I've spent most of the past couple months writing blog posts and promoting the release of I Do. . .or Die. Today I'm thinking about the WIPs I want to get back to, and planning how to make the best use of the next year's writing calendar. All of that appeases the logical part of my brain, but the creative side is having a bit of performance anxiety.
It has good reason to be nervous, since it hasn't been called into action for a while. It feels rusty and creaky and fearful that it doesn't know how to do its job anymore. Even when I'm writing on a daily basis, there are times when creativity does not flow. It's not necessarily stuck. It's just dormant. It's taken me a while to learn that it is recharging, and gathering steam, and it will end up being almost too strong to handle when it does come back.
So what do you do when you want to be creative but your creativity is hibernating?
- Don't panic -- This is the hardest part. It always, and I mean always, feels like we've had our last date with the muse, and we can't help but wonder what we did to drive her away. We don't believe her when she flits away, tossing over her shoulder, "I'll call you". We wring our hands, desperately trying to figure out a solution, ready to sell our soul to make her happy once more. But just as we have a need to step away from the work, so does the muse. Give her some space. Everyone will benefit from the separation.
- Fix the easy stuff -- Concentrate on things that are more rote, or mundane--all of those little details that you don't have time for when you're in the giddy phase of word sprints. Now you can search for extra spaces in your manuscript. Check the formatting. Or spend some time on that research that makes you feel guilty when you "should" be writing. Check the links on previous blog posts. While you're re-reading them, see if they spark any new ideas and write down some notes for when the muse is back in town.
- Read your own work -- This time read your story as a reader, not a writer. Let yourself get lost in the characters and the events you created. Fall in love again with the world you imagined a long while ago, before you had to tear it down and rebuild it. Remember what it was like to immerse yourself in a book that sprang from your heart. Sometimes this is enough to resuscitate that creative spirit that has gone dormant temporarily.
- Take time to play -- We get so absorbed with writing, and writing-related activities, we don't know how to enjoy other aspects of life. We forget that writing is a reflection of our non-writing experiences. We need to replenish those, so that we have something to draw on when it's time to add words to the page. So enjoy the unexpected break from the writing routine. Go outside and see what the rest of the world is doing. Store up some events that will inspire you at a later date. You might be surprised at what is outside your four walls.
So get your pens and laptops ready. Creativity is on its way!
All good advice, especially about making time to play. I don't do that enough.
I'm currently on holidays from writing and planning out what I want to achieve for 2013. There are so many ways to set goals that are hopefully realistic: a chunk of words per year, completed projects, bum on chair hours. I was going to set a word goal (based on speed and days -- even allowed for migraine days) but after reading a blog post last night I might make it a project based year. So, in terms of writing, I could have a dozen projects (of varying lengths) to complete this year. Acheivable? Yes. Easy? Not really. But fun to try.
Posted by: Heather Boyd | December 26, 2012 at 04:12 PM
I like your approaches, especially #3. That one always works for me when I want to jump start the muse. Another I would add is reading. As writers it's often hard to make time to kick back and enjoy a book but there's nothing that gets me geared up and anxious to get back to world-building than reading a great story. It's like wanting your turnn in the sandbox, LOL.
I'm actually fired up with plans for 2013 and what I want to accomplish. I spent so much of this year learning the ropes that I'm hoping 2013 will give me more time for writing and productivity.
As always, great post, Donna. You rock! :)
Posted by: Mae Clair | December 26, 2012 at 07:11 PM
Heather, I always advocate playing, but I end up feeling guilty about doing it. LOL I like your idea about focusing on projects, rather than word count. I was trying to decide which direction to go, and this may be it. I've got several things I'd like to finish up and get out the door. This makes a lot of sense -- thanks for giving me this idea!
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 26, 2012 at 11:35 PM
Thanks, Mae -- I'm glad you enjoyed the post! I completely agree about reading -- I don't devote enough time to it, and I get all twitchy and cranky and then end up reading several stories in a row. LOL It does inspire, just as you said. I have a tendency to feel guilty about reading, when it's such a vital part of the writing process. Thanks for reminding me. And I'm eager to see what you produce in 2013. I know it'll be exciting. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 26, 2012 at 11:39 PM
Great Advice Donna!
If I may slightly rephrase your thoughts:
Waking the creativity is a problem faced by scientists as well as authors. It often feels like blundering around in a dense fog until that wonderful beam of sunlight penetrates the gloom.
1) Don't follow the usual advice for those lost in a wood. Sitting down and waiting to be rescued doesn't work. You must keep looking for the light, even if you repeatedly go round in circles.
2) Keep active with anything that comes to mind. Even fall asleep if you are a dreamer. Dreams can be inspirational.
3) My favourite after dinner holiday activity is to rest in an arm chair with one of my own papers to read. It is the supreme form of indulgence. Not very productive but Highly Recommended! LOL
4) I actually never stop playing. My grand daughter called me a 'real cool grandpa' after the Christmas party ..... and she gave me a novelty bow-tie to improve my image. I'm going to wear it when I next collect her from school! LOL
*Raises the last of the Xmas scotch.*
Here's to you Donna
Wishing you a wonderfully productive New Year
Posted by: Quantum | December 27, 2012 at 12:12 PM
Donna, my projects should add up to the wordcount goal anyway but I think its a better visual incentive to look at a project list and mark off each as its done. My best year in publishing (2011) was done this way and I only had a scrap of paper pinned to the wall beside my computer. LOL Simple is often the best and most reliable means.
Posted by: Heather Boyd | December 27, 2012 at 03:29 PM
Q, thanks for bringing along the last of the Xmas scotch. :) Cheers to you! And I love your advice. I'm sure you're a cool grandpa -- after all, you tell great stories, right? I love the thought of the novelty bow tie too. :)
Here's to a wonderful New Year for you too! Thanks for being part of my writing journey so far. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 27, 2012 at 09:35 PM
Heather, I completely agree about the visual incentive. I think it will work well for me this year since I have several nearly-finished projects, and I hate the thought of them languishing when they could be out the door! And if I just focus on word count, they may languish forever. LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | December 27, 2012 at 09:37 PM