Professional singers do it all the time. Before taking the stage, they run through a series of pre-performance voice exercises. Athletes, especially runners, do the same. They stretch and perform numerous exercises to loosen their muscles, raise their heart rate and psych themselves up for their event. Authors can do this as well. In fact, using the five writing warm-ups featured in this post might be particularly helpful to those who are experiencing writer’s block.
If your writing routine basically consists of sitting down at your desk or favorite writing spot and staring at a computer screen while you try to come up with ideas, you might want to try some writing warm-ups instead. These exercises can spark creativity, get the wheels of the brain turning and make you feel excited or, at least, eager to write. Authors each typically have their own unique habits, but why not give warm-ups a try if you’ve been in a rut?
Easy writing warm-ups to get you started
Give these writing warm-ups a try for a month or so and see if it helps:
- Write a letter without mailing it: You can write a letter to a younger version of yourself or one of your characters. Perhaps you have something on your mind regarding a relationship in your life–you can express your thoughts in a letter that you don’t intend to send.
- Try timed writing on a random topic: This writing warm-up consists of writing “freestyle” with a timer set to know when to stop. You can either think of a random topic off-the-cuff or keep a jar of pre-chosen ones nearby to draw from when you do this exercise.
- Change the ending of a favorite story: Choose one of your favorite books and re-write the ending.
- Write a scene focused on one of the five senses: This writing warm-up is a bit more challenging. Choose a scene (perhaps one in the story you’re writing or one that is happening around you in person) to write about. Next, focus on one sense, such as describing only things you see or hear or smell.
- Create titles: This exercise is like another one mentioned earlier in this list, except instead of writing new endings, you will create new titles for existing novels.
Keep in mind that these are writing warm-ups; they should never last longer than 15-20 minutes. You can focus on one warm-up per writing session, several or all. It’s your choice. If you discover that specific exercises seem to get your creative juices flowing more than others, then stick with them.
Authors need resources to boost creativity
Even if you already have published a book (or several), it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re ready to go every time you sit down to write. Writing warm-ups can be beneficial to all authors, whether novice or prolific. If these exercises are helpful to you, leave a comment under this post on our Facebook page to let us know!
