5 Ways Writing a Book Will Help You to Unlock Your Hidden Creative Genius

 

How often have you thought to yourself, “I’m not creative?” Have you marveled at the creativity of young children playing, wondering where on earth they come up with these crazy ideas? Creativity doesn’t disappear completely as we get older; we simply don’t exercise it quite as much as we did as youngsters. Traditional classroom schooling also doesn’t place a priority on creativity because teachers are so focused on teaching the curriculum and scoring tests. If you want to spur your creative juices once again, write a book.

Here are just a few ways you can unlock your hidden creative genius by writing a book:

1. Use the brain dump method to empty your mind of too many ideas. Experts have proven that multitasking actually diminishes productivity, so instead of trying to write your book while all these other ideas are swimming around, take a journal and just start writing everything down. And I mean EVERYTHING, including calling the dog groomer for an appointment to calling the pharmacy for a refill. Whatever is taking up space in your brain should be on that paper. Now that you’ve released these thoughts onto paper, focus solely on writing your book. You’ll discover the writing process is easier when you’re able to focus on just one task instead of one hundred.

2. Banish writer’s block. Before you start writing your best-selling book create an outline. One might think that this kind of detail will cause writer’s block. But in fact, the exact opposite happens. Because you have a roadmap to follow – and you can decide how detailed to make your outline - your brain will feel safe and allow you to write.

3. Writing itself is a creative problem-solving process. When was the last time you made a pros/cons list to help you make a decision? Or a to-do list to track your daily tasks? Or mind mapping to illustrate solving a problem? Writing out the details of our problem allows us to clarify exactly what has to happen when and it’s then easier to see connections and solutions to these problems our brain relaxes and our creativity flows.

4. Practice makes perfect. Even if you’re not aiming for perfection, this old saying holds true. The more you write, the easier the process becomes. If you’re an expert in a particular field, it makes sense to write about your expertise.  Writing content for your audience will become easier because you have the practice and you’ve done the research to know what your audience is seeking.

 5. Embrace the idea of doing something new or different every day. Our daily lives can become routine and boring but they feel safe and less effort is required on our part. But what if you tried new things, mixed up your daily routines just to be different. Take some time to explore new surroundings, take the long way home from the gym, or skip the gym and go for a walk in nature, turn off social media for a day and let your brain come back to awareness. Your brain will thank you for making it work differently, simply because you mixed things up.

Creativity is hidden inside each of us. Embrace your inner child, and use it to write a book you’ll love. In the end it will be worth it and bring great rewards. 

About Rebecca 

Rebecca Camarena is a Book Coach and author who helps women write, publish and market their impactful books about their heartfelt story of the challenges they’ve overcome so they can be an inspiration to others by sharing their words, their voice, their journey.

As a best-selling author with her co-authored book Out of My Comfort Zone: Stories of Courage, Perseverance and Victory she helped women share their stories of how they got out of their fear zone to excel in their business.

Are you’re ready to turn your heartfelt story into your dream book and become the author you were meant to be? Connect with me here, www.rebeccacamarena.com/contact

All About Extended Metaphors

by Suzanne Lieurance

We all use simple metaphors in our writing. 

But not everyone uses extended metaphors or even understands them, so let’s look at the definition of an extended metaphor first. 

What is an Extended Metaphor?

An extended metaphor is a literary device that takes a single metaphor and expands it over several lines, sentences, or even an entire piece of writing.  

Unlike a simple metaphor, which might compare one thing to another in a single statement, an extended metaphor develops the comparison in greater detail, weaving it into the narrative or argument.  

Think of it as painting an intricate picture with words, layering meaning and imagery to deepen the reader's understanding and engagement.

Why Use Extended Metaphors?

Extended metaphors are powerful tools for writers because they: 

Create Depth: They allow you to explore an idea or emotion more thoroughly, adding layers of meaning to your writing. 

Engage Readers: A well-crafted extended metaphor can capture the reader's imagination and hold their attention. 

Unify Themes: By linking different parts of your work to a single metaphor, you create cohesion and resonance. 

Simplify Complex Ideas: They make abstract or complicated concepts easier to grasp by anchoring them in familiar imagery. 

Tips for Creating and Using Extended Metaphors 

#1. Start with a Strong Core Idea.  

Begin with a single, vivid metaphor that resonates with your theme.  

For example, if you’re writing about a creative journey, you might compare it to planting and tending a garden. 

#2. Develop the Metaphor Gradually.  

Once you have your core metaphor, expand it piece by piece.  

In the garden example, you could describe planting seeds (starting an idea), watering the plants (nurturing creativity), and dealing with weeds (overcoming obstacles). 

#3. Stay Consistent.  

Keep the metaphor’s imagery and logic consistent.  

Mixing unrelated elements—like suddenly shifting from a garden to a spaceship—can confuse readers and weaken your writing. 

