I like to use creativity stimulating prompts and exercises to get me going when the words are sluggish. I have several tools I use - this is one of my favorites.

1. Write down a list of ten words that come to mind. For example: house, boat, orange, soda, cat, pen verb, dishes, feet, hands
2. The exercise is to write ten paragraphs, ten poems, or ten free form writing bursts. The only catch is that each one needs to start with one of the words.
3. Try to keep the pen moving quickly even if you feel stuck. Set your timer for five minutes for each word. After the time is up, move on to the next word.

And that’s it.  Sometimes I think too hard about what I am going to write. This exercise forces my brain into action. After the exercise is over I go through and see if there is anything in the pile I can expand on.  If not, I do this exercise again or move on to something else.

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