5 Writing Exercises to Help Your Writer’s Block
Getting over writing slumps with short, productive Writing Exercises
One of the biggest mistakes I made when I first started writing was to focus too much on the end product. However, prioritizing the exploration of everyday practices, acquiring skills to effectively structure your thoughts, and seamlessly translating those ideas into compelling writing is what should be on your mind at first. In this guide, we’ll delve into a treasure trove of writing techniques that can help reignite your creative spark and banish those dreaded blocks. Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or just beginning to dip your toes into the vast ocean of writing, these techniques and exercises will provide you with the tools to overcome obstacles, generate fresh ideas, and breathe new life into your work.
1# FOUND OBJECT WRITING
“Objects are what matter. Only they carry the evidence that throughout the centuries something really happened among human beings.” — Czesław Miłosz
Found object writing is a fascinating technique that involves using random objects, artifacts, and at times people as writing prompts or sources of inspiration. It’s like going on a treasure hunt in the real world to discover hidden stories waiting to be told. Good writing, writing that resonates with readers, is an imitation of the real world. Let’s say you stumble upon an antique pocket watch, its gears ticking with the echoes of the past. You’re inspired to write a mystery novel centered around this enigmatic timepiece. Perhaps it possesses the power to rewind time, revealing secrets that were long buried. Or maybe it serves as a key, unlocking hidden dimensions where time becomes fluid, altering the course of events.
The beauty of found object writing is that it allows you to breathe life into seemingly ordinary items, transforming them into portals to extraordinary worlds. It encourages you to look beyond the surface and listen to the stories these objects yearn to tell. The found object becomes a catalyst for your creativity, sparking ideas and providing a tangible anchor for your writing. it offers the following benefits:
- Inspiration and Creativity
- Tangibility and Sensory Experience
- Narrative Possibilities
- Authenticity and Originality
- Surprise and Serendipity
- Personal Connection and Emotional Resonance
“A found object is an accident that resonates. It’s like a writer finding a subject, and suddenly they find the object that they put with it, and they’re no longer alone. It’s as though they’re joined by the past.” — Tom Waits
Writing Exercise for You!
- Exercise 1: Choose an object from your immediate surroundings — a mundane item like a coffee mug, a pencil, or a houseplant. Set a timer for 5 minutes and write a descriptive paragraph about the object. Go beyond its physical appearance and try to evoke emotions, memories, or hidden meanings associated with it.
- Exercise 2: Take a walk outside and keep an eye out for interesting objects you encounter along the way — a discarded ticket, a fallen leaf, or a piece of graffiti. Pick one object that catches your attention and write a short story or scene inspired by it. Let the object serve as a catalyst for your imagination and see where it takes you.
2# OBLIQUE WRITING STRATEGIES
Imagine having a secret weapon in your writing arsenal that can shatter creative barriers and propel your work in unexpected directions. Well, that’s exactly what the Oblique Strategies card deck offers.
Created by musician Brian Eno and artist Peter Schmidt, Oblique Strategies is a deck of cards designed to challenge and inspire creative thinking. Each card contains a cryptic phrase or a thought-provoking instruction that serves as a prompt or constraint for your writing process. Let’s say you’re stuck in a rut, staring at a blank page with no idea where to begin. This is where the Oblique Strategies cards come into play. You shuffle the deck, draw a card, and reveal your guiding phrase. It might say something like “Emphasize the flaws” or “Turn it upside down.”
Now, you might think, “What on earth does that mean?” And that’s the beauty of it! The cryptic nature of these prompts is intentionally vague, forcing you to interpret and apply them to your writing.
For example, let’s say you’re working on a short story about a character lacking depth. You draw the card that says “Emphasize the flaws.” Suddenly, you’re nudged to explore the flaws and imperfections of your character, adding layers of complexity and making them more relatable to readers. Perhaps they have a secret weakness or a hidden past that shapes their behavior.
The brilliance of Oblique Strategies lies in their ability to jolt you out of your comfort zone and nudge you toward unexpected creative territories. It disrupts your usual patterns of thinking and encourages you to approach your writing from new angles.
Remember, the interpretations of these prompts are subjective and open to your creative interpretation. The cards are meant to be thought-provoking, sparking ideas that you may not have considered otherwise. They’re a catalyst for innovation and a means to discover uncharted writing paths. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a creative boost or seeking to break through a mental block, grab your trusty Oblique Strategies deck.
“An attitude to creativity is not just about not trying to rely on your first thought, your most obvious thought, your safest thought. It’s about treating the state of mind that comes after those thoughts as a potentially interesting and fruitful state of mind, rather than as a mistake.” — Brian Eno
Writing Exercise for You!
- Write down a current writing challenge or problem you’re facing on a piece of paper. Draw an Oblique Strategies card or use an online generator to receive a random prompt. Apply the prompt to your writing challenge and write for 10 minutes without censoring yourself. See how the prompt can inspire fresh perspectives or unexpected solutions.
3# SENSORY WRITING
Sensory writing is a writing technique where we dive headfirst into the sensorial wonderland of our imagination and bring our stories to life with vivid, immersive experiences for our readers.
So, what’s the secret to this sensory sorcery? It’s all about engaging your senses — sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell — and infusing your writing with evocative details that transport your readers to the heart of your storytelling.
Let’s start with a technique called synesthesia. It’s like a poetic dance where the senses intertwine to create a series of sensations. With synesthesia, we describe one sense in terms of another, painting our words with a palette of colors, and flavors. Picture this: “The aroma of a fresh-baked apple pie wrapped me in a warm, golden melody.” Here, we’ve intertwined smell and sound, blending the delicious scent of the pie with the idea of a harmonious melody.
