If you’d like to find out how to be a better writer, and bring a little passion and fun back into your projects, here’s a technique that infuses your writing with energy and creativity — and it’s perfect to do any day of the year. The magic tip?
Go on a date.
No, it’s not what you’re thinking. I’m talking about an Artist Date as described by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way. In her book, Cameron walks the reader through a 12-week course on recovering the artist within. Part of the prescription is a weekly outing or date. Her website describes it like this:
“The Artist Date is a once-weekly, festive, solo expedition to explore something that interests you. The Artist Date need not be overtly ‘artistic’ — think mischief more than mastery. Artist Dates fire up the imagination. They spark whimsy. They encourage play. Since art is about the play of ideas, they feed our creative work by replenishing our inner well of images and inspiration.”
Carve out an hour each week just for you — no spouse, kids, friends, or extended family members invited. Borrow the kid’s crayons, grab some paper and glue, dance, go fishing, or paint. Better yet, finger paint.
All of these ideas involve you making time for you: your body, your mind, and your creative soul. Once you keep yourself charged full of energy and ideas, you’ll bring more to your writing… and it will only get better and come easier. In no time at all, you’ll deliver better results with less effort.
