A glowing description. A full world. An entire way of life wrapped up in your head, but the pen just isn't communicating what you want it to!
I cannot tell you how to write. That is neither my job, nor my right. And that world in your head? It's yours, and only yours, until it has been written. Even then, a special part of it will always be yours. But if there is a vibrancy missing from your work... Let's just say it probably isn't the pen's fault. It's you.
I have four tips for you. Hopefully, if tried, these things will help. Not help you jot down a more eloquent description. But instead, give you back some of the vibrancy you lost. Yes, you. We are all busy. All of us. We don't do some of the little crazy stuff we used to. Things have settled into a mantra. Either a "just make it through the week". Every. Single. Week. Or perhaps an endless striving towards a goal that never seems any closer. Let's face it. That's taking a toll. Not just on you, but also on your story.
Tip #1.
Sleep. Sleep. Sleep. Yeah, I know. You, dear reader, are likely rolling your eyes. We've all head this a hundred times. Have you ever thought that there might be a reason why? Because believe me, it makes a difference. A huge difference. Your average teenager should be getting roughly 10 hours of sleep a night. You know how much we actually get? On average, 6 hours. That isn't enough. Not even close. But I cannot stress this enough. Sleep. Go to bed early. Yes, do it. As boring as it is, and of all the other things you might want to do, especially if you are a night owl like me... do it. Your entire outlook will change. I promise.
Tip #2.
Music. We all love it! Everybody loves music. Of at least some kind. The tip? Find new music. The old stuff is still good. Don't abandon it, please. But look for new stuff! On pandora, or Spotify, or whatever you use... try something new. Maybe a new artist. Or an entirely new genre! Something upbeat. Something inspirational. I'm currently binging on music from The Greatest Showman. It's amazing. Not all music is created equal. Find something that gives you a feeling of elation. Then maybe something that sounds like power. Something fast. Then maybe when it's a Saturday night, and you have a huge decision you need to make, but you don't know which choice is right... find some sad music. Cry. A lot. Then pick yourself up, and re-evaluate the decision in the morning. Does wonders.
Tip #3
Read. Yeah, it takes quite a bit of time. Something we are all dangerously short on. But it's a bit easier to fit into your day than you would think. You don't need to do it all the time. But maybe instead of watching that show on Netflix before bed, read a couple chapters in the book you got from the library. Maybe on your lunch break at work. Bring a book along. It will refresh your imagination, and bring some of the vibrancy back. It will expand your vocabulary, and demonstrate some other writing styles. It will alleviate the hum-drum monotony of your schedule. Read The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. Read the Harry Potter Series. (again) Read the Bible. Always. Don't clamp it down to a schedule if you can help it. But read if you can.
Tip #4
Dance in the rain. Watch a movie on your own, and offer commentary. When reading in your room, go ahead and kick your feet, or screech at the characters. Turn up the music in your house, until you can't hear your thoughts.Try a new style. Laugh too loud. Make faces at the mirror. Tell a bad joke. Be a little ridiculous. Be a little bit silly. Take yourself a little less seriously. What do you honestly have to lose? If you do these things, honestly and truly, you will find a bit of that vibrancy you lost.
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