Staring at a blank page? You’re not alone. Whether you’re helping a child with a school writing project or trying to get your own creative juices flowing again, the hardest part is often just getting started.
Children’s writer and creative writing tutor Olive O’Brien shares her ten favourite ways to get creative writing ideas flowing, whether you’re writing with your kids or working on something of your own.
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1. Have a writing routine
2. Turn off screens
3. Observe
4. Keep a diary
5. Try free writing
6. Getting stuck? Switch it up
7. Leave revisions to the end
8. Read, read, read
9. Consider blogging
10. Keep going
1. Have a Writing Routine
The most important thing about being a writer is to write. Write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. If you write half a page a day, you’ll have several pages by the end of the week, and a real sense of progress to show for it.
2. Turn Off Screens
Some writers work best early in the morning; others prefer late at night. Experiment with different times to find what suits you. Whatever time you choose, turn off the internet and the TV. Sit down, lie down, stand up, whatever helps you focus, and write.
3. Observe
Observation is one of the most valuable skills a writer can develop. The people and everyday moments around you can be brilliant inspiration for plots and characters.
Carry a small notebook with you, one that fits easily in a pocket or bag, and jot down observations as soon as they occur to you. If you wait, chances are you’ll forget them. No notebook handy? Use your phone’s notes app instead.
4. Keep a Diary
Try writing a short summary of your day before bed. Include what happened on the outside (the events of your day) as well as what happened on the inside (your thoughts and feelings). Keeping a diary is a simple, low-pressure way to build a regular writing habit.
5. Try Free Writing
Short warm-up exercises can help open up your creative side before you tackle a bigger piece. Free writing is one of the easiest ways to do this:
- Write about anything you like.
- Don’t pause for more than a couple of seconds.
- Don’t worry about spelling.
- Don’t cross anything out.
- Don’t overthink it.
- Just keep writing. If you’re stuck, write about being stuck. It still counts, and it still exercises those writing muscles.
6. Getting Stuck? Switch It Up
If you find yourself stuck on a particular piece, try switching to something else, a new story, a poem, or a short article. Whatever you choose, keep writing. Momentum matters more than finishing any one piece in order.
7. Leave Revisions to the End
Try to save most of your editing until after you’ve finished a first draft. Revising too early can interrupt your flow and stifle creativity before an idea has had the chance to develop.
8. Read, Read, Read
Great writers tend to be great readers. Your local library is a fantastic (and free) resource, not just for books, but often for information on local book clubs and writers’ groups too. These can be a great way to connect with other readers and writers, and to get useful feedback on your own work.
9. Consider Blogging
Setting up a blog is another good way to connect with like-minded people and get some of your writing out into the world. It can feel a little daunty at first, but it’s also a great way to build a regular writing routine and see your progress over time.
10. Keep Going
You’ll have good days and bad days with writing, and that’s completely normal. If something doesn’t work out the way you hoped, try to see it as a learning experience rather than a failure. The main thing is to keep going. Good luck with your writing journey!
Olive O’Brien is a children’s writer, creative writing tutor and editor based in Cork, Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I get creative writing ideas flowing quickly?
Try free writing for five minutes without stopping or worrying about spelling. This warms up your creative thinking and often leads to ideas you wouldn’t have found by planning.
What are good creative writing prompts for kids?
Everyday observations work well: a description of someone they saw on the bus, an imagined conversation between two objects in the room, or a diary entry from their day. Keeping a small notebook for jotting down ideas as they happen also helps.
How often should you practise creative writing?
Writing a little every day, even half a page, builds momentum and skill far more effectively than writing in occasional long bursts.
Should I edit as I write?
It’s usually best to leave most editing until after you’ve finished a full first draft. Editing too early can interrupt your creative flow.
What if my child gets stuck partway through a story?
Encourage them to try a different piece for a while, a poem, a diary entry, or a totally new story idea, rather than giving up on writing altogether. They can always come back to the original piece later.
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