Inspired and creative writing: Writing while tired

This might seem like one of those posts that I just threw together because I had nothing better to write. Nothing could be further from the truth. As absurd as it seems, this is one of those writing tips that, for me at least, has been a "hidden gem". I know this works because some of my most inspired, creative ideas and writing sessions have resulted from what I’m about to share.

This might seem very counterintuitive, but writing while tired does produce some great work. Why? My own theory is that when you are in a tired state, the mind turns off that "inner editor" and you can explore ideas and/or concepts that, when fully awake, would never even come to you.

So what do I mean by being tired? I do not mean when you are so sleep deprived you can no longer function at all. I’m talking about those times when your eyes are heavy, it’s hard to concentrate on anything that takes logical thought (this appears to be key), and you are very much ready to go to sleep. Well, don’t sleep just yet. Take out a notebook or boot up your computer and put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). Write what comes to your mind. You’ll be surprised at what you have written when you are awake and fully aware.

My own experience with this began when I was in college and taking the train to downtown Chicago. On the way home I would usually be exhausted, but I forced myself to stay awake lest I miss my stop. So, while listening to music (The Grateful Dead seemed to work well), and nodding off, I’d write down all the weird things that came into my head as the train sped along the tracks. Some great story ideas and narratives came out of those commuting days.

Writing a complete story in this state might prove difficult, as your ability to work out plot details might suffer. But if you already have a story you’re working on, writing a couple scenes while in this state between sleep and wakefulness might add a bit of an avante-garde touch to your writing.

Generally, this is one of those tips that works differently for different people. I know some people who can barely walk when they’re tired, much less write. I know others who never appear to get tired, or, if they do they don’t show it. Experimentation is the key.

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