Canva is a creative image tool, but it is so much more.

First, I’ll confess, I don’t actually believe that writer’s block exists. Of course, we get stuck sometimes. Our creativity may waver, but we can always write. It may be harder on some days than others, but we have to suck it up if we want to have a career. We wouldn’t allow the emergency plumber to say, I’m feeling blocked (pun intended) so won’t be out today. Or the surgeon to say I’m not operating today, I’m just not feeling it. We mustn’t allow ourselves the excuses either.

That said, some days it’s hard to get started. I have various ways of getting past it. Canva is just one of many tools I use.

You have probably heard of it by now. But just in case you haven’t, here's a bit of their back story.

Canva’s own site declares it is…

Empowering the world to design. Launched in 2013, Canva is an online design and publishing tool with a mission to empower everyone in the world to design anything and publish anywhere. *

It is in 190 countries, in 100 languages. With a staggering 7 billion+ designs made.

I’ve made about 2000 of them! I even have a certificate from Canva to prove it.

OK, so you now know Canva is a serious, credible tool for image and video production. It’s essential for social media. Or if not essential, highly recommended.

But back to the topic…

I write fiction and non-fiction. I’m working in what we know as a quick release model, so I need to write and often publish daily.

Yes, a story every day and/or weekly. 

That means I need plenty of character and plot inspiration and when I get stuck, Canva is a brilliant tool for finding inspiration. 

Canva has thousands of images you can use. To illustrate blog content, social media posts, video, book covers, you get the idea. If you need an image, they will have one.

Ok, you get it, but how does an app you use for social media help you get past writer's block?

I have various templates, so does Canva, one for just about every occasion. For this exercise, you can just choose any blank style. 

Search for images and type in a random phrase.

I typed in 'drunk stranger'. This was the result. 

The cool booky-themed frames are a Canva in house option too.

Who are they? Are they in trouble? 

Will they sober up before that important interview? Are they dead?

See, you can create a complete story from just one image.

Well, does what it says, but who is the body? Where? Why was the detective late for work?

Think outside the box.

The woman in the ‘drunk stranger’ shot. Who is she? Her name, nationality home city. 

Build a whole profile for her. 

Did she drink the empty bottle or is there another reason for her to have it in her hand?

Canva has some amazing images to inspire fantasy worlds.

Just a quick one-word search and I found this wonderful woodland path.

Unicorns? Dragons? Who would travel on this path?

What language would they speak?

I’m addicted, can you tell? The major advantages are the vast library of images, the ease of creating images for social media and more. A massive range of templates, well, you get the idea. Give it a go, and let me know how you use it.

Want To Create Images?

OK, ready to play? 

You can sign up for free. I’d strongly recommend you look at the pro version, it’s a great price.

I literally use the app every day.

You only have to search 'Canva' on TikTok to realise how much amazing potential the app has, beyond the ease of writing prompts.

The pro option gives you so much more. Branding options, extra images and rights etc. 

Have a go at Canva — Click here for free 30 day free Pro trial too!

A Really Simple Way To Beat Writer’s Block, Why Not Try It?

*https://www.canva.com/about/