20 ways to unleash creative writing energy

If you’re feeling stuck, try cleaning your desk, going for a brisk walk or doing something for someone else.

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How do you find the muse when your creative energy is zapped, sapped or tapped out?

Try these 20 tips to escape the doldrums and start writing again:

1. Clean your desk. There’s a scientific link between mess and stress. Alternatively, a clean, tidy workspace can make you feel relaxed and hopeful. The next time you’re feeling stuck, grab the Lysol instead of opening a Word doc.

2. Go for a walk. A bit of brisk exercise can snap you out of a sluggish funk—and provide a jolt of creative writing energy.

3. Add a book to your Evernote list. Sometimes even the anticipation of reading is enough to buoy your spirits. Whenever you see a positive review of a book, clip it to an Evernote file to track books for future reading.

4. Read an article. If you’re stalled on a piece of writing or feeling uninspired, try reading a well-written article from a publication that inspires you.

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