7 Author Mindset Tips: Your Keys To Unlimited Creativity
You are one book idea away from being rich, but your limiting beliefs are the very thing keeping you poor.
An author’s mindset is the source of their creativity. The more you allow yourself to think freely, see the possible in the impossible, dare to ask the politically incorrect questions, and then stand bravely in front of the answers, the more you will truly be a free thinker with limitless creativity at your disposal.
The worst thing an author can do is rely on how we’ve been taught to think. Even thinking outside the box is just a step up from that.
Some of the greatest authors, whose books were written 20, 30, and some even over 50 years ago, understand the importance of having the right mindset to write books that are still talked about to this very day.
Think of “Sula” by Toni Morrison.
How about Doris Buchanan Smith’s “A Taste of Blackberries”?
Ever heard of “A Wind in The Door” by Madeleine L’Engle?
What about “The Dark is Rising” by Susan Cooper?
And don’t get me started on anything written by George Orwell. His books “1984” and “Animal Farm” are absolute must-reads! Hands down, two of my favorite books of all time.
And just how do these literary pieces of art stand the test of time?
I’d like to believe that the commonality amongst these thought-provoking writers is their author mindset.
Their willingness to imagine the unimaginable and then write to that without fear is the learning tree that all of today’s authors need to sit under.
So, what does your author mindset say about you?
Below are 7 tips designed to help nurture the wonder in you that will guide you to unlimited creativity.
1. Embrace the Absurd
One unconventional way to broaden your author mindset is to embrace the absurd. Think of the wildest, most outlandish ideas and entertain them seriously.
Allowing yourself to consider the absurd can lead to unique plot twists, characters, and settings that stand out.
For example, the surreal worlds of Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” or the bizarre scenarios in Douglas Adams’ “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” showcase how the absurd can become iconic.
The freedom to let your mind wander uninterrupted is the key to making this tip work for you.
Don’t be afraid to where your thoughts may take you. The dark, untapped corners of your mind is where your best creativity resides.
2. Practice Freewriting
Freewriting is a powerful tool for unlocking creativity. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write continuously without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or coherence.
This exercise helps bypass the inner critic and taps into your subconscious mind. Many successful authors, including those on the Creative Penn podcast, recommend freewriting as a way to discover new ideas and overcome writer’s block.
Want to take this tip a step further?
How about practicing freewriting while you are drunk?
Not plastered, nowhere near that. But enough to have a good buzz going.
Now before you flat out say no, the great Ernest Hemmingway was known to drink almost good as he wrote. And I think the term, ‘write drunk, edit sober stems from his era.
If you think there is no benefit from writing with a flushed face and glassy eyes, think again. It’s crazy, but true, your creativity is heightened when you are drunk.
Per Google: Some of it has to do with free association. Alcohol helps us to do more free association, which means that doesn’t require connections between ideas to be as strong.
Of course, if you either don’t drink, are too young to drink, or have a problem with alcohol, then this suggestion isn’t for you.
But if you do fashion an adult beverage here and there, instead of sitting in front of the television, sipping on your favorite drink, why not get comfortable in front of your computer and start writing?
Who knows, the results just might surprise you.
3. Challenge Your Beliefs
To cultivate a successful author mindset, you must challenge your existing beliefs.
Ask yourself why you think certain things are impossible or unrealistic. Then, try to prove yourself wrong.
This approach not only expands your creative horizons but also strengthens your resolve to tackle difficult subjects in your writing.
Joanna Penn often discusses the importance of challenging one’s beliefs to grow as a writer on her Creative Penn podcast.
Now before I expound upon this point, let state that I’m a Christian who believes Jesus died for my sins.
But that didn’t stop me from letting my mind wonder, what if, as I was reading Memnoch, The Devil, by Anne Rice. The 5th installment of her Vampire Chronicles Series.
It was by far the best character driven book that I have ever read in my life. The dialog between Lestat (the protagonist) and Memnoch, The Devil (the antagonist) was utter perfection.
A super quick summary of Memnoch, The Devil per Google: In the book, Memnoch is interested in knowledge and humans, and wants to experience what it’s like to be human. This creates tension between him and God, who Memnoch questions for not immediately placing humans in Heaven and for allowing them to suffer. Memnoch claims that he’s been put in charge of preparing souls for Heaven because of these questions and other actions.
Rice has said that she was inspired to write the story of Memnoch because she wondered why an angel would fall from grace and why the devil wouldn’t change over time. She also described the book as a “theological journey into the dark heart of America”
Now would I have been receptive of this book if I was closed minded and steadfast in my beliefs? Of course not. My beliefs are still intact, but my mind definitely grew after reading it.
4. Meditate and Visualize
Meditation and visualization can greatly enhance your author mindset. Spend a few minutes each day meditating to clear your mind and visualize scenes from your book.
Picture your characters, settings, and plot developments vividly. This practice can lead to breakthroughs in your writing process and inspire new creative directions.
Many successful authors use visualization techniques to stay focused and motivated on their creative journey.
Very early in my writing career, before I understood what visualization was, I often found myself in deep conversation with the characters in my head almost non-stop.
The problem with that was instead of it being played out internally as it should, I would be talking, but no words were coming out of my mouth. In public. In front of people.
Jesus, can you say embarrassing?
But even ‘til this day, this is a part of my writing method. So, when I sit down to write, the process flows that much better because of the interaction I have with my characters in my head.
5. Engage with Different Art Forms
Sometimes, the best way to spark creativity in writing is to engage with other forms of art. Visit art galleries, listen to music, watch films, or explore dance performances.
Immersing yourself in different artistic expressions can provide fresh perspectives and inspire new ideas for your writing.
The cross-pollination of ideas from various art forms can enrich your content and elevate your storytelling.
