Tips for Getting in the Writing Mood
We have all been there: You need to write, but you just aren't in the mood to do so. Sometimes, you just need a few things to be perfect before you get to work.
Tip One: Setting up your Writing Zone
A “writing zone” is the place that you feel most comfortable letting your words flow onto a page. Whether it be that comfy chair that you have in the corner of your room, or outside under a favorite tree of yours, establishing a writing zone can help you to clear your head and keep it clear throughout the process of creating your work.
When you sit down at your favorite writing spot, make sure that you have everything that you will need right within reach. It is a lot less stressful if your coffee cup is where you can get it, and you don’t have to get up to go to the kitchen and grab it every time you want to take a sip.
I always have my writing zone set up as I like it: comfy chair angled so I can put my feet up on the bed, pillow on my lap, notebook or laptop on top of that, and of course some sort of drink or snack somewhere near by for when I need to take a small break and read over everything that I’ve written.
Tip Two: Find Inspiration in Songs
Whether you listen to rock, country, pop, or Broadway show tunes, inspiration for your writing can always come from a good song.
Listen intently to the lyrics, or if there are none, simply close your eyes and think about what the song makes you envision. A single line could be the basis for an entire novel as long as it really means something to you. Look beyond the initial meaning of the lyric, and try to find some deeper meaning behind it. There are millions of ways to interpret something, just find your way of interpreting it, and let that guide you.
When I don't feel like writing but I need to work, I like to listen to my favorite songs and write down lines that I find particularly inspirational or important to me. This helps me come up with ideas for story lines and characters, or it just puts me in a good mood.
Tip Three: The Perfect Stationary
If you like to write on paper before you type your work, having the perfect stationary is a must. It needs to be clean (no coffee stains or tears). If you like your writing in a notebook, try finding a fresh one to start a new story in.
Also, make sure that you have good writing utensils. If you are using a pen, it should be one that writes well, so that you don't have to force it and make your hands cramp. If you are using pencils, make sure that you have a pencil sharpener so that you don't give up if the graphite breaks. If you are using mechanical pencils, make sure that you have enough graphite to refill them when needed.
Tip Four: Do Not Force It
If you can't find inspiration after doing all of these things, do not force yourself to write. That can make you hate writing and feel like it's a chore instead of an activity that you should enjoy taking part in.
If you are not having fun, then you need to change something. Try using new music, watching a movie while you write, or using a writing prompt.
What do you do to get in the writing mood?