Creative Writing Ideas, Exercises, and Prompts

The blank screen can be daunting. There are some days when I turn on my computer and try to type something. I erase it. I type something else. I erase that. Then I stare at the computer for a few seconds and think, this is hopeless.

I'm a writer. I know how hard it can be to get creative writing ideas. That situation I talked about has happened to me many times. It's a terrible feeling, and when it happens I think there's nothing I can do about it.

Each time I think that the situation is hopeless, I prove myself wrong. The fact is that there IS something I can do. I have two choices. I can either give up and do something or I can try to work through it. I'll explore both of the choices.

Give Up and  Do Something Else

You know, this could be just what the doctor ordered. I'm serious! "Giving up" doesn't need to be a permanent situation. In fact, it could actually help get the creative juices flowing. Except, I don't really call it "giving up".  I consider it a break.

I take these breaks from time to time and I always keep a notebook by my side when I do. This is because stepping away from the computer is a sure fire way to help me get ideas. There are creative writing ideas all around us if we pay attention.

Something as simple as noticing a forgotten lunch bag in the park could be enough to give you a plot for an entire novel. Just pay attention to the world around you and see what happens.

Try to Work Through It

This doesn't need to be a painful process. I usually work through my blockages by doing a writing exercise or two. I have books filled with creative writing prompts or I use some of my old stand-by's to get things going. The exercises I use either help me get ideas or just get the fingers moving.

Here are some things to try. I use these tricks from time to time and they work:

• Keep a daily diary. I like to talk about the things I do in a day. On some days I do something interesting. Other days I don't. Even if I just went food shopping, that goes in the diary. Every now and then I feel like writing more and these often turn into ideas, plots, or even poems.

• Your idea notebook. Get a notebook to fill with ideas when they occur - even if it doesn't seem like much. Sometimes these ideas add up and even the smallest thing can turn into a plot for something bigger.

• Words you like. Another fun idea is to get a small notebook and write down any words you like. You can later use these words as prompts when you're feeling stuck. Just pick a word and set the timer for ten minutes. In that time, write down whatever comes to mind no matter if it relates to the word or not.

Do you have any ideas that you like to use? feel free to share them in the comments below! I'm always looking for new ideas.

I love that picture. I always thought it would be fun to write something using an old pen and ink setup. The very thought of it is enough to inspire me and get me eager to write.

As an exercise, think about your writing tools. What do you consider essential? Do you dream about using certain tools like pretty pens and beautiful journals? If so, make that dream a reality. It can go a long way to inspire creativity.

What if these things don't work? I encourage you to not get discouraged. There IS something out there that will work to help you get ideas and to stimulate your mind into action. You just may not have found them yet.

The key is to not force things.  Just relax and enjoy the process. Stress will hold you back. Just believe that you'll be able to get past your rut. Some call this "writer's block". Maybe it is. I don't worry about putting a name to it. I just work on solving it. :)

I hope this helps you do the same!