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

Airbnb cleaning service Glenview ..

In The News:

Apple releases emergency patches for two zero-day vulnerabilities actively exploited in attacks. iPhone and iPad users urged to update immediately.

DoorDash launches Zesty, an AI-powered social app that recommends restaurants through conversational search, now testing in San Francisco and New York.

Cybersecurity firm Infoblox reveals that over 90 percent of parked domains now redirect visitors to scams and malware, making simple typos extremely dangerous.

The Fox News AI Newsletter covers the latest artificial intelligence technology advancements, including the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

GPT-5.2 is now live for all ChatGPT users with improved coding, writing and image interpretation, with Kurt Knutsson offering his review.

New iPhone replacement scam uses pressure tactics and fake carrier calls to steal devices from buyers. Criminals claim shipping errors and demand urgent returns.

Amazon Ring's new facial recognition feature sparks privacy controversy as Electronic Frontier Foundation critics argue the AI upgrade expands surveillance risks.

New Android banking trojan Sturnus steals credentials, reads encrypted messages and controls devices.

Denmark's 3D-printed student village proves automation builds 36 apartments faster than traditional methods. Skovsporet project shows housing future.

Discover Android's new Sound Notifications feature that alerts you to smoke alarms, doorbells, and baby cries even when wearing headphones.

New SantaStealer malware reportedly threatens holiday shoppers with password theft. This Christmas-themed info-stealer targets browsers and crypto wallets.

The Christmas season brings a surge in Netflix phishing scams targeting shoppers with fake emails. Stacey P received convincing scam but verified account first.

San Francisco Giants invite Jamie Grohsong to throw ceremonial first pitch at Oracle Park after he learned to play baseball with a bionic hand following an injury.

FBI warns cybercriminals are stealing family photos from social media to create fake proof of life images in virtual kidnapping scams targeting victims.

Instagram's new 'Your Algorithm' tool lets you control your Reels feed in real time. The app now gives you power to customize what videos you see.

Major Marquis fintech breach exposes 400,000-plus Americans' data through unpatched SonicWall vulnerability, with Texas hardest hit at 354,000 affected.

Free up iPhone storage fast by clearing large photos and videos from Messages app. Simple steps for iOS users to delete attachments without losing chats.

Scammers are flooding inboxes with fake tracking alerts that mimic real carriers, exploiting the holiday rush to steal logins and personal data.

The Fox News AI Newsletter brings you the latest news on AI technology advancements and the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Texas family reunites with missing 11-year-old cat Grayson after 103 days using Petco Love Lost's AI photo matching technology and community help.

Tired of AI customer service loops? These insider tricks help you escape "frustration AI" and get real human help when you need it most for urgent issues.

Unlock richer audio from your streaming apps with simple tweaks to volume normalization, equalizer settings, and quality preferences for cleaner sound.

Scammers are sending fake Facebook settlement payout emails that mimic legitimate notices from the privacy settlement administrator to deceive users.

Holiday shopping scams surge as fake refund emails target distracted consumers during Black Friday and holiday seasons, costing Americans billions annually.

The AI-powered IRMO M1 exoskeleton features four modes, including turbo, eco, training and rest for hiking, running, cycling and sports with eight-hour battery life.