How To Use Creative Writing Exercises To Enrich Your Writing

If you've been struggling to write much lately, or if you're looking for ways to inject a bit of energy and freshness into your writing, then using creative writing exercises is a great option.

Here are 5 steps on how to get the most from using writing exercises:

1. Be open and willing. First of all, if you’re going to gain any benefit, you need to have an open-minded attitude that writing exercises are something that you can learn from and that can enhance your writing. Another important point is to remember that any exercise is just a starting point. It’s not like painting by numbers, once you start writing, it’s completely your own words, and of your own mind’s creation.
2. Try one at a time. An easy way to sabotage your efforts is to skim over 12 different exercises, not give any of them enough focus to have a chance to work, then dismiss the whole approach as a waste of time. Pick one exercise that appeals, give it a chance, try to follow it as best you can. Some will unlock a gushing flow of ideas, others won’t. But give each one the chance!
3. Add your own touches. You might start an exercise, then feel you can tweak a little bit here and there to help you add more, and be more creative. Remember the writing exercise is just a starting point. You may end up miles away from where you begin. Let your imagination run free, and go with the flow of your ideas and inspiration. Let it take you where it wants to go.
4. Use what works, discard what doesn’t. Some writing exercises you’ll click with right away and the words will tumble out on to the page. Others will seem more difficult and not go anywhere. Don’t spend ages trying to force yourself to write a thousand words for each exercise. If one really isn’t working for you after you’ve given it a fair try, move on to another. Find the types of exercises that help you be most creative, and make the most of them.
5. Enjoy your writing! Using exercises is not supposed to be like a school exam, or homework. They’re a way to unlock your writing in new directions, and most importantly, a way to help you enjoy your writing more. Forget the outcome, and striving for a perfect A grade every time! Just explore, experiment and enjoy where the exercises take you.