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, a creativity meme! To play along, copy the list, bold the items on the list that you’re already doing, cross off the ones that don’t work for you, and star the ones you’d like to try.

For me, these are ALL bold. I’ve tried them all, and they’ve all helped at different points. (Rock & A Hard Place is my only collaboration, but both Sasha and I got a boost from working on our separate stories together.) And finishing things builds momentum. Your turn!

1. Make lists.

2. Carry a notebook everywhere.

3. Try free writing.

4. Get away from the computer.

5. Quit beating yourself up.

6. Take breaks.

7. Sing in the shower.

8. Drink coffee.

9. Listen to new music.

10. Be open.

11. Surround yourself with creative people.

12. Get feedback.

13. Collaborate.

14. Don’t give up.

15. Practice, practice, practice.

16. Allow yourself to make mistakes.

17. Go somewhere new.

18. Count your blessings.

19. Get lots of rest.

20. Take risks.

21. Break the rules.

22. Don’t force it.

23. Read a page of the dictionary.

24. Create a framework.

25. Stop trying to be someone else’s perfect.

26. Got an idea? Write it down.

27. Clean your workspace.

28. Have fun.

29. Finish something.