FROM MIKE TYSON TO ALBERT EINSTEIN: Why Writers Need To Goof Off And Space Out
by Ruth Harris
“Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth,” observed philosopher-pugilist, Mike Tyson.
Not just boxers, Mike. Ditto for writers.
Whether you’re a plotter or pantser, you start out with some kind of plan. That plan might be a theme, an idea, a concept, an image, a main character, a villain, a plot or plot twist, a setting, an outline or beat sheet. Then you begin to write and at some point you realize you’re on the receiving end of a punch in the mouth, because—
- The book about which you had such dazzling fantasies is a disorganized mess.
- Your brilliant insights are drowning in a sea of ugly clutter.
- The first chapter is a dingy cellar dweller.
- The inciting incident is fat, flabby and forgettable (even by you).
- Those annoying dust bunnies lurking around the corners of the plot/theme/outline are triggering an allergy attack.
- The plot is MIA somewhere in the jungles of remotest Borneo.
- The characters have all the verve and come-hither appeal of your ex’s sweaty socks the dog just unearthed from under the bed.
- The verbs are passive, the nouns meh and the adjectives are rusting in the front yard.
- You’d rather wait for your cable company to show up than drag yourself to your computer and face the beast.
So then what? How do you punch back and rediscover the joy of writing?
The first thing to understand is that creative work by definition is “disorganized and non-linear” and that the writer’s job is to make order out of chaos—a process that happens in the conscious and the subconscious. Both must be given time—and the proper conditions—to perform at their peak.
The second thing is to remind yourself that, despite your fits of insecurity and self-doubt, you’re a creative person. Research in cognitive psychology and the personal experiences of other highly creative people point the way to some of most effective, time-tested behaviors that will help tame the process and allow you to experience the joy of writing.
1) Goof off. Seriously. When the going gets tough, the tough take a nap. Or a shower. Try that new recipe you’ve been thinking about. Build a model airplane. Weed the garden. Go to a party, an art gallery, a museum. Watch a movie, catch up with the news, phone a friend. Go to a concert or the ballet or a baseball game.
Or, God forbid, do the dishes, take out the garbage or get out the vacuum cleaner because when, you’re feeling uninspired, housework is more appealing than writing. At least for a while.
The reason is that sometimes you get ahead of yourself and need a little time (aka “goofing off”) to catch up. A Stanford psychologist explains why spacing out is good for you and your work and suggests three ways to disengage.
Bottom line: when you’re feeling stuck/blah/blocked/burned out, get away from your desk. Stop beating up on yourself and go do something else. I’ve told my DH at least a million times that a body in motion is a mind in motion. (Who says living with a writer isn’t one thrill after another?)
Best of all? Take a walk. A Stanford study shows that walking improves creativity.
Don’t forget: Albert Einstein was known for the theory of relativity—and for taking walks around the Princeton campus.
2) Change speeds. If you write on a computer, switch to a pad and pen. Slowing down can make a difference and there seems to be a more direct connection to the brain when writing by hand than via a keyboard.
Blogger and short story writer, Lee Bourke, tells why creative writing is better with a pen.
According to psychologists, writing by hand can make you smarter.
3) Caffeine. A Starbucks run provides the kick start magic for many and it’s no surprise that writers plant themselves at a coffee shop with their laptops or notebooks—the kinds with keyboards or the old fashioned pen and paper variety.
Balzac was known to indulge in fifty cups a day but new research questions the effect of caffeine on creativity. Another approach disagrees and points out that caffeine is effective if you use it correctly.
For me, a cup of freshly brewed Darjeeling, Assam, Keemun or Green Jasmine does the job. However, it might not be the mild dose of caffeine that helps. Instead, leaving my desk, going into the kitchen, warming the teapot, boiling the water, measuring the tea, and waiting for it to brew breaks the hyper-focused oh-shit-now-what?-cycle and allows the idea I need to bubble up from my subconscious.
