As an Author, Blogger and Storyteller, it is vital to remain fresh, keeping your audience interested.

In writing I need to be in my head and utilise the creative side of my brain.

Some fifteen years ago thanks to Julia Cameron’s book ‘The Right to Write’ I learnt the benefits of ‘Getting out of my Head.’

Moving away from my solo writing zone, there is a need to step back into the world of reality and humanity.
This is how fresh ideas flow and inspired writing appears on the page.

It is easy to forget, as you sit in your writing cave, how removed from the hub of daily life you can become.

What works for me:- I go on a planned date with myself.

It helps me switch off, allowing my mind to rest, observe what is going on around me.

I may have a coffee in a unique, uplifting, buzzy environment or walk in a park listening to the sounds of nature or

visit a Photographic Exhibition or Creative Art Gallery.

Take a train to somewhere you have not been before, go walk about, (don’t get lost as I do).
Take a long walk on a route you have never trailed before.

Visit the cinema or theatre, absorb yourself in a film or play, in a subject matter that is not your norm.

Why not go to a reading book event (a short storytelling hour or more).

Bring your note book and pen. Later, write about your adventures, your surroundings and the people who moved in and out of your space over the course of your date day.

You will return to your desk refreshed, with a different feel for your writing or you may introduce a new character or write a better description of one perhaps you were stuck on.

You might even develop and write about the people you observed (with your writer’s licence) and go on to publish that bestseller.

I normally read three books at any one time; One to learn from, one to meditate by and one to take me away from my writing, to escape into another author’s world.

‘Some years ago I read a short story by Rebecca Miller, ‘She Came to Me’ from the book ‘New Irish Short Stories’,(edited by Joseph O’Connor)

The main character, a writer, is in a deep black hole of no inspiration. He is due to meet a film producer, forgets and ends up in a bar where he chats with a lady who has a penchant for romance. She invites him back to hers (not what you may be thinking).

At the end of his day, late home with feelings of guilt, he announced to his wife ‘I may have a book in me.’
I am not in any way suggesting that you follow this man’s means to an end.

Take a break, make a date, go outside, absorb life with all its quirks.
Shake things up whether you are a creative, in biz, or you have that wish to change personally.
Get out of your head and experience something different.

Only then are you ready to press the refresh button, tell that great story, be inspired by an idea to motivate others, move your biz forward or find a personal passion?

And back at the page, as a writer, you will be ensured of a fulfilling day of writing.