20 ways to unleash creative writing energy

How do you find the muse when your creative energy is zapped, sapped or tapped out?

Try these 20 tips to escape the doldrums and start writing again:

1. Clean your desk. There’s a scientific link between mess and stress. Alternatively, a clean, tidy workspace can make you feel relaxed and hopeful. The next time you’re feeling stuck, grab the Lysol instead of opening a Word doc.

2. Go for a walk. A bit of brisk exercise can snap you out of a sluggish funk—and provide a jolt of creative writing energy.

3. Add a book to your Evernote list. Sometimes even the anticipation of reading is enough to buoy your spirits. Whenever you see a positive review of a book, clip it to an Evernote file to track books for future reading.

4. Read an article. If you’re stalled on a piece of writing or feeling uninspired, try reading a well-written article from a publication that inspires you.