How to Jump Start Your Writing

One way to chip away at writers’ block is to engage in a writing exercise. There are hundreds of writing exercises, but in today’s Tuesday Tip, we’ll share three to help jump start your writing.

Exercise #1: Memories

Describe a faith experience or tradition from your childhood. Write it as if you are experiencing it in the present. Use vivid imagery (smell, taste, touch). Then go back and rewrite the piece using past tense from an adult perspective.

Exercise #2: Word Association

Take one word from your present work-in-progress and free write for five minutes on that word or phrase. Do not edit. Just write. Let it take you any direction it wants.

Exercise #3: How-to

Choose one key point from a current work-in-progress and create a how-to.
A key point in your article or chapter might be “make dinner time fun” or “lead others well.” Write a one-page how-to on that key point. Put yourself in the shoes of someone who doesn’t know the first thing about how to do it. Take them through it step-by-step.

Your Turn

Writing exercises frees the right side of your brain and may even take you down a surprising path. Leave a comment on the blog and describe something fun or surprising that came out of your writing exercise! Also take a moment to share a writing exercise that you love and helps you unleash your God-given creativity.