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How do you get inspired?

noobie
edited November 2006 in General
Whenever I have to write something it takes me a while to decide on an idea. This was the case during my last ENGL 102 exam when I struggled, and also when we had to write the first chapter of a novel. Inspiration just never struck.

Has anyone got any tips in finding the great idea?

Comments

  • Malakaiii
    edited October 2006
    Hm... well I think that fiction writing and essay writing tap into different kinds of inspiration, for me.

    Fiction: Often I will just start writing with whatever comes to mind. After you've written down whatever comes to mind, just keep spreading that thought until you find something that you like or can work with. Then scrap what you don't like and start again. Re-writing is very key! I read a lot of minimalist writing (ie: Chuck Palahniuk), so that inspires me in itself. I would suggest reading a lot if you like to/need to do a lot of writing. It will help you exponentially.

    Essays: The best thing you can do with essays is write a paragraph on what you are writing about. If it's a novel, quickly describe it. If it's a subject (like ADHD or Paris or World War II), write down five main things that you want to say. Then restudy the question you were given and focus in on it. That is the most important part because even if your essay is amazing, you are going to get screwed if you don't answer the question! A lot of pre-writing really helps as you focus in on what exactly you want to say. Make an outline so that you stay on track.

    Hopefully that made a little bit of sense for you? I've written a ton of freaking essays so far in my schooling, and I write in my spare time. I've found that these have been successful for me. Cheers.
  • illicit
    edited October 2006
    sitting in that pod thing outside the aq on the way to the cornerstone from convo mall.
  • Mikaela
    edited October 2006
    takin walks helps me think of ideas n get inspired
  • illicit
    edited October 2006
    illicit said:
    sitting in that pod thing outside the aq on the way to the cornerstone from convo mall.
    disrgard this on a serious note, ALTHOUGH i have heard that it works for writers.

    personally, talking to people , even if they're not intellectual conversations, gives more ideas etc.
  • PoliChic87
    edited November 2006
    Wow what an intriguing post...

    Usually when I am looking for inspiration for an essay of some sorts and I have writer's block, I just take a nap. When I wake up I'm fresh and ready to go with new ideas. Or just taking any type of break that takes my mind off the subject I am writing about helps. I try to avoid distractions at all costs, because they throw off my thought process and are counterproductive.

    Im interested in hearing more of your guys' ideas I'm definitely gonna use these next time... I love your ideas Malakaii!
  • Malakaiii
    edited November 2006
    w00t! :)

    Now if only I could follow my own advice and finish this freaking Psych paper I'm writing...

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