I usually have to look at something then my own ideas spark and thrive. Sometimes movies can work, otherwise I take walks in the woods and parks.
Otherwise in reading some books on writing, they suggest just writing period and I would agree. Be it jotting down notes and ideas, lists of things, reviews or comments (that required some actual thought and deliberation), journal/diary entries, it all counts and it can really help.
I also started to read more nonfiction books to expand my understanding of some topics and that's been good for me too.
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