Write a novel in November: Unleash your inspiration

This story originally appeared on CASE News.

It's National Novel Writing Month! Every November, thousands of aspiring writers take to their pens and paper or laptops and keyboards to start a novel. If this is you, we've got you covered!

Finding inspiration is different for everyone. Although it can be challenging to spark creativity, new ideas can happen anywhere and at any time. We just need to be open to the process. Need help getting started? Writers across history have turned to different strategies to get ideas flowing.

“For me, the best time to write is first thing in the morning before the busyness of the day. But sometimes, my mind is restless even first thing in the morning, so on those days, I will take a few minutes to meditate or to do three pages of freewriting in Morning Pages style,” said FIU English Department Associate Chair Michael Creeden.

GET OUTSIDE
Henry David Thoreau spent two years on land owned by friend and famed author Ralph Waldo Emerson to write his environmentally-focused reflection “Walden.” While that extreme dedication had successful results, efforts can be much simpler.

Go on a walk, visit a community park or tour a new-to-you attraction in your own city – just get out of the house to clear your head. Whether or not you can visit in person, virtually explore South Florida locations through the Department of Earth and Environment’s curated Google map for nature-based inspiration.

TALK ABOUT IT
Novelists C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien were part of a book club called “The Inklings” with other literary enthusiasts, which created opportunities for the cross-pollination of ideas that grew into much-discussed tales of their own. 

Clubs are only one way to encourage interactions. FaceTime with a childhood friend. Ask for feedback in an online community forum. Tweet your favorite author. Although we might be busy or reluctant to send that message these days, everyone is just a text or call away. For the FIU community, the Writing Center is available on both campuses or through online chat to help you work through an idea.

PAY ATTENTION
Agatha Christy was once investigated by British Intelligence for writing with presumed secondhand information from friends that were thought to be spies. When interrogated about the character Major Bletchley in her wartime novel “N or M,” she explained a late train caused hours of delays in Bletchley Park, England. She named an undesirable character after her ordeal.

Sometimes you don’t have to look for exciting events. The answer may be right in front of you. It’s how you capture and express experiences through your unique perspective that makes it your story. Watch one of FIU’s own authors, John Dufresne, share his writing tips from the TEDxFIU stage for that boost you need to get your next big break.