Imagination, the Essential Ingredient

From the comments and question I’m seeing on social media lately it appears there are people out there trying to be writers who have absolutely no imagination. That sucks for them, because imagination may just be the one essential requirement to being a successful, or even half-assed writer.

Plenty of writers are poor with grammar. Lots can’t spell for shit. Even more think punctuation is unnecessary. These shortfalls can be overcome by hiring a good editor. But lack of imagination is a death knell for any aspiring writer.

I see people asking for help naming their book, deciding on characters names, and asking where their story should go next. Creative writing requires creative people, not people who need to be spoon-fed throughout the process. Get to know your characters; they’ll tell you their names. Don’t know which way to go? Play a rousing game of ‘what if’ with yourself. Can’t come up with a good title? This may be the only thing you should ask help with, but not until after the book is finished. All you need until then is a working title. ‘The Book’ will do until much later in the process.

If you’re one of those writers struggling with lack of imagination I would suggest doing something to improve your imagination or give up and take up an easier trade, like brain surgery.

• Read widely. Nothing will stir your imagination more than seeing someone else use their imagination.
• Take part in quizzes and trivia contests.
• Watch the first half of a movie then write a synopsis of what you think could happen in the second half.
• Try meditation or yoga, or both.
• Reinforce your inner thoughts about being a creative person.
• Research various aspects of your story, you may learn facts that stimulate your thinking.
• Observe people. Pay attention to the things they say and how they say them.
• Do activities that have nothing to do with the writing but take along a notebook and pen, in case something triggers that lazy imagination.
• Be receptive. Often we discard the very thoughts and ideas that would help to push our story ahead.

Now get out there and create.