6. Phantom Thread: Finding your muse

Homework

Task 1

If you want to be a writer, you need to be a reader

Not a big reader? If you want to be a writer, you need to become one. It doesn’t really matter what type of book you read; we just need to get your creative juices flowing. Try the Blinkist app to read abridged books on the move.

Task 2

Decompress from time to time

Do you ever feel claustrophobic living your day-to-day life? Are you a city-dweller, or just busy as hell? Make some time for you and you’ll be a better writer. You can’t sit in front of your computer all day, everyday.

Here are some tips to get out of your head and clear those cobwebs:

Go for a walk in nature – enjoy your free time.
Take a weekend vacation, or unplug all your devices and enjoy a weekend staycation at home.
Start meditating.
Pro tip: whenever you get stuck with your screenplay, just do a little exercise.

We recommend the following apps: Calm, Buddhify, Headspace, The Mindfulness App.

Task 3

Get out into the world

Take yourself out for a coffee or drink.
Open up your favorite news app – we like News 360 & Feedly.
Read over the headlines of the day. For inspiration, save anything related to the subject of your screenplay.
Revisit the headlines anytime you’re stuck with your screenplay.
Inspiration will soon strike!

Task 4

Listen up!

Still stuck? Listening to music is scientifically proven to make people more creative, so blast out some sick tunes to help you get your groove back.

Focus@Will is a music app that uses data science to provide you with inspirational music. There are various musical sounds to listen to while you work, each tailored to different types of brains. Dig in!

Task 5

First thing I do in the morning

Morning Pages are a stream-of-consciousness exercise you write first thing in the morning just as you wake up.

Keep a notebook on your bedside table.
First thing every morning for 5 days, write the first things that come into your head.
Consult your Morning Pages any time you get stuck in your writing. Most could be garbage – but some can contain the gems of absolute genius.