Unlocking Daily Writing Inspiration with Morning Pages
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Chapter 1: Embracing the Daily Writing Challenge
Writing daily can feel daunting, yet engaging in a low-pressure brain dump can be both liberating and invigorating, often leading to unexpected creativity!
Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash
Writers frequently hear the timeless advice: “To become a skilled writer, you must write each day.” While this is valuable guidance, it often overlooks the core issues we face when sifting through writing advice.
We understand that to enhance our writing, we need to practice more frequently. However, the real question is: what should we write about? My challenge isn’t the frequency of writing—I already do that; it’s figuring out the subject matter!
A while back, I rediscovered Julia Cameron’s enlightening book, The Artist’s Way. In this workbook, she outlines exercises that help creatives reconnect with their artistic instincts.
Though I haven’t finished the entire book, her insights on morning pages have been the most beneficial part of my reading experience so far. If you find yourself struggling to write regularly, morning pages might just be the solution you need to break free from creative stagnation.
What Are Morning Pages?
Cameron describes morning pages as “three pages of longhand writing, purely stream-of-consciousness.” They should be one of the first tasks you tackle each morning, as they are vital for establishing a consistent writing routine. Over time, this practice will help you cultivate the habit of morning writing, which is key to becoming a more adept writer.
While much of what you write in morning pages might seem trivial—shopping lists or daily thoughts—the act of writing itself is what matters, not the quality of the output.
My Journey with Morning Pages
For about six months, I’ve committed to writing morning pages consistently, often maintaining streaks of over sixty days. My entries frequently revolve around mundane daily occurrences: errands, workout plans, or workplace gossip. Yet, occasionally, I stumble upon insights that I wouldn’t have recognized without this daily writing habit.
Through this dedicated practice, as Cameron advises, I’ve unearthed ideas I never realized were there—like excavating hidden treasures from the depths of my mind. I celebrate each discovery as a small victory, acknowledging that my efforts are yielding results. I may not always act on every idea, but I appreciate the potential they hold.
For instance, I once penned an article examining the Socratic method and its ability to inspire writing topics.
Using the Socratic Method for Inspiration
Engaging in a dialogue with yourself by asking and answering questions can spark motivation for your writing.
At that time, I was delving into Plato's Dialogues, captivated by the exchanges between Socrates and his conversational partners as they sought deeper truths about concepts such as politics and justice. Reflecting on my readings in my morning pages led me to the realization that writing online often involves posing questions and providing answers to an audience. This epiphany inspired me to write an article exploring how this dynamic can fuel creativity in writing.
Morning pages work in a similar vein, and here’s how you can start your own.
Getting Started with Morning Pages
To kick off your morning pages, you’ll need a journal and a pen. I recommend investing in a Moleskine or Leuchtturm1917 notebook. Although they may be more expensive, their quality paper and durability make them worthwhile. The Leuchtturm1917 even features an index, which is useful for later reference.
Using pens is preferable for morning pages; I favor the Pilot G-2, but I also enjoy writing with fountain pens at my desk. The key is to write in a free-flowing, stream-of-consciousness manner. Avoid using pencils, as they tempt you to edit and revise your thoughts, which contradicts the essence of this practice.
Next, carve out time in your morning routine for writing. You might need to rise earlier or adjust your schedule slightly. I’ve paired my writing with my morning coffee ritual, allowing me ample time to write before starting my workday.
Finally, consider setting up an index in your notebook, if it doesn’t have one. An index enables you to track your small victories—those moments when you produce something worth expanding upon. If your notebook lacks pagination, develop your own system to number the pages or track your daily entries, making it easier to revisit meaningful insights.
Photo taken by author
Generating writing ideas can be challenging, and waiting for inspiration can often lead to disappointment. The key is to take control of your creative process by engaging in regular morning writing sessions. This low-pressure, free-form journaling might yield many uninspired pages, but it will also unveil ideas you never knew existed, providing the momentum to kick-start your writing.
If you found this article helpful, consider giving it a clap and following me for more insights. I’d love to hear your thoughts on The Artist’s Way if you’ve read it—share your experiences in the comments!
Chapter 2: Discovering Inspiration Through Video
In this video, "11 Tips To Never Run Out Of Ideas Again," learn effective strategies to keep your creative juices flowing and avoid writer's block.
"Create a Writing Routine that Activates Your Creativity" explores practical ways to cultivate a writing habit that enhances your imaginative process.