Home
>
Writing
>
Zany Ideas That Increase Writing Productivity And Quality

Zany Ideas That Increase Writing Productivity And Quality

Welcome to the zany ideas of a productive writer. My students keep reminding me of my unusual tools and how helpful they have been for them. I also thank my students for their concept testing and refinement. Now, I feel much more confidant about sending them out into the world.

For the next few minutes let your imagination run amuck. Okay, amuck is a little too far out there, so what about allowing an open mind for the time being. Afterwards, you can let your mind ruminate.

My office has a beautiful "u" shape ash wood desk that I'm proud of. Partially due to its price and uniqueness. It is here, I handle my emails, pay bills, read, coach, and edit there. Yet, I had difficulty setting the ground work for my writing. Tasks like creating first drafts, deciding on the major points, or creating a table of contents. Because of this I usually seek another environment that sparks these efforts.

Probably like yourself, I found my best ideas arrive when I'm in the shower, when I first wake, while driving, or while walking. Just to name a few. Let's take a short side trip, I want to share with you how I capture my thoughts during these light-bulb moments.

While walking I use a tape recorder on an adjustable camera strap around my neck. Voice activation and the mike pointed up towards your chin are musts. To start recording all you need to do is tuck in your chin and begin speaking. I say my name first usually because the first one or two words get lost while the recorder's activation mode kicks on. Heavy breathing or puffing, since it goes forward and not down, usually does not activate the recorder.

In the shower, I use a pen I purchased while visiting NASA in Florida. It can write in extreme temperatures and underwater. A grease pen works well if you don't mind writing large. It is also cheaper. Add a diver's under water board and you're ready.

For driving, I use the same method as I do for my walks. Normally the engine noise will activate the recorder if left on the seat. That is, unless you have a car that is perfectly quiet inside.

Okay, side track over, back to zany ideas.

During the day I found myself playing musical chairs when writing. At home and in the office. My lounge chair in my bedroom was right for personal journaling. Early outside sunrises was for new inspirations.

My living room recliner was good for brainstorming from reading. For writing personal development topics, the left seat of the couch next to a very large scenic picture window is the place. For long how tos, it was the dining room table or a specific McDonalds. I don't know if it was the smell of grease or the acoustics that lit a fire under my pen.

The library and its smell of old books make me tired and snoozy. Sometimes my mind felt too vibrant and jumpy with all the possibilities and paths open to me.

Do you like to stare out the window? Me too! I have an awesome view from my wall-to-wall office window. I use to think day dreaming on a topic wasn't productive but have found the openness feeling brings in expansiveness to my writings. As long as I'm not sitting at my desk while staring.

What can you do when you need to spark the imagination and you have already taken a shower? Do you take another? What about driving? With gas prices jumping skyward who wants to drive just to spark the creative bug.

Here are a few ideas on how to solve:

Buy a miniature waterfall to recreate the shower feel. Or use a sound devices that imitates a rambling brook or rain. Place it carefully where you want to fuel a particular type of muse. Turn it on, close your eyes, and place yourself in the shower. Toss some water on your face before hand if that helps. One of my clients, turns on the shower, sits in the bathroom for a few minutes to kick the process in, and then she moves to a chair.

Instead of driving, sit in the car with your left hand on the steering wheel, close your eyes, and imagine the movement, holding a pen in the right hand with paper balanced on your knee or on a board. If you are returning home do this after you have parked. The movement of the car will remain.

Some of these may be zany for you, some not. Spark your imagination, try new and different things. Try them at least three or four times and adapt to what feels right for that moment. Your writing productivity and creativity is sure to double.

Catherine Franz is a writing, life and business coach. Her articles have been appeared in thousands of magazines, books and newsletters on nonfiction writing, life and marketing. She writes three monthly newsletters and is a columnist. Visit the Abundance Center for more info: http://www.abundancecenter.com

home cleaning services Deerfield ..

In The News:

Google warns Android users about dangerous fake VPN apps hiding malware that steals passwords, banking details and personal data from phones and tablets.

Apple's digital passport feature lets iPhone users breeze through TSA checkpoints this holiday season using Digital ID technology at 250+ airports.

A new phishing scam targets family photos with fake "Cloud Storage Full" alerts. Criminals steal credit card information through fake sites. Learn protection tips.

South Korean scientists create ultra-thin fabric muscles that turn clothes into robotic assistants, lifting 33 pounds while weighing under half an ounce.

Archer Aviation has acquired Hawthorne Airport for $126M to launch an LA air taxi network ahead of the 2028 Olympics, featuring AI-powered eVTOL operations and next-gen aviation tech.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Fake AI apps disguised as "ChatGPT" and "DALL·E" are flooding app stores with dangerous malware that steals data and monitors users without detection.

Fake buyers demand specific vehicle reports from unknown sites to steal credit card information from car sellers, but warning signs can help identify these scams before paying.

Android users can now manage apps across multiple devices more easily with Google Play Store's updated remote uninstall button in the latest update.

NASA's Perseverance rover discovers shiny metallic rock on Mars that could be a meteorite from an ancient asteroid, containing high levels of iron and nickel.

Holiday scams spike during Black Friday and Cyber Monday as criminals exploit your leaked personal data. Learn how to protect yourself from fake stores and phishing.

Commerce Department proposes TP-Link router ban over Chinese security risks. Learn how this potential prohibition could affect your home network and devices.

Hyundai AutoEver America suffered a data breach affecting 2,000 current and former employees, exposing names, Social Security numbers and driver's license information.

Washington court rules automated license plate reader images are public records, even when stored by vendors like Flock Safety, setting precedent for transparency.

Fake airline texts claiming flight cancellations are targeting travelers with convincing scams. Learn how cybercriminals steal personal data and credit card info.

Discover how iOS 26's new Adaptive Power feature automatically extends iPhone battery life by learning your usage patterns and adjusting performance intelligently.

New TikTok malware campaign tricks users into running PowerShell commands that download Aura Stealer, which steals credentials and authentication tokens.

Gaia Family offers fixed upfront pricing for IVF cycles with unlimited embryo transfers and financial protection, partnering with over 100 U.S. fertility clinics.

The Jetsons Act aims to position Pennsylvania as a leader in advanced air mobility by establishing regulations for hybrid ground-air vehicles.

Fake Geek Squad invoice emails are targeting users with convincing charges and urgent phone numbers to steal personal information and money.

Fox News Digital's artificial intelligence newsletter digs into a robot in Russia that faceplanted, George Clooney's alarm and OpenAI's rivalry with the New York Times.

Major data breach at Conduent exposes personal information of 10+ million people. Government contractor hit by cyberattack affecting Medicaid, child support systems.

Texas startup Janta Power raises $5.5M for innovative vertical solar towers that generate 50% more energy than traditional panels while using just one-third the land.

NASA's twin ESCAPADE spacecraft launched aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket Thursday afternoon from Cape Canaveral, beginning their journey to Mars with arrival expected in 2027.

Learn how to set email reminders on iPhone and Android so you never forget to reply again. Simple built-in features help you stay organized and on top of messages.