 

#4. Use Sensory Details.  

Bring the metaphor to life with vivid descriptions.  

Engage the senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that align with your chosen image. 

#5. Connect to Emotion.  

Great extended metaphors evoke emotion.  

Don’t just describe the garden; make readers feel the joy of new blossoms or the frustration of unexpected storms. 

#6. Avoid Overdoing It.  

While extended metaphors can be powerful, they should never feel forced or overused.  

Know when to step back and let the narrative speak for itself. 

#7. Tailor the Metaphor to Your Audience.  

Choose imagery that resonates with your readers.  

For example, a metaphor about cooking might connect with food lovers, while a sports metaphor might resonate with athletes. 

#8. Tie It Back to Your Message.  

Ensure your extended metaphor reinforces the central theme or argument of your piece.  

Every element should serve the larger purpose of your writing. 

Examples of Extended Metaphors 

The Writing Process as Sailing a Ship: Writing is like navigating a ship through uncharted waters. The blank page is the open sea, full of potential and uncertainty. Your ideas are the wind filling the sails, and your revisions are the course corrections that keep you on track. Storms (self-doubt) and calm waters (writer’s block) test your perseverance, but with determination, you eventually reach the shore of a finished draft. 

Life as a Puzzle: Life is a giant jigsaw puzzle. Each moment is a piece, and some fit together easily while others take time to place. Sometimes, you feel like you’re missing pieces, but with patience and perspective, the full picture begins to emerge. 

Practice Makes Perfect 

If you want to get better at creating extended metaphors, try this simple exercise: 

#1. Pick a common concept or emotion (e.g., love, success, failure). 

#2. Choose a concrete image or idea to compare it to (e.g., a mountain, a river, a marathon). 

#3. Write a paragraph or two exploring the metaphor, expanding on how the two ideas connect. 

Using extended metaphors is a powerful way to elevate your writing.  

It can help you captivate your readers, communicate complex ideas with clarity, and leave a lasting impression.  

So, the next time you sit down to write, don’t just tell your story—paint it with an extended metaphor and watch your words come alive.  

And, for more writing tips, be sure to visit writebythesea.com and get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge. 

Once you're a subscriber, you'll also have access to a Private Resource Library for Writers.

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 35 published books, a freelance writer, and a law of attraction coach for writers.

Jumpstart Your Signature Product Offerings by Writing a Book

 

Writing a book offers many benefits to professional coaches. You may be surprised to discover how the process of writing a book can help you jumpstart other projects, such as signature product offerings that gain you more business, a wider presence in you industry, and other avenues for helping others.

Writing Stimulates Creativity

Writing is an utterly creative process. Regardless of the endless hours you spend researching and outlining your book, the time you spend in front of the keyboard pounding out chapters is an entirely creative time that actually serves to feed your creative tendencies. These are the times when ideas, plans, and processes for other projects will come to you.

Take a little time to jot a not so you don’t forget about these new ideas, then get back to work on your book. You want to make sure you don’t lose track of these signatures ideas but also that you do not get lost in planning that project rather than completing your book.

Create Mini Classes for Group Coaching Sessions Based on Topics Your Book Covers

Your book offers a straightforward guide your readers can follow to achieve real success. However, diving in deeper to some of the topics your book covers through group coaching and mini classes can help your audience accomplish so much more. Jot down outlines for these classes and group sessions as you are writing those chapters for your book. Your mind is fresh with the details and you can get double rewards for the information you’ve researched.

Consider Developing a Book Series

If not a book series, at least consider creating a workbook series supplemental planners that are based on your book or topics related to your book. That offers you opportunities for greater profitability while helping your audience transition the principles in your book into actions in their lives. The more books, workbooks, planners, and other products you have available, in addition to your book, the more opportunities you have to earn greater profits from your existing audience.

Kick Your Price Point Up a Notch or Two

Books build confidence and trust among your audience. Now that you’ve written a book, it’s time to consider the value of the courses, products, and coaching sessions you offer and reevaluate how much you’re charging for your time.

Books create authority and expertise in the eyes of your followers. Make sure the prices for your new items reflects the added value your time and talent now command.

Also take the time to review existing products for ideas about updates and upgrades that can make them more valuable to audiences and help them command a greater price from consumers.

The more time you spend creating products, reworking existing products, and planning out new products for the future, the easier the writing, planning, and publishing process will become for you. The key is to actually start and see how quickly it all comes together for you.

***

Rebecca Camarena is the Book Coach that helps memoir and business book authors write, publish and market books that grow their brand. As a best-selling author with her co-authored book Out of My Comfort Zone: Stories of Courage, Perseverance and Victory she helped women share their stories of how they got of their fear zone to excel in their business.

Sign up for my FREE 30-minute Author Consultation call so you can start on your book writing journey. Click here www.rebeccacamarena.com/contact/