4) Brainstorming. Turning to a reliable brainstorming partner, a parent, sibling, cubicle mate can rescue you from a glitch. In my case, my DH (lucky man). Very often, it’s not what he says. It’s what I say. Turns out I had the solution all along; I just didn’t know it until I started talking about my current problem/dilemma.
Other brainstorming techniques include mind mapping, listing, and cubing. Those approaches and others are described in a Writing Center article. If one technique doesn’t work, try another. And the another until you get where you want to be.
Want to write a book in thirty days? Here’s a guide to brainstorming methods that will get you going and keep you on track.
Wanna really go for it? Influential English author, Michael Moorcock, explains how to write a book in three days.
To help you get started (or keep you going), here’s a list of 24 of the best, most popular brainstorming and mind mapping apps.
5) Read. Science shows that extensive practice in reading or writing is related to high creative performance. Duh. So read widely and often.
- The sports pages because sports writers are great at describing action. Good verbs and lots of drama—doping! gambling! violence on the field and off! heroes and villains!—on the sports page.
- Fashion magazines, style blogs and catalogs are filled with detailed descriptions of clothing that will give you loads of ideas about describing your characters’ wardrobes.
- Beauty and grooming sites focus on hair, makeup and all the other details of personal grooming and presentation that will sharpen your perspective—and vocabulary—when it comes to describing appearance.
- The business pages are a great source of ideas for occupations and careers, and are brimming with stories of failure and success that make great drama for fiction. The Big Short, The Wolf of Wall Street and Billions are examples that will inspire you.
- The tabs are an endless wellspring of secrets, sex and scandal, luridly written and lasciviously described. From Dallas to Scandal, Valley Of The Dolls to Fifty Shades Of Grey, the sordid doings of the rich and famous never go out of style.
- Filmed documentaries, special-interest magazines or blogs on a vast range of subjects—urban hydrology, big wave surfing, Elvis costumes, arctic biology—can jar you out of your impasse and give you ideas for new and different kinds of characters and settings.
6) Nail The Blurb. Sometimes I get lost in the trees and need to step back and see the forest again. You, too? Writing the blurb is a way to regain the perspective you’ve (temporarily) lost. Besides, after your cover, blurbs are the second most important selling tool you have for your book.
Here’s advice on how to write a brilliant blurb and the difference between a blurb and a synopsis.
Joanna Penn reminds us that a blurb is basically a sales pitch and offers advice about how to make your blurb shine—and sell.
I’m a long time cover copy writer, so here’s my take on how to write a killer blurb.
7) Indulge. Booze, wine, chocolate have been tried and found guilty of putting that inner scold/second-guesser in its place and unleashing the imagination. Just don’t get so loaded you can’t read your notes the next day or so fat you can’t waddle to your computer. But you already knew that, didn’t you?
Go back to work and give it another try. It’s gonna be fun. Really. After all, Albert Einstein, who figured out the inner secrets of the universe, also figured out the inner secrets of creativity: “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
by Ruth Harris (@RuthHarrisBooks) February 28, 2016.
Ruth Harris is a NYT million-seller and former Big 5 editor.
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Thanks for the great insights.
Louis—Thank *you*! 🙂
A blurb is a sales pitch – apt description!
Can’t do the coffee but agree on the walks. Or some form of exercise.
Crating something else instead helps. (I get some good ideas when I’m practicing my guitar.)
And since I was recently on one – vacations! Good for the whole soul.
Alex—Love your idea of creating something else. Very helpful! Thanks. And, yes, vacations!
Splendid thoughts! No question that varying the pace helps you switch gears, outsmart the doldrums and accomplish more. Many of the other writings forms you pointed out, like sports articles, have another virtue, which is they’re simply SHORT. I’m a fan of blogging, and the alternation between what my WiP and website need have helped me be more creative between the two than just the former alone.
Will—Great idea! Alternating between short and long makes lots of sense. If you get bogged down in one, you can turn to the other. Brilliant!