If you want to be a varied storyteller, you must submit yourself to consistently exposing your daily life to things that aren’t routine for you.
In doing so, not only will you grow as a person, but your creativity will be at an all-time high.
6. Travel and Explore New Cultures
Traveling and experiencing new cultures is a fantastic way to broaden your author mindset. Exposure to different languages, traditions, and ways of life can significantly influence your writing.
It provides a wealth of material to draw from and helps create authentic, diverse characters and settings. Authors like Elizabeth Gilbert, who wrote “Eat, Pray, Love,” often credit their travel experiences as a major source of inspiration.
You can’t write about the world and great things that’s happening every day in it from your neighborhood Starbucks.
7. Connect with Other Writers
Connecting with other writers can significantly enhance your author mindset. Join writing groups, attend workshops, and participate in online forums.
Sharing ideas, receiving feedback, and discussing challenges with fellow writers can provide new insights and boost your creativity.
Engaging with a community of writers can also offer support and motivation, helping you overcome obstacles like imposter syndrome and writer’s block.
Honestly, do you know how productive you can be by networking with fellow authors?
Look at it this way. Take 12 authors and put them all together in a room and ask them to describe what’s in that room.
What you will get is 12 different descriptions of what they saw in the exact same room.
If you happen to be one of those 12 authors, you now have the luxury of asking the other 11 authors why they described the room the way they did.
And with the feedback you’ll get, you’ll now have 11 new ways to look at the same thing.
Bonus Tip: Embrace Failure as Part of the Process
One of the most overlooked aspects of a successful author mindset is the willingness to embrace failure.
Every published author has faced rejection and setbacks. Understanding that failure is a natural part of the creative process can free you from the fear of making mistakes.
This mindset allows you to take risks and experiment with your writing, ultimately leading to greater creativity and innovation.
And to really help you get over the fear of failing hump, let me share this with you.
Your success is not based off the number of wins you accumulate during your author journey.
You derive true success from the amount of effort you are willing to part with on that journey.
Half-assed effort will always equal a half-assed result.
A maxed-out effort will give you the results you deserve!
Developing Your Author Mindset Continued
Developing an author mindset that fosters unlimited creativity requires continuous effort and dedication. Here are some additional strategies to keep your creativity flowing:
Keep a Journal:
Regularly jot down your thoughts, ideas, and reflections. This practice can help you capture fleeting moments of inspiration and explore them further in your writing.
Set Creative Goals:
Challenge yourself with specific creative goals, such as writing a certain number of words each day or experimenting with a new genre. Goals can provide direction and motivation for your creative journey
Read Widely:
Expand your reading list to include a variety of genres, authors, and topics. Reading widely exposes you to different writing styles and ideas, which can spark your own creativity.
Take Breaks:
Don’t underestimate the power of taking breaks. Stepping away from your work can give your mind the rest it needs to generate new ideas and insights.
Stay Curious:
Cultivate a mindset of curiosity. Ask questions, seek out new experiences, and remain open to learning. Curiosity is a driving force behind creativity and can lead to unexpected discoveries in your writing.
The Power Of An Author Mindset
Your author mindset is the foundation of your creative process. By adopting these tips and strategies, you can cultivate a mindset that supports unlimited creativity and helps you produce your best work.
Remember, creativity is not a finite resource; it grows and evolves with practice and dedication.
As you continue on your creative journey, keep in mind the wisdom of successful authors who have come before you.
Their willingness to challenge conventions, embrace the absurd, and push the boundaries of their imagination has led to the creation of timeless literary works. By nurturing your author mindset, you too can achieve greatness and leave a lasting impact on your readers.
In Conclusion...
The journey to becoming a successful author begins with cultivating the right mindset.
By implementing these seven unconventional tips, you can unlock your unlimited creativity and transform your writing.
Embrace the absurd, practice freewriting, challenge your beliefs, meditate, engage with different art forms, travel, and connect with other writers to broaden your horizons and enrich your storytelling.
Your author mindset is your greatest asset. It shapes how you approach your writing, overcome obstacles, and tap into your creative potential. Keep nurturing it, and you’ll find that your creativity knows no bounds.
To really take your creativity to another level, make sure to get your audio book: The Author’s Secret: How To Think And Grow Rich With The Right Book Idea!
Written in the same vein as Author Napoleon Hill’s bestselling book, Think And Grow Rich, you will find your mind being transformed to only receive ideas that will propel you forward on your author journey, practically guaranteeing your success!
Table of Contents
Unsure of where to find your ideal readers? Do you feel like your marketing efforts are falling flat, leaving you frustrated and overwhelmed?
It’s time to put an end to the guesswork, take control of your author journey, and start to consistently sell books with our comprehensive guide, The Self Publishing Target Marketing Cheat Sheet: Your Shortcut To Book Marketing Mastery.
Do you find yourself wondering why some authors succeed while others fall short? The best kept secret in self-publishing today is marketable books guarantees book sales!
Introducing our comprehensive guide to crafting marketable and genre-specific books that captivates, compels, and positions your books into guaranteed sales. The Hidden Gems Of Self-Published Marketing.
Ready to ditch writing overwhelm, lagging creativity, and skyrocket your self-publishing productivity?
Introducing The Author’s Secret: Learn How To Think And Grow Rich With The Right Book Idea AUDIO BOOK — your comprehensive guide to navigating the journey from book concept to published manuscript with clarity and confidence.
Ready To Turn Your Fully Edited Manuscript Into A Professionally Done Self Published Book You Can Be Proud Of?
Schedule A 30 Minute Meeting, Personally, With Literary Success Consultant, DK Walker To Guide You Through The Self Publishing Process And Develop A Self-Publishing Plan That’s Specific For Your Author Success. Click The Button Below To Get Started.