Published June 19, 2023 on BlackBirdWriters.com Reprinted with permission.
Creativity is an innate trait in all human beings. While some people create stories with words, others might use paint, glass, fabric, stone, or other media to produce their works of art. Some might design recipes to create delicious new foods or to structure fabulous meals. Some might create business plans or new ways to track data. Some create new machines or technological advancements. The list is endless.
But after my past year filled with the chaos and stress of uprooting and moving across country, I’ve realized that getting my creative edge back to write the ninth episode in the Timber Creek K-9 Mysteries hasn’t been easy. I’ve needed a period of settling in to once again find my mojo.
As always I’ve fallen back on setting up a work schedule, blocking my writing time out on my calendar amid my other appointments and responsibilities. I’ve organized my own writing space complete with the candles that I light before getting started each day. And I’ve developed my systems for tracking plot points, clues, names of characters, and all those pesky details associated with writing so that I can remember where I’ve been as I continue to create the next stages in my story.
These writing tools help, but when I think of creativity, it brings to mind things such as getting ready or priming the pump—preparing the body, mind, and spirit for a dip into the imagination that will be sustainable enough to last through the six months or so that it takes to write a novel. Others have designed a framework that I’ve found helpful to me now. Maybe it will give you some ideas as well.
First, take care of the body.
Be mindful of ergonomic positioning for working on your project. Plan breaks for stretching, taking a walk, or participating in other forms of exercise to relax muscles that are often held for too long in one position. Use the proper furniture and tools of your trade. Get a massage or other type of bodywork that helps with the tight spots. Eat healthy foods and stay hydrated.
Second, take care of the mind.
Establish a meditative or prayer practice, something that calms the day-to-day inner chatter so your lively creative mind can work unencumbered. Try meditative practices that involve movement such as tai chi or yoga. Use whatever tools you like to organize your work—calendars, outlines, spreadsheets, etc. Experiment with this; ask your fellow creative friends what they like to use.
Third, take care of the spirit.
What feeds your soul and fills your creative well? Maybe working in a garden, fishing at a lake or stream, or going on a hike in the mountains. Or maybe something more urban such as going to an art museum, taking in a movie or stage play, or attending an opera or symphony. Or how about going to a comedy club or streaming a stand-up comedian on video? Create a list that is unique to you and refer to it frequently.
Sometimes it’s hard to find a creative groove, but a period of settling in helps me stay on track when I need to get started, stay focused, and then finish a project. How do you find your creative groove?