Loved all of this, Ruth. Even remembered that post you wrote on killer blurbs. I’ve referred to it often. I had to laugh at one of your comments about Borneo at the beginning of your post. I remember in the late sixties, I applied to Peace Corps and turned down the first assignment and thought, “Oh, they’ll never call on me again.” Wrong. The next one I got was for Ethiopia where I ended up living for almost five years. But before I accepted the assignment I had to see where Ethiopia was. Thought sure it was right next to Borneo. Long segue but always great advice from you and this one is another keeper. Hugs, Paul
Paul—Oooooh! I’d love to hear about what living in Ethiopia was like. Saw/heard something recently about efforts in Ethiopia to preserve their old manuscripts/scrolls.
Anytime, Ruth. I was there in 1968, living and teaching in Asmara, Eritrea–then a province of Ethiopia. Later, I transferred to the capital city, Addis Ababa. Before I left in September ’72, my mom came and lived with me for about four months in Addis, then we toured East Africa. Great fun. Wonder where the scrolls, etc. are located in Ethiopia. Gondar? Axum? Lalibella? Hmm.
Hi Ruth, thank you for sharing awesome ways to recharge one’s writing. I’m doing that now by reading this excellent post. 🙂
Tracy—Love it! You’re a perfect example of the creative mind at work! 😉
You’re much too kind, Ruth. But I graciously accept this wonderful compliment. 🙂
Thanks for the insights and great links, Ruth. I laughed about the housecleaning, as I use it when I cannot get thoughts, ideas, inspirations to gel. I get tremendous relief from that frustration by tackling things within my control, like vacuuming or organizing a closet. Afterwards, my desperate need to ‘be’ organized is quenched.
Putting together story bits always responds to a walk to the lake. Staring at the water allows me to drop all the ‘crap’ in my head. Soon the story comes rushing in and it’s all fun again. The digital recorder is a must…even if all my recordings sound like a crazy old woman muttering to herself.
TigerX—Cleaning is good! Walking is key! We have to take time to let our stuck brains go free so who cares if we sound a little crazy now and then?
Great article Ruth and very timely. When I hit the writing wall, I just stop and do change over to another writing project. Not only does this give me the rest I need from whatever I was working on, it also changes my focus to something else like my blog, twitter or whatever. Failing that, there’s always the sofa and the telly…not a bad alternative 🙂
John—Thank you for the kind words. Switching to another project. The telly. The sofa.
The possibilities are all around us. We need to remember that there’s an importance difference between creative restoring and recharging and procrastinating.
I so needed this article this week. Thanks, Ruth! Great advice. Great timing!
Jan–Happy to hear the timing worked! Stressing out is massively unproductive. Unfortunately most of us give in all too often. That would mean moi. How else did I get the idea for this post?
Great advice, I am especially proficient at #1.
Henri—Thank you! Proficiency is an ability to be cherished. To mangle a phrase: goofing off is the best revenge. 😉
Thanks for a fine collection of ways to get back into the process. One you didn’t mention that works well for me is music — strategically chosen music. When I know what the scene’s mood is, but that’s about all, putting on music that matches the mood really helps me get rolling. Though I have pals who can write while listening to English lyrics, I’m no good at that. I prefer either instrumental music or lyrics in another language.
Ruth & Anne – thanks once more.
CS—Thanks for an excellent idea! Music. Of course, music!
I love this. All of it. So much. I need to goof off, space out, AND indulge. 🙂 Seriously, walks are amazing though I need to get out of my house to do it. Also, the idea of switching from computer to writing (changing speeds) is brilliant. Just, really, the whole post. I’m bookmarking it. Thanks!
Sarah—Thank *you*! Me, too. I have to get out of the house and away from my usual temptation to fight a problem to death rather than walking away for a while and giving the problem time and space to sort itself out.
Yes! ? Exactly.
