Fool-proof strategy for unleashing your creativity and writing more

After reviewing Creative You, I’ve been thinking a lot about the creative outlet, finding inspiration, and what gives us the motivation to do the things we love – such as writing.

One of the best tips that I have come to learn over the years (through anecdotal evidence) is that if you want to really unleash your creativity and get more writing done, you have to read more.

It seems counter-intuitive, doesn’t it? But it’s not at all.

Reading your own work enables you to reflect on your writing style and become a better editor and, in time, a better writer. It provides you with the opportunity to take a good look at your strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and what you like and dislike about your writing style – and to build on that and grow from it.

Reading academic pieces or journalistic writing enables you to convey complex thoughts through your writing, and to learn how to become more concise and clear in your messages. Reading literature enables you to find a story in everything, and to consider character development and the elements of a great story.

You can learn all of these skills at a subconscious or a conscious level when you are reading. But above all, keep reading, and vary the genres and styles of the works that your read. It will keep the creative juices flowing, give you fresh new ideas to write about, improve your writing, and make you want to keep writing more and more. It’s a wonderful way to nurture your passion.