"Today I was walking back home from some errands and I realized I take the same route all the time. What compels us into such grooves, such patterns?”
—Ross Gay, The Book of Delights

I started reading The Book of Delights a few weeks before embarking on my first-ever NaNoWriMo, and it struck me that I was attempting something wildly out of my usual writing pattern.

Like brushing our teeth in the same direction, driving the same route, unloading the dishwasher, there are patterns we slide into and stick with. Writing too.

I like patterns because it helps make creativity more predictable amidst the magical touches that surprise us. But what happens when we do something different?

In the case of transportation—walking or driving—it often helps us notice something new. We see our town afresh, discover a new tree, a hidden pond, see an animal, or simply feel buoyed by having veered slightly off the usual course.

In the case of writing, a similar experience can be had. We usually finish projects because we know what works for us and stick to it. That's important. But we can be surprised, inspired, or refreshed by trying something new, even temporarily. Here are some ideas:

• Attempt a new writing exercise or series of prompts

• Write longhand instead of typing, or vice versa

• Record words into a voice memo

• Find a new coffee shop or park to sit in

• Write every day for a month

• Read a book outside the genre you’re writing in