My recent writing dry spell is teaching me about my own creative process, and how I can nurture it.
I love to write. I need to write. But the truth is, I don't always write, and sometimes it is downright hard. I know ... a writer writes, and writing happens when you put your butt in the chair. But getting my butt in the chair ... therein lies the challenge.
Here's how I have learned I can nurture my own creative process, and "get my butt in the chair":
- Build my life around my writing, rather than my writing around my life. Carve out my own sacred time to write, and let nothing interrupt it. Make it a priority.
There is always something pressing needing my attention: the client work that pays my bills, that important phone call or meeting, or more sleep. If I don't plan the writing into my day, it won't happen.
- Remove myself from distractions long enough to write. Put myself in a different room to write, and close the door. Let others know this is my writing time.
I am easily distracted. It could be the beautiful day outside, the bills to pay, the client work waiting for me, an interesting conversation, the people I am visiting, or just feeling like I need a nap.
- Make sure I do at least some writing early in the day.
Otherwise, by the time I have a chance to write, it is often late, and my brain has shut off. The idea of being creative just doesn't compute.
- If necessary, block out a couple of shorter writing periods into my day, or into consecutive days. They could be at the beginning and end of the work day, or before others are up and after they have gone to bed. Be sure to finish the first period at an easy continuation point, or with a plan or notes for the second period.
This can help when it is difficult to find uninterrupted time to write. It can take a while to get into the flow. If time is short, it may be over by the time the words show up.
- Always have pencil and paper ready to capture those fleeting inspirations as they show up. Many of the best ideas appear when least expected.
- Organize my materials and thoughts ahead of time to make it easier to write the actual blog post (or article, or other creative material). Drafts, photos, links - all captured in a central place.
Writing the post, then finding and preparing the right photos, then creating the hyperlinks, all takes time. Time I often do not have.
- Know when it is “good enough.” No need to be perfect.
I tend to be a perfectionist. That's the editor in me. The truth is, no one really cares, as long as it is good and interesting. If I don't get it out there, no one gets to read it!
Following even a few of these ideas is sure to help. And here's my caveat: It's all subject to change and improvement!
What are your techniques or tricks for nurturing your own creative process? Click below to comment and share with us - creative minds want to know!
(Photo: Kin Klizhin, Chaco Outlier)
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