you want to write. Here’s another secret: if you write something you are delighted to be writing, it comes across in your work. It creates a joyful read. So, let yourself indulge in your hobbies. Trust me, there will be someone who wants to read about a mermaid who escapes jail to work at a zoo.

3) Finding the time.

Finding the time to write is such a common problem. Fret not; I have the perfect solution: The Ultimate Writer’s Planning Workbook. This 60+ page PDF fillable workbook will take you through the stages of planning YOUR writing year, focusing on:

  • Reflection on the previous year.
  • Building and understanding your writing vision.
  • Working out what your targets are and setting them.
  • Engineering your actions toward your goal.
  • Finding the time to write.
  • Taking action and setting yourself up to achieve your goals!

Sound good? Grab your copy today!

Categories
Coaching

6 Reasons to Hire a Writing Coach

hire a writing coach

Why would you hire a writing coach? A writing coach can be a valuable resource, providing guidance, support, and expertise throughout the writing and publishing process. Here are six reasons why a writing coach may be right for you:

  1. Guidance and Expertise: A writing coach brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. As a writing coach myself, I have studied to understand the intricacies of storytelling, character development, plot structure, and other essential elements of writing a book. If you need help or guidance through the writing process, a writing coach can help you navigate challenges and provide insights to improve your creative writing skills.
  2. Accountability and Motivation: Writing a book can be a long and solitary journey, and it’s easy to get discouraged or lose motivation along the way. One of the things a writing coach is wonderful for is providing you with accountability and keeping you on track with your goals. They can help you set deadlines that are realistic, provide feedback on your progress, and help keep you motivated.
  3. Objective Feedback and Critique: One of the most valuable aspects of working with a writing coach is receiving objective feedback on your writing. From providing constructive criticism to pointing out areas for improvement, writing coaches can identify strengths and weaknesses in your manuscript and offer suggestions on how to improve it.
  4. Tailored Guidance and Support: A writing coach can provide personalized guidance that suits your specific needs and goals. They can help you develop your unique writing voice, provide strategies for plot development or character arcs, and assist with overcoming writer’s block or other challenges you may encounter. Working with a writing coach ensures that you receive individualized support tailored to your writing journey.
  5. Industry Knowledge: Writing coaches often have insights into the publishing industry and can offer guidance on the next steps once your manuscript is complete. They can advise you on query letters, finding literary agents or publishers, self-publishing options, or marketing your book. Why does this matter? This can save you a huge amount of time and help you make informed decisions about your writing and the future of your creative career.
  6. Confidence and Emotional Support: Writing a book can be an emotional process, and it takes grit and determination. A writing coach can provide the encouragement you need to stay motivated and, most importantly, believe in your work. They can help you build confidence in your writing abilities and overcome mindset blocks that might be holding you back.


Ultimately, a writing coach is like a personal trainer for your creative life. If you’re seeking guidance, accountability, and expert support, working with a writing coach may be the right choice for you.

As a Certified Professional Coach, trained by an ICF company and with an ILM Level 2, you can trust that my coaching skills are tried and tested. As a writer with a PhD, MA and BA in Creative Writing, and over six years of lecturing in adult education and at universities, I’m a professional writer specialising in helping others find their way forward. 

Any questions? Feel free to get in touch.

Want to read something similar? Check these out!

What is a Writing Coach?
4 Ways to Edit Your Own Writing

Categories
Productivity

How I Wrote 12,000 Words in Six Days

how I wrote

I have just finished running the Writing Week Retreat with my fellow writer, editor and coach, Isobelle (of Inspired Creative Co.), and it was wonderful. We had some fantastic writers join us from around the world, and overall, the final word count for the week was over 50,000 words between us. That’s an amazing achievement for six days! Let’s talk about how we did it.

1 – Community

For me, there is nothing as powerful as community support when it comes to writing. I thrive when surrounded by writers, whether in real life or virtually, and I have witnessed the impact on others, too. During the retreat, we had two hour-long writing sprints a day. Having that dedicated time meant we could focus on our words with others.

Your Task: Find your community. 

2 – Goals

My goal at the start of every hour-long writing sprint was to write as much as I knew I could – 1000 words in one hour. I know that I can write this because this is my creative data (if you’re not sure what I mean, check this blog post out!), and so I pushed myself to achieve this goal. This meant that my 12000 word achievement was my goal all along, and I am delighted to have made it!

Your task: Discover your creative data and set realistic goals. 

3 – Plans

I’m a dedicated plotter, but during the retreat, I tried something completely different. I had an idea of where I wanted my story to go, and I discussed it with others, but overall I allowed myself to be a discovery writer. This means that the characters took me where they wanted to go, and out of that came a story I absolutely love. While it does differ from my original idea, I am loving the new tale, and the process is exciting and really fun.

Your task: Don’t be too rigid in terms of plans, allow yourself to discover too!

4 – Vision

To help visualise my finished book, I played with title ideas and covers on Canva. The mocked-up image is below! This sort of thing really helps when it comes to picturing the finished novel, which helps motivate me to create and write more.

