Comments on: Writing 911! 5 Tips to Breathe New Life into Your Writing: Guest Post by Karen Swim

By: Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:53:38 +0000

@Joanna & @Karen I find that the best way to get my writing juices flowing is routine. Nothing sparks my creativity like repetition. Doing writing exercises drains me for some reason. I know it sounds weird but that's just how it works for me. I do, however, practice creativity in many other ways. For example, in any class I ever took after high school I would always sit in a different spot to get a different perspective, literally. When walking or driving places I take different routes. I'll have to try the brushing my teeth with my left hand thing... Alex Fayle | Someday Syndromes last blog post..Take On More Projects and Get More Done

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Wed, 20 May 2009 03:04:25 +0000

Alex, great comment and one I'm glad you mentioned! There's actually a bit of brain science behind the "tricks." When you stimulate different parts of the brain you actually are breathing new life into it. Learning a new language, doing puzzles, music, brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand are all healthy brain tricks and a healthy brain is more capable of creative thought. You also expose yourself to new ideas and a fresh perspective. I have used these same techniques to solve complex business problems -gets you out of your industry's echo chamber and allows you to see the puzzle from a new light. Karen Swims last blog post..Are You a Business Bridezilla?

By: Joanna

Joanna — Tue, 19 May 2009 21:04:10 +0000

Alex, but don’t you find some of these tricks help to get the words flowing, even if in a different direction? Which means you can then get past the procrastination. That seems to be how it works for me.

By: Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome

Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:04:46 +0000

I actually find all of these sorts of tricks just that – tricks. The only thing that breathes life into my writing is sitting down and doing it. Anything else for me is just a form of procrastination.

By: Karen Swim

Karen Swim — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:16:54 +0000

Hi Bo! – It’s amazing how a simple switch can spark new ideas! Not unlike changing up a physical workout routine, you can be very fit but a new activity works your muscles in a different way.

Hi Andrew! – Writing about business ethics is a great example. Some would present dry, lifeless arguments but you infuse them with personality. I have (and do) used these tips in business and technical writing with great success. I’d love to hear if you try any how they work out for you.

Hi Janice! – oooh, I love it – agility. Even the word is fluid and airy. Lie to Me is a good show with wonderful, complex characters and biting dialog. What fun it would be to have “someone” guest post on Painting a Day.

Hi Joanna! – Awww, thank you! You and Lillie are great writing mentors, inspiring,teaching and supporting. Your audience here is the best! It was so much fun to be here!

Hi Julie! – They are pretty fun to try and they may be part of the secret. You’re having fun, relaxed allowing ideas and creativity to flow freely. Think of it as a play date for your brain.

Hi Wilson! – Music is a wonderful inspiration! There have been so many studies that validate music’s impact on our brain. Do you play or write music also or simply enjoy listening?

Karen Swims last blog post..Are You a Business Bridezilla?

By: wilson

wilson — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:45:04 +0000

Oh mine, Karen. You're so right about it, as we should update and rejuvenate our writing style from time to time. In this case, I would say that music is my main resource to find the new inspiration for my writing! wilsons last blog post..Garlic is Totally Forbidden, if You Have…

By: Julie - Inspired to Write

Julie - Inspired to Write — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:04:01 +0000

Thanks for these tips! I think taking breaks and working on different mind puzzles can be a helpful distraction until your mind is back in writing mode. I have not used the prompts a lot, but I know they can be handy when you need a creative jolt! Julie - Inspired to Writes last blog post..Deciding Who to Follow on Twitter

By: Joanna

Joanna — Sat, 16 May 2009 17:08:11 +0000

Karen, thanks so much for guest writing here today. Your tips are so full of energy and creativity… though I have to agree with Lillie, your own writing is never flat and lifeless. It’s full of your spirit.

@Robert, eating pie? That’s a new one on me, but definitely getting added to the list

@Alina, those secret diaries were so much fun weren’t they?

@ JD I love that definition too

@Jeanne the sifting and percolating stuff is good – except when your muse wakes you in the middle of the night with a brilliant answer. Does that ever happen to you?

By: Janice Cartier

Janice Cartier — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:23:24 +0000

Agility. What stands out to me in all of these is the ability to summon that up. Keeping ourselves flexible, able to move from one perspective to another while working our writing muscles out, and when you might flag a bit.. here we are with the 911.
I am having fun thinknig of all the shows I watch.. which one o would pick to try this with… I am fond of Lie to Me… boy can he cut to the chase…oh man.. .. hm.. maybe…..hm…
Thanks Karen

Janice Cartiers last blog post..Deconstruction and Possibilities

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sat, 16 May 2009 08:56:48 +0000

Thanks Karen, I will certainly bear these in mind next time I am sitting here staring in front of a blank screen. I like your suggestion about reading something new. Personally, my own writing style has become somewhat fixed, and maybe even potentially inflexible in recent times and personally, it would not do me any harm to expose myself to writing styles other than what I typically read every now and then. Andrews last blog post..Why do real estate and used car sales attract crooks?