Writing when you don't want to...

There's always that day (or string of them) when you don't want to write. Here's my list of fixes. :)

1. Music
Listen to some music that fits the mood, scene, or character...

2. Talk it out
Find someone to talk it out with, honestly it can work wonders.
Normally my dad is awesome for this, he's a creative genius. However he's crazy busy.
No fear though, I have two wonderfully awesome gal pals who are always ready to help me out.

3. Talk it out 2.
Don't just talk it out, have your friend throw out some plot, character, challenge ideas out for you.
Ex: Recently we created a gangster character for my friend's book, it was fun for me (hopefully) helpful for her, and the three of us got some laughs (bonus!) Someone else inspiration can spark your creativity again.

4. Read a book!
I have a long list of must read books. (Somehow neglected with school and writing goals...)

5. Pray.
Now if you aren't a Christian you don't have to listen to this one, but I find praying for motivation and inspiration can help a lot.

6. Do something else.
I love to do other things besides writing, and doing something else gives my brain a well needed break.
My list:
Chill w/friends
Catch up on emails (Don't shoot me, I'm bad about this kind of thing.)
Blog (again don't shoot!)
Paint or draw
Get outside
Photography
Watch an old Ellery Queen episode <3
Craft something
Etc.

7. Reinvent
Its fun to change up a stale thing. I map out my novel. (Keeps me from going down as many random rabbit trails) So a change of plans can inspire me.
As a fun little example:
I decided to make a boring trip back to the mansion more interesting by introducing a impulsive pickpocket.  It gives one of my character's a chance to be the hero, I get to write a funny little character and I point my characters towards the rebels. Score!

8. Make a writing goal!
Now this normally doesn't work for me. I'm the over achieving, perfectionist, procrastinator type. I tend to make crazy over the top goals I could never reach and then give up on them. (There will be a post up on writing goals within the next week) However, set the bar lower and work up to a higher daily word count or whatever. Most of us don't have hours to muck around in writing I get a set amount of time write my heart away and then get back to life.

9. Daydream a little, think of how you'll feel when you finish your novel. Or whatever else that would excite or motivate you.

10. And now for some fun, do a writing exercise!

A. Take two characters who dislike each other and make them go shopping together. (Girly exercise, but oh so fun.)

B. Get two people who usually get along and have them at each other's throats. (Literally of figuratively)

C. Have one of your characters painting a picture and two other C's (Characters) are trying to figure it our without hurting the painter's feelings. (Or maybe one of them doesn't care and the other one is very sensitive.) 

Now for the hard part, make these things happen in character, and for a reason.  For example with number B. I could get my two MC's to fight if one of them verbally attacked the other's family, even if s/he has a viable reason. Or they could just be in the sparring room, as they both are quite competitive.

Well there you go! How do you stay motivated by writing? Whats your favorite writing exercise?

Giving Characters Playlists

One of my favorite things to do is create "playlists" for each of my main characters. (and minor ones, give those extras a little love! :) )

For me this adds another level to my writing, and gets me in that character's mind set.  (For the record I write with only one POV, but I do like to get in my other characters head so they don't all sound like my MC's clone)

I'll give a couple examples.

1st up, I have some cocky/stubborn/etc. characters. However this one fits two of my character's perfectly.  (Lexi Above and Ash bellow)

A friend recommended this song for my reckless MC Lexi. (Bellow)

Here's one for Jayden (Bellow) He's the villain/betrayer.

And just an awesome Tintin one! (Not one of my characters :) )

There are a ton for each character. :) My friends often are better at finding these than I am. Do you ever listen to music when you write, or think "This song is perfect for____." ?