#8: Switch creative gears and go to a different medium. Paint, draw, arrange dried flowers, whittle, sing, whatever. Different creative outlets use different creative juices that can help lubricate the stuck wheels. (Hmmm…that sounds dirty, or maybe I’m just channeling Deadpool’s junior high mentality since I just saw the movie this afternoon.)
I’m trying to learn to play the Dobro (resonant guitar) and just acquired an acoustic guitar again. Have to relearn to play acoustic…been awhile and have to swap over to playing left-handed which is really weird. Plus, playing the guitar/Dobro is safer than whittling (or is that just me?).
Ron—Thanks for an excellent point. Learning something new is a great way to refresh and revitalize. Good luck with your new challenge!
Thanks, Ruth. I needed this! I love that you’ve included many references to the brain in regards to reading and writing. I mostly blog about neuroscience and how to keep your brain happy and healthy since it all fascinates me!
Lately, I’ve become bored with the first novel I’m attempting. What I once thought was humorous dialogue is now cliche. I find that a trip to the library helps pull me out of a creative rut.
Tina—Many thanks for the kind words. It’s reassuring, isn’t it, that science supports what creative people have found out via trial and error. Brain health is of vital importance so thanks for your work on this—you’ve chosen a truly significant subject for your blog.
Rx for writers. Dr Ruth is in the house (no, not that Dr. Ruth… This is sexier)! Baking is my remedy for writers block. That or a walk. Or a walk to burn off the calories from baking. Sleep works too.
Eileen–Dr. Ruth? meh. 😉 *Writers* know from sex–and baking. Making soup in the cold weather also works. Gossip is a plus as is Zumba class, calligraphy and font design. The paths to inspiration are all around us!
Funny you should talk about this today. I just came off a 4 week hiatus ( I was sick and recovering so it was not self-imposed), but once I decided to get back to “work” I went gangbusters on a novel that was giving me fits before I became ill. I feel better all the way around, and working isn’t a chore anymore.
I always try to give myself breaks in my routine — I call it procrastination — but it’s really just a physical reaction to a mental problem. When I’m stuck I clean my kitchen. When I’m really stuck I work outside in the yard. For however long it takes. Then somehow, by the miracle of physical exertion, the problem is fixed and I happily return to the dungeon. My neighbors are disappointed though, because my poor shrubs are half finished.
Anne—So glad you’re feeling better—physically and mentally. There’s an old saying—maybe originating in baseball (?)—that goes: Try easy. So much wisdom there. Last night while I was watching the Oscars, totally distracted and relaxed, the solution to a writing problem that had been bugging me & that I’d been flailing away at unsuccessfully suddenly popped into my head.
The words simply appeared, churned up somewhere from my subconscious, I jotted them down in one of my omnipresent notebooks–took me only a few seconds—then back to the gowns & the celebs. Sometimes trying hard isn’t the way to go.
Your shrubs will forgive you. 🙂
The part I enjoyed the most was reading magazines about fashion or sports to help with our writing. Great idea. And, after watching the blurbs last night on the Academy Awards to describe a movie in one sentence – that really brought home how helpful it is to do this exercise.
Thank you, Ruth.
Patricia—Thank you! Realizing how important the one-sentence blurb is demonstrates that *nothing* should ever be lost on a writer. Including watching the Oscars. Seriously!
This is all good–writing by hand, drinking caffeine, and walking. I would add riding a train and swinging. Step class works, too–the more circular the movements the more creative the benefit, I find. A friend of a friend had a Downs baby, and part of his cognitive therapy was to swing for an hour a day to stimulate the right brain.
Deb—Thank you. 🙂 Very interesting comments about circular movements and the Downs therapy. Really fascinating!
I learned to do number 1 a while ago. It used to frustrate me badly when I would get stuck and then things would just get worse. Finally, I let myself stop worrying and would go do something else (usually a nap) and then I’d feel unstuck after.
