Sue Bahr
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Five Simple Steps to Nurturing the Creative Spirit...

3/10/2015

5 Comments

 
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We all have them. Down days where nothing flows. Words fail us. Characters refuse to speak. How do you cope? Do you turn away or turn inside?

Too often of late, I find myself setting goals and falling short. I beat myself up when I miss a deadline. I curse at the cursor blinking at me on an unfilled screen. And as I sit, head in hand, my cup of tea growing cold, I wonder... is this helping? Does the pushing, the pressure bring forth the creative spirit or make it turn tail and run?

I have no easy answers for what makes the Muse respond. I can only share what I've found helpful and here are but a few:

1) Walking. Just a quick tour around the yard, rain, snow or sun, refreshes my spirit and gives me access once again to that illusive voice of inspiration. 

2) Laughter. Finding a moment of joy releases momentum from it's bound-up place. Most author's have access to them- silly memes or YouTube videos that bust a gut. Beware the hidden danger, though: I only allow myself a few good chuckles, or I'll end up lost in the internet haze.

3) Companionship. Writing is a lonely vocation. Sometimes, I take my laptop to a local coffee shop and though I may not be directly interacting with the other caffeinated souls, I can absorb their energy and know I'm not alone. An added bonus: people-watching is a great source of character development.

4) Set small, doable daily goals. Sometimes, they are as simple as writing one sentence, or jotting a few notes to research. The point is, each day offers unique challenges. Sometimes, you're better off tailoring goals to match the available time and energy.

5) Nurture yourself. Go easy. Breathe through stress. Remember the reason you are writing and let that carry you forward. Dream big, but find the joy in day.

What about you? Got any tips and care to share? I'd love to hear from you!

Happy writing!
Sue


5 Comments
Judith Post
3/18/2015 09:09:44 am

Good advice. Different hurdles take different techniques. You gave us options:)

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Dave S. Koster link
3/18/2015 12:15:08 pm

When I really, and truly, get stuck, I go to the blog and write about why I think I'm stuck. I sometimes discuss the situation with my wife and try to figure out why I've gotten to this point. Usually, though, the best way to get around this is to change my scenery. I'm often writing in my sun-room, where we can see our little swamp, but sometimes that's not productive. Writing at my work-desk is sometimes helpful, or even better going to a coffee shop. Even then, I come up dry. Those are the times I start going back and editing. Very often re-reading the voices of my characters gives me a bit of insight that had slipped from my brain and helps me move forward. The one thing I never do is set goals or deadlines. I do this because once there is pressure, I want to start avoiding what I need to do. If I have no pressure, then I tend to be more productive.

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Susan Bahr
3/18/2015 01:21:34 pm

Thanks, Judy- so nice to see you here! There are so many ways to tackle writing challenges- I just try to keep it simple.

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Susan Bahr
3/18/2015 01:26:01 pm

It's good to try different approaches- and tough when you still feel stuck! Lately I've been tired of my computer so I've reverted to hand writing (on one of my newest stories). Nothing like old school.
Thanks for sharing your ideas- I hope you don't find yourself stuck too often!

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Lori Lipsky link
4/28/2015 03:04:56 am

I like the new look. Took me a bit to find you, and duties at work had me distracted, but here I am, and so happy to read what going on with you.
I find that I just keep trying to find what works. If I can't write at home I try the library or the coffee shop. Whatever works for that day.
Keep writing, dear Sue!

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