How to Spice up your Writing
Even great writers aren’t great all the time; we all have our on and off days. Have you ever sat back and read something you’ve written, literally struggling to turn the page out of sheer boredom? Granted sometimes people have interests or assignments that cater more towards an encyclopedia than the best seller list; still, just because something is accurate and informative doesn’t mean it has to read like an obituary. For those who struggle to naturally think outside the box, rarely incorporating a whimsical allusion or descriptively quirky adjective, here are a few tips to help uncork your creative juices and spice up your everyday writing.Mind-mapping Mind mapping is common practice among creatives in the field of advertising, the root of some of the most memorable, off-the-wall commercials that have ever graced the television set. The process starts with the central product and maybe an attribute or two you are trying to emphasize. For a creative writer’s purpose, the map should center around the theme or protagonist. A journalist may choose to place the issue at hand or main figure in his or her story at the map’s center. Moving outward from the maps center, simply write the first word or two that comes to mind, creating a ’6 degrees of separation’ type effect as the you read towards the page’s edge. This may help you come up with connections you would have never thought of, were you trying to brainstorm on a deeper level.Read what great writers write Plagiarism is an ugly word, but imitation is the highest form of flattery. Don’t copy another’s actual sentences, but emulating the writing style of your favorite authors is not only acceptable but encouraged. This goes for reporters, sports writers, authors, poets, what-have-you. Of course, it’s hard to fashion yourself after accomplished wordsmiths if your nose has never found its way into a book.Take the edge off Whatever it is you do to loosen yourself up, say on a date, try it when you write. Writing should not be a stiff, nerve-racking process; if it is, your words will come out stiff as well. Have a drink, light up a cigarette/cigar, turn on some music, take a nap (though not recommended for dating). Whatever you do, just make sure you’re in a good place both physically and mentally when your pen hits paper.