The Writing Process
Thinking Creatively
What is creativity anyway?
We have ten words for you.
Do with them as you please.
- Originality
- Imagination
- Inspiration
- Vision
- Invention
- Resourcefulness
- Curiosity
- Distinction
- Vigor
- Innovation
The creative process is not a step-by-step procedure. Thinking is rarely linear, and to be honest, if it was, it would probably get pretty boring. The best writing pushes boundaries. It is about self-discovery and expression as much as it is about making social statements and solving problems. Writing is a journey of small steps and giant leaps into unknown territory. The mind can be a messy, a wild beast, but it can also be used to your advantage.
Many people are under the mistaken assumption that creativity plays no role in expository writing because it often deals with facts, ideas, concepts, and arguments. But the truth is that creativity plays a very large role in writing of any kind—or at least it should. Creativity is how we make connections, associations, and discoveries. It is what breathes life into language.
Because a creative approach expands your vision, it can help you see something in a fresh way, a new light. Creativity is what adds spice to your writing. It can be intelligent and relevant and is what makes you unique. If writing is an art, then words are your medium.
Unfortunately, there are no magic formulas or recipes for inducing creativity. But we all have it in us—each and every one of us.
Listed below are a few approaches to get the creative blood flowing. Feel free to make use of them at any time during the writing process.
Freewriting
Freewriting loosens you up and eases the anxiety of whether or not you have anything to say. It can help you get moving, get “unstuck,” and come to ideas and conclusions you might otherwise miss out on. Freewriting means writing without stopping. Write and keep writing—even if you think you have nothing to say. If you run out of things to say, keep going anyway. You might end up with several lines of: “I don’t have anything to say. I don’t have anything to say. I don’t have anything to say.” But eventually you will break through. A thought will come. Write it down. Freewriting does not have to be logical. It doesn’t even have to make sense. Set a time limit for yourself and then stick to it. Ten or fifteen minutes is a good place to start out. The point is to get words moving across the page. Freewriting can often times produce some very juicy nuggets. Follow your thoughts where ever they lead. Let surprises happen!
Journaling
Carry a notebook or journal with you where ever you go. Some of the best ideas happen when you least expect them: while standing in line at the grocery store, walking the dog, talking to a friend, doing the dishes. Jot ideas down as they come to you. Creative stirrings are of no use to you if you don’t catch them. Let the journal be your net. If an idea comes to you, jot it down.
Consider taking time everyday to write in your journal. Use it as an informal space to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, opinions. Give yourself room to explore ideas and play with language. Don’t worry if it’s any good. The journal is an informal space to do with as you please. Chances are you will generate some good material that can be worked with later.
Clustering/Mapping
Clustering or mapping is similar to freewriting, except more visual. It can be used to grow ideas, make connections, and expand on a concept. How is it done? Take a piece of paper and in the center write a single word or short phrase that reflects the focus of your topic. From that draw lines that connect with other words associated with your topic. As related concepts pop in your head, indicate them as branches, arrows, in bubbles, or however you like to cluster. Some branches will lead to dead ends, others will expand more fully. The mind is rarely linear, rather it is associative. Clustering allows those associations to develop. The important thing is not to censor yourself.
Use clustering as a means of generating possible avenues in your writing. Let it help you make connections. This works especially well for visually-minded individuals. Clusters can be made quickly; if one fizzles, try again. Let your thoughts spill onto the page. It won’t take long before you start to make some unexpected and interesting connections.
