Write.

Build your foundation by reading, writing, engaging with other writers, and editing your work.

Write.

Get inspiration. Read Craft books on writing. Ask yourself as you read: How did the author achieve that? What was their intention?

Use all the senses: Seek inspiration in art galleries, and online. Stop: Breathe. Stop: sit and focus on a visual work of art – describe it.

Stretch yourself. Submit your work. When it comes back, look at it again with ‘fresh eyes’ – edit it NOW. Make it stronger, better, more precise. Send it out again. If it comes back, continue on. Never let go. Never stop. Determination is everything.

Write.

Print. Read aloud. What is on the page is different to what you think it is.

Share. Let others tell you their impressions.

Practice craft technique: dialogue, plotting, characterisation.

Use copy and paste in curious ways. Cut a piece of text and see if belongs in an entirely new context. Break the rules.

Keep a ‘visual’ and ‘written’ journal – buy one from an art store – get one that has blank pages.

Collect affirmations.

Rip pages from magazines. Brainstorm using the visual as a launching board.

Be curious. Use your mind and develop creative thought experiments.

Acquire new aids: books that serve as seeds of inspiration.

Breath: Practice Slowing Down. Practice reducing resistance.

Be mindful of procrastination and question its purpose.

Create a sense of community. Get in touch with other writers.

Write in different settings: cafe, art gallery, park, cemetery, roadside.

Have fun!

Don’t take yourself too seriously.

OUR TOP PICK: Writing Begins with the Breath: Embodying Your Authentic Voice by Laraine Herring. This pearl of a book looks at focusing the mind then builds into Deep Writing Process as well as embracing what and where you are — the book advocates ‘substance’ writing: getting to know yourself at new levels as you experiment with new writing strategies.  Got a recommendation? Tell Simone at simone@creativefocus.net.au or use the website’s contact form.