Whether you are #writing a #memoir, or anything that requires creative juice, there will be times when nothing comes to you.  I like to think of the Grateful Dead song with the line “heads all empty and I don’t care”–but the truth is I do care.  I care a lot! And, if you are a writer working on a project, or trying to find your next project–I know you care too. So, I thought I’d share some of the ways I’ve found to combat the dreaded empty head. So, here is your Friday afternoon tip:

Go to the library.

It may sound simple. But, especially if you are looking for a new project, this can unstick even the most stuck brain cells. You can do this from your office using the Internet–but I find having all those books around me has some kind of magical power.

Bring a small notebook with you to the library. Make yourself a list of possible topics that interest you, either from a factual or fictional viewpoint. Proceed to the computerized card catalog and look up any and all related topics that may help spark your imagination. When you have five or six books or articles you want to read, go find them and start leafing through. Don’t be afraid to get side-tracked.  In fact, that might be the best thing that can happen.  You may just wind up going down a road you had never envisioned before–so keep an open mind and have fun.  This is your brain on information saturation–and it’s a beautiful thing! Let’s face it, we have no clue where our best ideas come from.  Feed your brain fascinating facts and it will reward you with a journey into your imagination.

Let me know if you have some helpful tips of your own to share in the comments section here.  I’ll be adding to the list each week, too, so sign on the RSS of the blog to be sure to get the next installment.

Happy writing!!