How Writing Can Help You Find Your Creativity

How often have you thought, "I'm not very good at making things up?" Have you ever watched little kids play and wondered how they think of such wild and fun ideas?

Being creative doesn't go away as we grow up; we just don't use our imagination as much as we did when we were little. Often, schools don't focus a lot on being creative because teachers need to teach lots of information and help students do well on tests. If you want to feel creative again, try writing a story.

Before you start writing a big, important book, make a plan and decide what your story will be about. If you know a lot about something special, it's a good idea to write about that so more people can learn from you. But if you're excited to make up a story, that's great too! Just make sure you have a good plan before you begin.

Here are some fun ways to help you find your amazing creative ideas by writing a story:

1. Clear Your Mind: Sometimes, we have so many thoughts it's hard to focus. To help, take a notebook and write down everything you're thinking about, from remembering to call someone to planning your next day. This is called a brain dump. By getting these thoughts out of your head and onto paper, you'll be able to concentrate better on your story.

2. Let Your Ideas Flow: If you keep thinking about one big story idea and can't seem to think of anything else, write that story down. Once you finish, you might find other fun ideas popping into your head. This happens because your brain has been focused on that one big idea, and now it's ready to think of new things!

3. Solve Problems by Writing: Have you ever made a list of good things and bad things to help you decide something? Or a list of things you need to do? Writing can help solve problems like these. When you write down details about a problem, it becomes easier to think of solutions.

4. Keep Practicing: The more you write, the better you get at it. You don't have to be perfect, but if you keep practicing, writing stories will become easier. You'll also get better at knowing what your readers like.

5. Learn Something New Every Day: Great stories often start with learning new things. When you're getting ready to write, look up interesting facts or ideas. This research can make your story better and more exciting. Also, try new activities in your daily life. Maybe take a different path when you walk or bike, or visit a new place on the map. Changing things up makes your brain work in new ways, which is great for thinking up stories.

Everyone has creativity inside them. Finding your own special way to use that creativity is different for each person, but it's always exciting and rewarding.