Every sporting and musical activity has some kind of warm up, so why should creative writing be any different? It's important to get those creative muscles working every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. Even the most seasoned writers have days when they get stuck on a piece they're writing or feel completely uninspired to write anything at all. We've all been there - those days when you think "Why do I bother?" and "Will I ever be inspired again?" and "Shall I just pack it all in now?" But remember these feelings won't last and there are lots of fun ways to get going again - here are some of my favourites:
1. Pick a writing prompt to kick start a writing session, such as those found at http://www.writersdigest.com/prompts
2. Attend a writing workshop / course / retreat
3. Join a writers' group - sharing your work and listening to others' work can be inspiring
4. Go for a long walk in the countryside or any green space you can find - ideally somewhere with trees or water
5. Use another art form for inspiration - visit an art gallery / museum, go to the theatre, watch a great film
6. Dance madly (indoors with the blinds shut - not in the street!) to your favourite music or go to a dance class (I love zumba!)
7. Sing your head off to your favourite songs (in the house or the car - I don't recommend serenading everyone in the high street unless you're already a licensed busker!)
8. Practise yoga, tai chi or some other kind of mindful exercise
9. Gardening - from planting to weeding - looking after plants and trees brings me back to nature and helps me focus
10. Last but not least, keep reading! (novels, poetry, comics - whatever you like!)
Of course, everyone has their own sources of inspiration, so if these don't work for you please don't despair - just keep trying new activities until you find what works for you!
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