By its very nature writing is a solitary pursuit, and it is also a pursuit which requires your brain to be working at full speed for long periods. Let’s face it, there will be some days when you just don’t feel at your creative best; perhaps you have a cold, or the dog just peed on your favourite rug, or you’re just a bit too tired to be innovative…it happens to us all!
I often say to my writers, imagine you were an athlete training for a race. Would you expect your body to train for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Of course you wouldn’t. And most athletes will tell you that rest periods can be as important as training periods. So, why do we expect our brains to operate at full capacity all of the time? This is just not sustainable, especially when you consider that your brain has to project manage all the other daily functions required to just stay alive…like breathing, eating, drinking…even sitting in a chair requires some direction from your brain!
Here are just a few tips that will help you to maintain your creativity and also provide a little boost when you hit a bump in the road…
Embrace diverse experiences: Break out of your routine and seek inspiration from various sources. Engage in activities outside your comfort zone, explore different cultures, or delve into new hobbies. Every experience adds depth to your writing palette, enriching your storytelling with unique perspectives and fresh insights.
Mindfulness and meditation: Quieten the noise of everyday life and tap into your inner creativity. Clearing your mind allows space for new ideas to emerge and helps you focus on the present moment, fostering a conducive environment for writing. Or why not try a bit of mindful journaling? Allowing your imagination to wander freely without constraint can be hugely inspiring.
Read, read, and read some more! Reading is the nourishment for a writer's soul. Immerse yourself in diverse genres, from classics to contemporary works as a general practice but, when writing, try reading books in your chosen genre to give you inspiration. Look at writing styles, techniques, and narrative structures to expand your literary toolkit. Becoming a writer if you are not a reader is like trying to be a chef if you hate food! (Watching films can also help with storyline inspo, especially if you watch them like a writer!)
Establish a writing routine: Create a writing routine along with some lovely rituals like a cup of tea in your favourite mug, lighting a scented candle, or a seat in a particularly sunny part of the house. Rituals can signal to your brain it's time to enter the creative zone.
Find your writing tribe: Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow writers who understand the highs and lows of the creative process. Join writing groups, attend workshops, or participate in online forums. Sharing experiences and receiving feedback can keep you motivated and provide invaluable insights.
Let go of perfection and embrace learning: Understand that creativity thrives in an environment where failure is embraced as part of the journey. Allow yourself to make mistakes, experiment with different ideas, and don't be afraid to revise and rewrite. Every setback is an opportunity for growth and refinement.
Take regular brain breaks and recharge: Step away from your work, go for a walk, or engage in activities that replenish your energy. Choose activities that provide a different sensory stimulation such as fresh air or even a cuppa and your favourite biscuit! Sometimes the best ideas emerge when you least expect them, during moments of relaxation and rejuvenation. Some of my best ‘writing’ happens when I am not writing at all!
Set goals and celebrate milestones: Break down your writing goals into manageable tasks and set realistic deadlines. Celebrate each milestone you accomplish, whether it's completing a chapter, reaching a word count target, or receiving positive feedback. Recognising your progress fuels motivation and encourages continued dedication to your craft. It is also important to note that writing a book with no idea of a deadline or how long it might take is likely to lead to procrastination or a project that drags on for aaaaaaages!
Finally, be kind to yourself. Acknowledge when you need a break and do not panic if your writing dips from time to time. A little break and a couple of creativity boosters and you’ll soon rediscover your mojo – don’t try to force it otherwise you can end up more frustrated! Above all else, keep writing!
If you haven't yet found your writing tribe and would like to join the Mabel and Stanley Writing Publishing Community just send an email with the subject line 'TRIBE' and we will welcome you in! mabelandstanley@outlook.com
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