Your task: Give your work in progress a title and a cover. It doesn’t have to be final.

5 – Craft 

Despite having spent eight years in higher education learning the craft of Creative Writing, there is always more to learn. That’s why one of my values is education! During the retreat, Isobelle and I ran classes on everything from character arcs to raising the stakes, and our focus on that craft element helped tighten up my prose.

Your task: Don’t be afraid to improve your craft and take a class. 

Are you looking for community, creativity, and craft advice? Well, stay tuned. We have more planned and can’t wait to share it with you.

If you still need to grab your copy of the Story Development Workbook (unfortunately, we have had issues with Etsy on their end!), it is now available. Click here to learn more because this workbook is jam-packed with help, and you don’t want to miss it!

Categories
Craft Productivity

Eight Writing Exercises to Get You Out of a Creative Slump

writing exercises

Are you in a creative slump at the moment, finding it hard to write? I hear you; something about the start of the year makes it hard to be creative. And yes, although it’s April, I’m still seeing frost on the trees on my morning dog walk, so spring hasn’t quite sprung yet. Anyway, back to the point – creative writing exercises inspire, spark creativity, and give you fresh ideas. Here are eight to kick-start your writing:

  1. Freewriting: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write continuously without stopping or worrying about grammar, spelling, or punctuation. Write down whatever comes to mind, even if it seems nonsensical.
  2. Writing prompts: Use a writing prompt (like the ones I sent in my newsletters!) to inspire your writing. Write for 10-15 minutes using the prompt as a starting point.
  3. Character development: Create a character profile for a fictional character. Include details such as their name, age, appearance, personality, and backstory.
  4. Dialogue practice: Write a conversation between two characters. Focus on making the dialogue sound natural and authentic.
  5. Rewriting: Take a piece of writing you’ve already written and rewrite it from a different perspective or in a different genre.
  6. Setting Description: Choose a setting (such as a park or a beach) and write a detailed description of it. Use all your senses to bring the scene to life.
  7. Point of view: Write a scene from two different points of view. For example, write a scene from the perspective of a character who is in love and then write the same scene from the perspective of a character who is angry.
  8. Word association: Choose a word and write down all the words that come to mind when you think of it. Use those words as inspiration for your writing.

Remember, practising regularly and experimenting with different exercises to find what works best for you is key to improving your writing.

Want to read something similar? Check out the following:

11 Ways to Get Ideas When You Don’t Feel Like Writing
3 Steps to Your Writing Management Plan
10 Ways to Grow as a Writer

Categories
Coaching Productivity

11 Ways to Get Ideas When You Don’t Feel Like Writing

don't feel like writing

Do you ever feel like you don’t have any ideas? It can be frustrating when this happens. But don’t worry – we’ve all been there! In this blog post, I will share eleven ways to get ideas when you don’t feel like writing.

1) Get reading.

Reading can help jumpstart your brain and get the creative juices flowing. If you’re bored of your usual stuff, try reading a book in a genre you don’t usually reach for. This can help open your mind to new possibilities and give you fresh ideas.

2) Free-writing.

Set a timer for five minutes and just write whatever comes to mind, without stopping to edit or judge what you’re writing. You might be surprised by what comes out!

3) Get outside!

Sometimes, the best way to get inspired is to change your scenery. As they say, a change is as good as a break.

4) Mindmap.

This can be a great way to come up with new ideas and get feedback on those ideas from someone else. If you’re feeling stuck, try meeting up with a friend or colleague and bouncing some ideas off of them.

5) Research.

If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas, try doing some research. This can be anything from reading articles to watching documentaries. By learning more about your topic, you may be able to come up with new ways to approach it. Research is never a bad idea for a writer, and your work will only be improved through it.

6) Journal.

Write down any thoughts or ideas that come to mind, no matter how random they may seem. You never know when something you jotted down will turn into a great piece of writing.

7) Talk to others.

Ask friends or family about their thoughts on your genre, or see if they have any suggestions for what you could write about. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

8) Get prepped.

This may seem like an odd way to get ideas, but sometimes getting your thoughts down in a more organised way can help you see things from a different perspective.

9) Rest.

If you’ve been sitting at your desk for hours trying to come up with something to write about, it may be time to take a break. Get up and stretch, or take a quick walk around your area.

10) Keep a record.

We’re writers, sometimes we have great ideas when we’re in the middle of current projects! If that sounds like you, whenever you think of a new novel idea, add it to a list. That way, when you’re feeling uninspired, you can always refer back for some ideas.

11) Ask what your ideal reader wants.

If you’re struggling to develop a new idea, why not ask your readers what they want to read? Send out a survey or poll on social media and see what topics your audience is most interested in. Not sure who your ideal reader is? Check out this blog post!

Do you have any other techniques for getting ideas when you don’t feel like writing? Let me know here!

Want to read something similar? Check these blog posts out:

The Power of Taking Responsibility for Your Writing Journey
5 Books on Writing That Will Improve Your Craft