1. Do not copy somebody else's work. That is a big no-no! How would you feel if you dedicated hours, if not weeks or even years, to something just to have somebody copy and paste it and claim it as their own? There's a fine line between being inspired by someone and plagiarizing them. Don't cross it.

2. Offer something original. Whether it is a character, an unsuspecting plot twist, the way your narrative is embedded in the writing, etc. To do this, take a story you're currently working on and look at the plot. Ask yourself "Have I read this before?" If the answer is yes, think of a way you can alter it or an aspect you can add to make the book more interesting. If the answer is no, you're on the right path.  Originality is one of the many keys to success.

3. Map it out. Take a blank sheet of paper and write the title of your work, or the topic at hand, on the center of it. Begin to write new ideas on branches linked to the topic in the middle and continue to add more ideas on subbranches as they come to you. Keep this going until your mind falls blank or you run out of room on the paper, whichever comes first. Using different colors and/or adding illustrations can help open your creative output as well.

4. Allow your mind to wander. Instead of staring at the computer screen or notebook that appears to be mocking your inability to keep the thoughts flowing, try this approach. Find a quiet spot where you can lay or sit down undisturbed and just close your eyes. Focus on the silence surrounding you or, if you prefer, listen to your favorite genre of music. This should put you in a contemplative state of mind, in which ideas will gradually start to come to you.

5. Step out of your comfort zone. Not literally though, as that would completely contradict the previous tip. A common mistake new writers, and even some experts, tend to make is that they only write about what they are familiar with. Don't limit yourself like that. Several amazing books were written revolving around crazy plots, some that are even unrealistic or dwell into the fantasy category. If you're unfamiliar with a topic but are interested in including it in your book, whether it is involved in the main story or a small backstory, do your research on it before writing. If you pull it off right, the audience will think you are well experienced with the subject regardless of what it may be.

Any tips of your own that you'd like to share to your fellow Refreshers?