When I first decided that I wanted to get a novel published, I forgot something. I forgot the simple joy in just writing. Writing without thinking, "When this novel is finished, I'm going to have to query it," or "When this story is finished, I'll need to figure out what literary magazines to submit it to." To simply write - for me.
Throughout high school, I practiced poetry. I slowed down a bit after high school, but then when I decided I wanted to write novels and try to get published, I forgot about it all together. I had already decided to start working on my poetry again, so the Poetry Pact Jessica started couldn't have come at a better time. Now that I'm sinking back into the flow of writing poetry, I remember why I love it so much. The joy it brings me. And it's feeding motivation into other aspects of my writing as well, like that novel for example.
So my goal for myself is to remember to write for myself, too. That not everything I write has to be written for any reason other than for the simple pleasure of it. To partake in creative exercises, per se.
There are several writing-related creative exercises you could practice. For me, they include poetry, journaling, and short and flash fiction pieces. Writing prompts would be another good one that I might have to give a whirl and would feed nicely into inspiration for short and flash fiction.
Do you practice creative exercising? What are some others you can think of?
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I'm going to go against my schedule and post the second part of this on Friday, which will go over non-writing creative exercises. Be sure to stop by! :)
Throughout high school, I practiced poetry. I slowed down a bit after high school, but then when I decided I wanted to write novels and try to get published, I forgot about it all together. I had already decided to start working on my poetry again, so the Poetry Pact Jessica started couldn't have come at a better time. Now that I'm sinking back into the flow of writing poetry, I remember why I love it so much. The joy it brings me. And it's feeding motivation into other aspects of my writing as well, like that novel for example.
So my goal for myself is to remember to write for myself, too. That not everything I write has to be written for any reason other than for the simple pleasure of it. To partake in creative exercises, per se.
There are several writing-related creative exercises you could practice. For me, they include poetry, journaling, and short and flash fiction pieces. Writing prompts would be another good one that I might have to give a whirl and would feed nicely into inspiration for short and flash fiction.
Do you practice creative exercising? What are some others you can think of?
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I'm going to go against my schedule and post the second part of this on Friday, which will go over non-writing creative exercises. Be sure to stop by! :)
I don't really practice creative exercising. When I feel inspired I just write. Usually I feel that way for a month or two so I can get a lot done and then I'll be okay with not writing for another month or two... I sort of just go in spurts and it seems to work well for me...
ReplyDeleteI don't really practice creative exercising. When I feel inspired I just write. Usually I feel that way for a month or two so I can get a lot done and then I'll be okay with not writing for another month or two... I sort of just go in spurts and it seems to work well for me...
ReplyDeleteI haven't done too much creative exercising as of late, but I could definitely benefit from it. Journaling is something I would be interested in trying.
ReplyDeleteI do writing prompts just for me. Often it turns into a scene or story. That's the beauty and magic of writing prompts and exercises. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't practice creative exercising, but i do listen to music if I need some inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI don't do them either. I should. Carefree writing seems like a really good release, you know? Not having to worry if it will sell, if anyone will like it, blah blah. Just writing something just for me sounds pretty good!
ReplyDeleteMelissa - That's great that works for you! Personally, if I take a break longer than just a few days, it takes me forever to get back into my groove. I find it easier to write a little everyday, regardless of how little, rather than taking long breaks. Goes to show how different processes work for different writers! :)
ReplyDeleteKelly - I enjoy journaling - although, I don't really journal in the "traditional" way. My journaling is more of a collection of random thoughts, as well as quotes and excerpts from books or lyrics, rather than a detailed description of things that are going on in my life.