What do you do when your mental idea factory comes to a grinding halt? Sometimes it’s not enough to sit staring at a blank screen. In fact, you might not want to be sitting at your computer at all. Check out where these MiG writers get their best ideas:
Debbie Ridpath Ohi: My best ideas come when I'm out for a walk. I used to always listen to music or audiobooks when I was out walking but now I tend not to listen to anything except my own thoughts. Inevitably, without really trying, I'll come up with a solution to a plot problem that's bugging me, or a new story idea.
Andrea Mack: I usually get my best ideas at the most inconvenient times. I often get them in the shower. There’s something about that running water and not having a pen and pencil that seems to inspire me. Do they make waterproof notebooks? I also get ideas in the middle of the night, when I’m supposed to be sleeping.
Christina Farley: My best ideas come when I run. I think part of it is that I'm away from everything that can distract me. Maybe there is something about endorphins pumping through my body that kicks in that creative adrenaline too!
Carmella Van Vleet: I find that I'm most creative, oddly enough, in the shower or bath. I guess there's something about the soothing and warm environment that loosens the cobwebs in my brain. (Maybe I was a mermaid in a former life.) In fact, when I'm stuck I'll often grab my journal and a pen and climb into a hot bath for inspiration. Sometimes I take notes but most of the time I just close my eyes, let my mind drift and play "What If". Maybe it works because my bathroom is the only quiet room in the house!
Kate Fall: My best ideas show up when I'm driving, especially when I'm on the same old commute and don't have to pay attention to my route. I cue up a playlist on my iPod that suits my story or shut off the radio altogether. I keep index cards in my purse and have been spotted in parking lots jotting down notes. I also get great ideas while I'm researching and reading non-fiction. And every time I go on vacation, I come up with a story based on the new place I'm visiting.
Where do you get your best ideas?
I'm with Andrea. I seem to think more clearly when I'm taking a shower. It's not all that practical to write on paper while dripping wet, but... :)
ReplyDeleteExactly. We need waterproof notebooks. Or maybe a waterproof iPad!
ReplyDeleteYes! I'm a shower thinker too :) Also, in that moment RIGHT before I fall asleep. Which is annoying because I either have to wake up and write it down, or I forget. So it's sleep vs. creativity. And the winnings are about 50/50. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same as everybody here. Shower is best, though driving and sleeping and walking are great too.
ReplyDeleteThe other day, I was so deep in creative thought that I washed my hair with body gel, and my body with hair conditioner.
I wonder how much money I'd make if I created an in-shower computer and keyboard? Of course, I suspect the very existence of such a device in my shower might just drive all creativity away...
Yup, in the shower and under the covers, plus when I'm driving. I really need a (waterproof) voice-activated recording device!
ReplyDeleteIn a way- all point to allowing the mind to drift. Driving, (once you’ve been at it for years) showering, (we’re all pros, I hope) and falling asleep (been doing that forever) all free a part of the mind.
ReplyDeleteInteresting thought, Mirka. It seems like some activities are more conduicive to that drifting than others.
ReplyDeleteI keep a notebook in my bedside table, too, for those "I'm just about to fall asleep ideas." I also hate to mention it, but washing dishes by hand can work like the shower.
ReplyDeleteI'm with Andrea and Christina. I get lots of ideas running on the treadmill and in the shower afterward. I guess adrenaline and relaxation are both good for the creative juices.
ReplyDeleteUsually before I fall asleep.
ReplyDeletegreat post...my best ideas come while driving--or showering.
ReplyDeleteUsually from things my kids say or do.
ReplyDelete