Creative Writing, Keep Writing

I always envy those people who can whip out a good article in just under an hour.

Just, how was that possible? Do they have the idea for something great just on top of their mind and the words to come with it on the tip of their fingertips? How is it possible to turn a topic into quite an interesting read? Why does it come to them naturally while I struggle to put up even a single sentence with essence and meaning? If you're like me, then you shall agree with me that the struggle is real.

Looking at this on another side, this being a struggle is a good thing. Because when you struggle the outcome could only get better, Just as like any problem has several solutions, there are things to make the struggling a bit bearable if not completely acceptable. For me at least, I will try to share what I find helpful in overcoming that wall that stalls your writing.

Stick to one topic at a time

When you write, at least try to, the first thing you have to know is what are you going to write about, easy enough right? Well, if you are writing for news channels and other periodicals, it may be true but when it comes to creative and free writing, it's a little bit complicated.

Subjects and contents will come rushing to your head and they will scramble in your mind like a dump truck unloading all the clutters. What I like to do with this bombardment of subjects to write is I make a list of at least 5 of them that I find most interesting, to me at least. And from that list I prioritize the most thing that is grabbing my attention. And if the first one doesn't work out well, then I have 4 more to go back to.

Talk to yourself

I always imagine that the articles I write are just conversations that I can have normally, verbally, so it helps to literally talk to myself as it builds the article organically. Every article has a message to convey, and it is hard to deliver that message without an audience. I don't know if my articles would be seen by many or just a couple or will it even see the light of day but one thing is for sure : I will read my work. In that case, I already have an audience, myself.

When I do this, it also helps shape the container in which my message will be placed into. It can also give me an idea on how to dress up that container with trappings of art. This is also the time to ponder if my message is delivered clearly or should I start over again.

Take a Breather

There is no point in struggling if you keep on struggling. Take a quick break here and there and relax. Breathe in breathe out, clear your mind, clear your thoughts and visualize peace. I find writing better when I am calm, relaxed and at peace.

Just Keep Writing

I have my topic, I have a rough idea on how to deliver it but the words I need are out of my reach still. There's no use stressing about it, because I write to express myself, and not to be stressed, I don't fret about it even if I can't find the words, phrases I want to use. What works for me here is I just write everything that comes to mind, all the rumblings and clutter in my brain. It does not matter if it is related to the topic at hand or not, I just keep my motor running. There will be time to rearrange them and throw away what's not necessary.

The most important thing is keep the creative juice flowing. You can decide later if you have created a meaningful or an utter failure. But stay at it. Besides, all the words are there, you just have to arrange them to build your concept.

Lead Image : Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels