5 Simple Ways to Activate Your Creative Writing Mind

Writer's block happens to the best of us. So, what do you do when you really can't think of anything? Try one or two (or all) of these tips to kick-start your creative brain.

1.) Free Writing
All those years of grammar and spelling lesson can get in the way of creative writing. Give yourself permission to spew the contents of your creative mind onto paper (or the computer screen) without worrying about sentences or form of any kind. Here's a good explanation of the concept of free writing.

2.) Boost Your Focus 
Keep yourself on task with an application like http://focusboosterapp.com/

3.) Brainstorming is great for gathering all of your ideas about a particular subject into something you can use, as well as helping you come up with new ideas. This can be done on paper or with free mind-mapping software such as Freeplane or Freemind.

4.) Record your thoughts.
Sometimes, the best way to empty your brain is not by writing or typing. Try recording your thoughts onto an audio file, almost as if you were talking to someone over the phone. I use a phone app for my android phone called Rehearsal Assistant. I can record my ideas and email the audio file to myself, so that I can transcribe the information to text later. Audacity is good for recording audio on your computer.

5.) Change The Scenery
Sitting in front of the computer with a clogged-up mind only contributes to writer's block. Take a break from the computer. Go to one of your favorite spots, like your favorite place to read or daydream. Have a conversation with a friend. Keep a recording device or a pen and paper with you. Studies show that there are different centers in the brain that are worked when writing on paper or having a conversation, so take advantage of these creative gold mines.

Building Your Career As a Writer

Do you want to be a professional writer or author? Many people think that if you want to be a professional writer that you can just sit down and start writing. While that's true in a literal sense, the fact is that in order to really build a career you will need to put in lots of time and effort into getting there.

It takes discipline to be a career writer, as well as time in developing your writing skills to a professional level. Then, it's about building your reputation as a writer and being recognized as a professional. So how do you go about getting started?

Career writing takes discipline

One of the most important things that I have ever done in the development of my writing is to discipline myself to write on a schedule. This tip came to me from a friend of mine who is a published author, and I am very greatful that I have learned to stick to a schedule. Why? Because if you want to be a professional writer then you'll have to be disciplined. If you can't develop this personal discipline to sit down and write, then writing for a career may not be for you.

You can never go wrong in honing your spelling, grammar, and other writing skills regularly. There is always room for improvement, and taking time to develop these skills will show in the quality of your writing. Take a little time each week to brush up on some of these skills. There are many websites and blogs that you can read that are geared toward writers and how they can develop their basic writing skills.Developing your writing skills

Finding YOUR technique and style

 Part of the development process of becoming a professional writer is in finding your own personal technique and writing style. It often comes through lots of trial, error, and practice. Another thing that you can do to work on your style is to read often. Give it some time. Developing a strong personal writing style doesn't happen overnight, and it gets stronger over time.

Places to Start Writing!

Here is a list of places that you can start writing and building your image as a writer. If you have trouble setting goals and deadlines for yourself, look for a place that will set deadlines for you.

BellaOnline - The second largest women's site on the web. BellaOnline is known for it's program that teaches beginners how to become professional writers for the web and publication.

Squidoo - Start building your reputation as a writer on Squidoo, which has a strong sense of community. You can also earn a little extra cash.

Hubpages - Kind of like Squidoo where you write a "hub"

Examiner - Become an Examiner of a specific topic on this popular website. Examiner pays it's writers for the traffic that they generate. They pay very generously with no deadlines to meet.

About.com - Are you a professional in another field of passionate about a topic? See if About.com has a writing position open in your topic.