by David Dewitt

Created on: June 19, 2009

Creativity is one of the important benchmarks for a writer. All writing flows out of some sort of creative process. Each writer is different and their creative process is also different. Works for one writer may not work for others. Each writer to find their own ways to get the creative process started.

Since creativity has such an important role in the process of writing, it should be at priority for writers. This leads to an important question: how does a writer get the creative process started or moving? There are a number of excellent ways to uncover new ideas and start to write in a creative manner.

Start an idea file

All of writing begins with an idea but sometimes finding the right idea is difficult. One of the best things writers can do is to create an idea file. This can be done either in hard copy or by creating an electronic file on the computer. The idea file is simply a storage place for lists of ideas. Keeping various ideas in one place is essential for good organization. When the need arises for some additional creativity or help to get the writing process started, the idea file comes in handy.

Scan previous articles

Every writer has previous work that they can look at when the creative process needs a jumpstart. Looking through previous writing can create new ideas and stimulate creativity. One exercise some writers use is to take an old article and revise or rewrite it. Finding ways to improve on old articles is an excellent way to increase creativity. Such exercises help the writer to think in different ways and find a different slants for their writing.

Make a list of writing prompts

Writing prompts can stimulate creativity in a number of ways. Prompts to help the writer work through times of writers block, stimulate new ideas, and help general creativity as a whole. The truth is that there is nothing new under the sun. Take the ideas cultivated through the use of writing prompts and make them personal.

There are a number of excellent books and websites that offer writing prompts. Do an Internet search for such websites or search the listings at local library for such books. Using a writing prompt can mean the difference between fruitful day of writing and frustrating day of writing.

Read a good book

Writers need to be avid readers. One must first read before they can effectively write. Taking the time to read good books can stimulate ideas and the creative process. Reading is far from waste of time. Instead, it is an investment in a writers creativity. Whenever writer seems to be blocked they need to take the time to read.

Sometimes reading something that is totally unrelated to the current writing project can help boost creativity. For example, reading a fiction novel can help stimulate ideas and inspiration for the current nonfiction work a writer is producing. Doing something different and out of the norm can help stimulate new creativity.

Get away from the office

Sometimes writers get so wrapped in their own work that they miss life going on around them. Take time to get out and away from the computer to be among people and interact with others. Just getting away from the routine to assist in stimulating new ideas and additional creativity.

When it comes to getting the creative process started everyone could use a little from time to time. Writers need discover works for them personally. Writers need to learn to be themselves and write what they love. Following these simple steps can help increase creativity and help get the writing process started.

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