33 Creative Warm Up Exercises to Get You Writing
Creativity is an important part of any writing process. It helps stimulate new ideas, bring in new perspectives and create stories that are unique and engaging.
But, you can't just turn it ON. You have to warm it up with warm up routines.
For a great brainstorming session warm up exercises can be a great way to kick off your writing session. They're a simple tool and with them there is no such thing as a bad idea!
Don't think about the last time you wrote or what you hope your writing will become. The creative process means you need to be in the right mindset so you can approach new concepts with enough relaxed confidence as you can.
Take some time to write about why it’s important to get yourself into a creative mindset before diving into any writing project.
This can help you focus your thoughts and ideas and create more meaningful work. If you struggle to get started, pick one of the following exercises and give yourself just 10 minutes to work on it. Set a timer and stop no matter where you are after the alarm pings.
So, get ready to have your brain moving in a different way. Here are some of my favorite tried-and-true ways to get those creative ideas flowing...
33 Creative Warm Up Exercises to Get You Writing
Creative Warm-Up Exercises with Places:
Choose a place and make it come alive by describing the sights, smells, and sounds.
Think of an object and write a story where that object is the main character.
Write down three things you want to include in your writing project and then brainstorm how you can incorporate them.
Make a list of random words or facts about a topic.
Write some locations on sticky notes and then close your eyes and pick one. Whichever you choose, you have to write a scene in that place.
With Objects:
Choose an object and write a story about it as if it were a person. Think about the object's history, personality, likes and dislikes.
Describe an object from different angles, both literal and figurative. For instance, describe a coffee mug not just in terms of its color and shape but also what kind of
Describe something using five senses: Pick an object and write down how it looks, sounds, smells, tastes and feels.
Visit a museum and take note of the artworks that stand out to you. Write down what it is about each one that you like, and then use these ideas in your writing.
Look through old photos or postcards and write a story set in the time period they represent.
With Music:
Listen to a song and try to write down the story that comes into your head. Pick a genre and use the mood, lyrics or themes of the music as inspiration for a new piece of writing.
Write down three emotions and create a playlist of songs that evoke those feelings. Then, think about how you can incorporate these emotions into your writing project.
Listen to an instrumental piece of music and freewrite for five minutes with the song playing in the background. Try to draw out any characters or scenes that the music brings to mind.
With Drawing:
Draw a simple object in the most creative way you can think of. For example, if it's a chair, draw it as an animal or from a perspective you've never seen before.
Choose three words and try to create a drawing that embodies them. It's all about seeing what creativity comes out when you combine different ideas.
Draw a map of an imaginary world and make up the stories that go along with it. This exercise can be great for sparking ideas or just getting into the writing mindset.
Choose two objects and draw them together in an unexpected way, such as a piece of fruit inside a teapot. See what kind of
With Books:
Choose a book and write a story that follows the same arc but with different characters and settings.
Pick two characters from different books and have them interact in an unexpected way.
Choose a scene from your favorite book, then rewrite it as if you were inside one of the character's heads.
With Poetry:
Write a poem or story inspired by your favorite line of poetry.
Choose two words and write a haiku incorporating them.
Write down three images that come to mind when reading a certain poem and use these images as the basis for your own work.
Pick a line from a song and use it as the title for a poem.
Choose a color and write a poem that explores its symbolism.
Pick three words from different poems and combine them together to create something new.
Rewrite your favorite poem in your own words, exploring how you interpret it differently than the original author did.
Creative Journal Prompts:
Write about one thing you can do today to move closer towards your writing goals.
Brainstorm a list of words that evoke the feeling of creativity to you. Then, use these words in your writing projects.
Describe three memories that have influenced the way you write.
Write down three things you want to explore in writing and why they interest you.
Write a story about the journey of an artist from their first creative spark to success.
Create a character and describe the steps they take when preparing for a project.
A creative warm-up exercise can help you get in the right frame of mind for any writing project, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, or poetry. The goal is to get your creative thinking flowing and give you some inspiration for a new piece of writing.
A great exercise is a fun way to take off any pressure you may feel by the blank page. They'll help you turn a good idea into a great idea with just a simple, slightly silly ideation session.
By pushing yourself to come up with fresh ideas, you can discover the hidden depths of your creativity and create something truly special.
You'll find your brain coming up with new ways to describe things or different uses for words you've often used. Give these exercises a try today and see what amazing stories you come up with!
Like these prompts? Try some of these writing prompts about the fall season or the holidays!
