But, when I speak in terms of harnessing creativity, I am telling you to liberate it. I know it’s an antonym. Are you wondering how to do it? Well, in my case and that of a number of other writers I know, you get the opposite of BICHOK (butt in chair hands on keys) and do a little hard labor. There’s nothing like some back-breaking hard work to clear your head and get the creative juices flowing again.
Oh, so that’s too much to ask? Okay, hit a road block or writer’s block and see if you don’t change your mind. Dolly Parton has been known to fast - yes, I mean stop eating - in order to get her creativity revved up and has written entire albums full of heartfelt songs while consuming nothing but fruit juice. Who wouldn't with the promise of a cheeseburger once finished?
My friend and critique partner came for our weekly check-in on Friday and we talked about how good it was to step away from our respective WIPs and do a little physical work. Pam tore her house apart and painted both her son’s room and her piano studio while on spring break, and emerged with new direction and ready to get back to work on a project that had been threatening to go into the recycle bin. I have taken on a very intense gardening project that involves five raised beds, two sections of patio and surrounding flower beds. It is an undertaking but one I needed to pull me away from my recent lack of enthusiasm over my WIP.
 |
| An unstoppable garden under construction. If I stop now I have a mosh pit. |
Talk about getting derailed (March 16, 2011). It happens sometimes – life – and it takes away from everything a writer holds sacred – time, passion, fervor – all gone replaced by the burdensome weight of sadness, anger and frustration. It takes time to get creativity back on track, so liberate it in other ways and keep feeding your soul. Go fishing if you have to. Take on a new workout routine. Get physical. I promise it will make slipping off track much easier to deal with emotionally.
Tell us something about you. What kind of heavy lifting gets your mind off your troubles? Do you ever find yourself lacking enthusiasm over your WIP (whatever it may be)? How do you liberate creativity?
Until Wednesday I remain back-broken and dirty but Unstoppable.
Great post, Lindy! I either take a nice, long run or a drive. The good thing is that neither activity allows for writing, so when an idea pops into my head, I have to mull on it, stir it around, feel it out. By the time I get to a place where I can jot stuff down, I'm usually enthusiastic to get started!
ReplyDeleteYour raised beds are looking great, Lindy! You are absolutely right; there is nothing like a little physical labor to refresh and rejuvenate creativity. Just don't stay away from the writing too long. I am looking forward to getting back to reading pages again. Thanks for the shout-out!
ReplyDeleteThanks Pam and Megan for stopping by. Pam, I can't tell you how happy digging in the dirt is making me. It's what I need for now until the cobwebs are cleared. Megan, isn't it true how when you get the blood pumping ideas just seem to come. Good for you for writing them down before you forget them. :-) Happy Liberating!
ReplyDeleteThanks--I think I needed to read this just at this time. I slept through most of Easter and am fighting yet another sinus infection (6th so far this year). I haven't written or edited for a few days. Think I'll tackle the kitchen this afternoon. It's been neglected and I'll also get some more stuff up from storage to go through. Appreciate it and please keep going!
ReplyDeleteHi Julee. So, how did it go with the kitchen? Feeling liberated this AM? Need to talk with another writer? Let's chat. I'm always happy to brainstorm. Thanks for following and commenting and for cheering me on. I will keep going, and if I don't you have permission to kick me in the rear! Hope to meet you soon. -Lindy
ReplyDelete