Inspiration- get out of the rut

Waiting for Inspiration

For ages I was always waiting for inspiration, wondering what to do with my story next. I'd go on the web for hours and try find something, anything but I'd always be disappointed. Sure I'm not a professional writer but some day I hope to be. So for any new writers out there who are stuck, I might just have a few tips for you.
When I was planning my story at the moment, I got stuck a few times and it was hard to get out of the rut. But I've learnt a few lessons that I'm willing to share.

1. Never get stressed about it. Because the longer you are the longer you'll stay in the rut.
I know, this is very annoying advice but it's true. I was so annoyed and stressed at being stuck that I forgot all about my story.

2. Talk to someone who doesn't write, and tell them about your story so far and the problem. This is basically for your brain. It reviews the information in a fresh way with someone. I tried to tell myself my story but I always got distracted because I already knew it. Also, most non-writers have great ideas and if they don't then you know that it's a hard problem so you shouldn't beat yourself up over it.

3. Take a break from your story for a day. Go out with some friends, eat out and waste money. Take the stress off your mind so that it can relax and be ready for tomorrow.

4. Talk to heaps of different people and do heaps of different things. What this does is it gives your mind heaps of different situations that could possibly inspire something. When you talk to people, don't always focus on your story, try think of other things that could help your story.

5. Never be afraid to use your rubber. (Or backspace). If you feel too uncomfortable with the rut you’re in or see no way or getting out then rub out the rut!!! If you’re not satisfied or want to spice things up a bit but cant then rub it out. I know that some of my writer friends hate rubbing things out but I know that it has helped me so much. I've rubbed out my whole story plan 3 whole times!!!!! When you rub out you don't limit yourself to what you've written.

6. Sleep. The best remedy. Just sleep on it.


I hope this has been helpful. You don't have to learn this the hard way.

Yours truly,
Grace (Alioc)