Patricia—Yeah, naps rule! We need to rest and so do our brains. Beating up on ourselves is counter-productive to the max.
Thanks for the advice. Writing in a notebook with a pen and taking a long walk (not at the same time) help rekindle my joy of writing.
Donna—Thank you! 🙂
I don’t know about writing losing its spark, but I did paralyze myself with fear when reviews started to come in for my debut. Thoughts like, can I live up to their view of me? And, what if I totally screw up book 2? What if I let down my audience in the next series? What if? What if? What it? After a day or so, I tried my hand at flash fiction. Not only did I love the medium, but it allowed me to get out of my head for a while and just have fun with my writing.
These are excellent tips. I never thought about the sports page and other articles you mentioned. Thank you.
Sue—What a great solution! Brilliant! Thanks, too, for the kind words.
‘Stop writing and restart living’ was among the best hints I ever got in the context here. Hugging THE cat (not just any cat) helps, too. Thanks.
André—Very well said. Thank you! 🙂
This article was awesomely timed. My novella has been punching me in the jaw, and a couple of these (particularly the walk) are just what the doctor ordered!
Nova—So glad to hear the post helped. No fun getting punched by a novella!
I seldom require an added spark to write or edite and wasn’t going to read this, but your post brought a smile to my face and undoubtedly one of those precious seeds will prove useful. Thank you.
Redd—I certainly hope one of those seeds will sprout and blossom! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Yes, yes, and yes! And many thanks for giving writers permission to goof off without guild -:D.
Cat–thank you! “Goofing off” is when a lot of the work gets done. No guilt required!
Just what I needed to hear. It happens to me sometimes when I’m “in between books.” I finish a manuscript, wait for the editor, and try to think of the next book. I may have some ideas, but it takes a while until the ideas solidify a little, so I can start writing. That’s when I feel stuck. Anyway, I’m on my way into the kitchen for that cup of java and a piece of chocolate. Take it easy, guys!
Christa–brava and ditto! 🙂
Yes, yes, yes! What an insightful post. So many of your points rang true for me. Sometimes I would rather clean than write (and I HATE cleaning), but perversely I can come up with great plot fixes when I do the dishes. I’ve also talked myself through messes while explaining my problems and possible solutions to my CPs – suddenly the answer is right there, I just didn’t realize it.
(Many thanks to Anne who was kind enough to drop by my blog and vote on which of my book covers I should choose. Much appreciated!)
Lexa—Thank you for taking the time to comment. So glad the post resonated! We nose-to-the-grindstone-types need to understand (and act on) the necessity of giving our brains and muses time to breathe. Not all work happens at the desk/computer. Lots goes on when we’re distracted or relaxed or having fun or learning something new or doing something different (even dishes!).
And many thanks to you, too, for stopping by, voting, and commenting. Much appreciated!! 🙂
The reality is, as you suggest, Ruth, that numerous helpful distractions exist to take us away from a story that doesn’t seem to be going in the direction we predicted. The most difficult step is “unlocking” our mindset from the challenges facing us in the story, and to get up and do something else. Whatever that is…pursue a hobby, call a friend or cook a meal…the first priority is simply to say NO to the ongoing and frustrating challenges you’re dealing with in your narrative and walk away. When you feel there is a “mess” that needs cleaning up, it is difficult. But it is often the way to go!
Jay—Thanks for taking the time to comment. You’re so right about “unlocking” out mindset. We make our own messes and cleaning them up takes perspective. As you say, the most difficult step is just walking away for a while. We need to give our subconscious time to solve the problem!
Thanks for this great post! I especially agree with numbers 1 and 7. Goofing off–in my case, taking a walk–clears my mind. I’ve developed so many plots while hiking in the alpine wilderness! And number 7, well, a little loosening up never hurts to get the creative juices flowing!
Thanks, Alexa! Mind if I join you in an Alpine walk followed by dinner, wine and chocolate? Sounds fab!