To create an immersive experience, you need to be your own detectives, observing the world around you with curious eyes and open hearts. Take a moment to savor the scent of rain on a summer afternoon, the crunch of autumn leaves beneath your feet, or the velvety touch of a sunflower’s petals. These small but vivid moments hold the keys to enriching your storytelling.
Let’s delve further into the world of sight. Instead of merely saying “The sunset was beautiful,” let’s instead say: “The sky blazed with hues of tangerine and lavender, as the setting sun dipped below the horizon, painting wisps of clouds in golden brushstrokes.” Can’t you just picture the breathtaking scene? Similarly, the tangy sweetness of a ripe mango, the velvety smoothness of chocolate, or the tingling warmth of a spicy dish — these sensations add a scrumptious layer to our stories that readers can savor.
Writing Exercise for You!
- Exercise 1: Choose a specific location — a park, a coffee shop, or even your own backyard. Sit in that location for a few minutes and close your eyes. Engage your senses and pay attention to the sounds, smells, textures, and sensations around you. Once you’ve absorbed the sensory details, open your eyes and jot down a descriptive paragraph or poem that captures the essence of that place and the sensory experiences you encountered.
- Exercise 2: Think of a significant memory or a moment that holds emotional weight for you. Close your eyes and try to recall the sensory elements associated with that memory — the scents, tastes, sounds, textures, and visuals. Write a personal essay or a short story that incorporates these sensory details to evoke a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. Allow the sensory elements to bring the memory to life on the page.
4# AUTOMATIC WRITING
Automatic writing is a technique that allows you to tap into this stream of consciousness, letting the words pour forth without conscious control or censorship. It’s like giving your imagination the driver’s seat while your logical mind takes a backseat.
In automatic writing, you relinquish your grip on the reins and let your pen or keyboard become the conduit between your mind and the blank page. The goal is to overcome your inner editor and let the raw, unfiltered thoughts flow freely, even if they seem nonsensical or disjointed at first.
The process starts by finding a quiet space where you can focus without distractions. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and then begin writing without pausing or overthinking. As you engage in automatic writing, you may notice surprising insights, unexpected story elements, or a deeper understanding of your own thoughts and emotions. Your subconscious mind has a way of revealing hidden gems that you might not have discovered through conscious thinking alone.
The whole idea is to bypass self-censorship and tap into the wellspring of your innermost thoughts and ideas. It can unleash a wave of inspiration, allowing you to access untapped creativity and explore new avenues in your writing. During the process, you may encounter moments of resistance or doubt, where your inner critic tries to regain control. But remember, automatic writing is a safe space. Embrace the flow, even if it feels unconventional or unexpected.
Once you’ve completed a session of automatic writing, take a step back and read through what you’ve written. Pay attention to any recurring themes, images, or phrases that stand out. These can serve as inspiration for further exploration or become the foundation for a new story or poem.
“Get it down. Take chances. It may be bad, but it’s the only way you can do anything really good.”– William Faulkner, American writer and Nobel Prize laureate
Writing Exercise for You!
- Choose a topic or question that intrigues you. Sit down with a pen and paper, or open a blank document on your computer. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and focus on the topic or question. When you feel ready, start writing without consciously thinking. Allow the words to flow effortlessly, trusting that your subconscious will provide insights or fresh perspectives on the topic.
5# KINESTHETIC WRITING
Sometimes breaking free from the confines of your desk and infusing your writing process with the energy and movement of your body is important. Kinesthetic writing is all about incorporating physical engagement into your creative practice, and it can bring a whole new level of inspiration and vitality to your writing.
The benefits of kinesthetic writing are abundant. Physically engaging your body during the writing process can stimulate creativity, boost energy, and improve overall focus. It helps break free from the constraints of a stationary position and infuses your work with a vibrant, kinetic energy
One way to embrace kinesthetic writing is by taking your words for a walk. Instead of being tethered to a stationary spot, grab a notebook or a mobile device and venture outside. Allow the rhythm of your steps and the ever-changing surroundings to invigorate your thoughts. Write as you walk, capturing fleeting inspirations, observing the world around you, and letting the physical act of movement fuel your creativity. You’ll be amazed at how the changing scenery and the rhythm of your footsteps can breathe life into your writing.
Another option is to explore a standing desk. Say goodbye to the sedentary slump and welcome an upright writing experience. Standing engages your body, promoting better circulation and increased alertness. As you write, you’ll find your energy levels rising, your thoughts flowing more freely, and a newfound sense of dynamism infusing your words.
But kinesthetic writing doesn’t stop there. Imagine the power of incorporating gestures and movements as you write. Allow your body to express itself alongside your words. Use your hands to shape the air, emphasizing your points and creating a physical connection between your thoughts and the world around you. Let your body become an extension of your writing, adding layers of depth and passion to your words.
“I only believe in inspiration when it coincides with a walk, a run, a swim, a dance, a yoga session, a Pilates class… when it occurs in motion, not sitting at a desk.” — Julia Cameron.
Writing Exercise for You!
- Experiment with a standing desk setup or a high surface that allows you to write while standing. Choose a writing project or a specific passage you’d like to work on. As you write, embrace the upright position and notice how it affects your focus and creativity. Pay attention to any changes in your writing style or the flow of ideas.
Learn more about the above writing techniques here: