Figuring Out What Works: Finding Inspiration through Physical Activities

Whenever I’m stuck in a story and trying to figure out a way to move forward, a shower might be just the ticket. So long as I go in thinking about the problem at hand, the answer will usually come. Or something will at least occur to me which should help push the scene further along.

I couldn’t begin to tell you why showering works while so many other activities do not. I’m sure there’s some science behind it. But to me, there’s something magical about a shower specifically that helps jumpstart my creative mind.

And if that method somehow fails me, mowing the lawn usually does the trick. Once again, if I go into it thinking about the scene I’m having trouble with, the answer will almost certainly enter my head. And the moment it does, I have to cut the engine, run inside, and type down what I came up with. Only then can I head back outside and finish.

Being stuck is no fun, so every nudge forward is valuable. And any one of these nudges could be the one to help get my tire out of the mud and back on track.

Sometimes, it’s more than just a nudge. Pieces of the story can fall together in a way I couldn’t see before, providing new answers that solve more problems than they create. These moments are known as “eureka moments”, and they often happen while I’m mowing or showering, too.

Eureka moments feel good. We’re talking tingles down your spine good. They’re one of the most fun and rewarding things about writing.

I mentioned earlier that listening to boring audiobooks can also trigger this sort of inspiration. But combining audiobooks with things like mowing the lawn or exercising has a bit of a different effect. In those situations, I can go into the activity without thinking about the problem in my story at all. In fact, I can go in with no intention whatsoever to even think about writing. But random scenes will start piecing themselves together in my head, almost against my will.

For these, I write down detailed reminders, planning to use them only when I reach the scene chronologically. That way, all those notes are waiting for me and act as a nice boost when I finally get there.

Are there any activities that help jog your creative mind? A visit to the gym? A brisk, early morning walk? Perhaps a nice massage?

Every writer is different and has a unique process. The only way to discover these writing quirks is by refusing to give up and stubbornly writing through even the most frustrating rough spots. Sometimes, you have to think outside the box to get your tire out of the mud.