Generating New Ideas

by

Julio Casares IV

 

The most common characteristic I find in all creatives is fear of the blank canvas. For writers a blank page can be paralyzing, which at times seems silly but in the moment it is extremely real.

But before you run off to bed early or start to reprimand yourself for buying all those 15-dollar moleskin notebooks, consider some very simple aids to generate fresh creative ideas.

Get Some Fresh Air!

Actually being outside observing the world tremendously improves your ability to create your own on paper. It seems obvious but, as writers, we forget that at times we can interchange sitting on the couch with a book and tub of Ben & Jerry’s with talking a walk to the park with a tub of Ben and Jerry’s.

The Indiana Dunes State Park is a great place to start. It is sometimes taken for granted by us in Northwest Indiana, but let us not forget that we have such a beautiful space in our backyard to visit and squeeze the old mind grapes!

P.S. I suggest leaving the smartphone in the car.

Address: 1600 N 25 E, Chesterton, IN 46304

Site: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/2980.htm

Art Inspires Art

Having a great conversation with another artist, no matter what the field, can inspire great ideas. Often, the best way to converse with great artists is by experiencing their art. Whether it’s listening to a challenging album, going to an art gallery, or seeing a great film, there are plenty of opportunities to take in artistic expression.

A great option is the Museum of Contemporary Art in downtown Chicago. It houses fantastic art and exhibitions and has extremely reasonable admission prices: $12, or $7 for students, teachers, and seniors.

Address: 220 E Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Site: https://mcachicago.org

Read Some Non-Fiction

Sometimes real world events can be as hilarious and dramatic as fiction. Picking up a newspaper, magazine, or good non-fiction book that showcases some good writing can be extremely helpful for ideas. We are in an election year, therefore material is in abundance.

Historical non-fiction can also inspire great pieces set in some past time. The research alone can strengthen the authenticity of your world building.

Be Strong

The moment between an idea popping in your head and becoming lost forever in the library of what was that thing I said that one-day is infinitesimal. When you have a grasp on something, write it down! Write and write, even if the whole time you’re lashing yourself for having the audacity to think it can be. It’s perfectly natural to think it’s nothing special and you should get back to the new season of Orange Is The New Black, but maybe, after a little time, you’ll read it back and have a new lovely literary baby to cuddle up with.