It’s been awhile since we’ve posted any creative writing themed posts so we’ve compiled a list of our most popular writing posts to help our readers and fellow writers avoid writer’s block and stay inspired.
First, get started with Music in Set the Mood and Set the Stage: Instrumental Music for Writing
In this blog post, Jess talks about how to set the mood for your writing with some music! She’s got a playlist to fit nearly every situation!
If my Spotify account could tell you anything about me, it would say that I really like playlists. I have 361 of them. (Wait, what? I didn’t realize how many I had till I counted them all.) It’s a little like an archaeological dig from my high school years up to my current playlists – junior year of undergrad. I could listen to music with lyrics while I wrote papers in high school, but once the 16-page research pages started popping up in college I found I needed to switch to something that helped me focus on the writing, while keeping the creative part of my brain entertained. –Click here to read more!
Now that you’ve got your Playlist ready, let’s talk about Sharnita’s post: The Beauty of the Writing Prompt
Perhaps you’re short on time, but you still need to hone your skill. In this blog post, Sharnita shares why writing prompts can be a quick way to get yourself writing when life gets crazy!
This summer, in order to keep my creativity flowing, I’ve started using writing prompts. There are a few things I love about them. The first is that they don’t take up a huge chunk of my time. If I have fifteen minutes before class or when I’m on lunch a work, I fill about a page and a half. – Click here to read more!
Well, what happens if you get writer’s block?
Turn to some Creative Writing Prompts! In Bethany’s blog post, she shares some of her tips and prompts to get you back on track!
As a writer, one of the most difficult things to deal with is writer’s block. There is nothing more frustrating than wanting to write something, finding the time, and having nothing come to mind. I typically experience writer’s block when trying to start a new project. No matter how many ideas I may have, there is something intimidating about looking at a blank page. Usually when I find myself at this point, I read as much as I can, go back through old writing, and generally complain that I can’t figure out what to write next. Lately though, I’ve taken to scouring the internet for good writing prompts to help spark some ideas. I like prompts. – Click here to keep reading!
Maybe you want to try out Flash Fiction?
Sharnita offers some suggestions on how to get started in One thousand or less: how to write flash fiction!
Flash fiction is easy because you do very little writing and revising. There also is no genre limit. If you’re a historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, or contemporary writer, you can write flash fiction. The larger question often asked is, “Can I write a story with plot and character development in less than 1,000 words?” – Click here to keep reading!
Let’s talk about submitting your work!
Now it’s time to share the projects you’ve worked so hard on! Sharnita offers up Three Reasons Why You Should Submit Your Work!
Submitting might not be the only thing that sets your nerves on edge. The thought of getting your work critiqued might make you shudder a bit. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. I still remember my first critique. In 8th grade I wrote up a story and gave it to a friend. After lunch she handed it back, and when I asked her what she thought she wrinkled her nose and said, “I don’t know. It was weird. I marked some stuff I think you should change”. – Click here to keep reading!
Hopefully you’ve found some new reading material and some inspiration to keep writing after reading this post!
Lastly, consider submitting to the oakland arts review!
We are currently accepting submissions for our 3rd issue! Visit our home page and our submit page for more information!
Oakland Arts Review 