How to Get in the Writing Mood FAST (5 Simple Ways to Ignite Creativity)

Have you ever been so inspired to write and immersed in your fictional world that the real world just faded away? On the other hand, have you ever been so unmotivated and discouraged with writing that all you wanted to do was shut your laptop and run away? Yeah, I've been there. Both of those places. That's why in today's post, I'm going to be sharing FIVE METHODS that I use daily to get myself excited about my writing projects and enter into a creative headspace.

JUMP TO ANY SECTION:

ROMANTICIZE YOUR STORY

BUILD HABITS

PRACTICE MEDITATION

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

CREATE A PRODUCTIVE WRITING SPACE

1 | ROMANTICIZE YOUR STORY

Now, I don't mean add romance to your story (while that's certainly an option). What I mean is to immerse yourself in your writing project and get excited about it again. The goal is to make your book feel as real, vivid, and movie-like as possible. Here are a few ways I like to romanticize my story:

VISUAL AESTHETICS

1) Compile images and quotes to make aesthetic boards on Pinterest or MilaNote.

2) Make graphics and collages on Canva or another graphic design site.

3) Do character art or sketch specific scenes in your story.

4) Use Inkarnate or another map-making software to create maps and world-building visuals.

5) Organize your writing software and add aesthetic visuals to it if possible.

SOUNDS

1) Playlists. Seriously, make a playlist for your story, or listen to one that matches the mood. You can access all my pre-made writing playlists here.

2) Look up ambience sounds that match the mood of the scene you're writing. You can find them on YouTube, Spotify, or make them yourself on AmbientMixer. 😉

ACTING OUT SCENES

1) Try rehearsing dialogue by yourself in front of the mirror.

2) Act out fight scenes (or really any scene) to get in the mindset of the characters.

SIDE NOTE that it is really easy to get carried away with these resources (*cough cough* definitely something I haven't done), so make sure you're using these tools to help you focus, not get distracted. 😉

2 | BUILD HABITS

This is one of my favorite secret weapons for getting in the writing mood. Habits are powerful; and I've found that building consistent, healthy routines before I sit down to write greatly increases my motivation as well as my focus.

My pre-writing routine usually looks something like this:

1) Stretch or take a walk outside.

2) Make a cup of tea.

3) Pray and meditate.

4) Find writing music and block out distractions.

Doing the same things before we write builds consistency and will eventually create "triggers" in our brains.

For example, during NaNoWriMo, I mainly drank a specific flavor of tea (pumpkin, in case you were wondering). I didn't drink that tea for a while (because I ran out), and it was months before I bought that specific kind again. The next time I made it, my brain immediately went, "Oh! Let's go write!", and I felt so excited and inspired to write my book.

What are some regular habits that you can incorporate into your writing process? Do you write in the same place every time? Or do you always exercise first? Figure out what works best for you, and start making it a consistent routine!

3 | PRACTICE MEDITATION

This doesn't have to be a weird, religious thing. Meditation is simply a way to clear the mind of unnecessary mental clutter and discover focus and creativity.

I usually write in the afternoon, and by then, I'm exhausted from all that I did during the day. Meditation has allowed me to restore my mind to a calm, relaxed, and renewed state. Nothing is more difficult than trying to write when my brain is in a million other places. I lose motivation, and I'm more prone to writer's block and distractions. Not fun, right?

Meditation can come in a lot of different forms. For me, it usually looks something like taking a few minutes to take deep breaths while I pray, repeat a quote or a Bible verse, listen to positive affirmations, or soak in the silence.

4 | ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

This step is vital because distractions are the enemy of focus, and we need focus to stay in the writing zone. By eliminating the things that divide our attention, we are being intentional and showing respect for our craft.

There are definitely distractions that we can't always control (such as relational or life situations), but there are still many things we can do to prioritize our writing time and creative health. Eliminate what you can, while showing kindness and consideration for those around you.

Take some time to think about the things that are most distracting for you. Is it your writing space? Is it continuous interruptions from family members? Is it the internet? (It's the latter for me.🤪)

Once you've identified the distractions you have control over, start searching for ways to combat them. Turn off your internet or install an app blocker. Upgrade your writing space or write in a different place, if possible. Have an honest (and respectful) conversation with your family members about how distracting interruptions are.

Take the time and intention to clear away distractions BEFORE you write. You will be so glad you did, trust me.

5 | CREATE A PRODUCTIVE WRITING SPACE

Not every writing space is going to be ideal, and that's okay. But just because your writing space may not be the best, doesn't mean you can't make it an enjoyable place to be in. Even if you can't keep your decor there permanently (I write at the desk in my family's living room, so this is the reality for me), bring in elements that can be easily moved around.

Get creative with your space, and surround yourself with things that inspire you! Keep your desk area clean. Light some candles and have them around. Consider bringing in an oil diffuser, plants, or little aesthetics that remind you of your story. The possibilities are endless!

LET'S TALK

What gets you in the writing mood? Have you ever tried meditating before working on your story? What are some of your regular writing habits? What's your BIGGEST distraction when you write? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

Now go change the world,

-Ava