I love writing - I believe it to be my ‘thing’ - but it’s not always easily to find the time or capacity. Whether I have 5 spare minutes to journal in a day, or 8 hours to devote to my craft it’s important for me to enjoy it.
Over the years I’ve written in stolen moments while my four children were tiny. After work, while waiting for my children to get off the school bus. Plus many hours working through the night or getting up before the rest of the household.
Ironically, now I’m lucky enough to be writing full-time this can almost make it harder. I guess, I’m so used to having to ‘find’ time to write that having all the time can feel disconcerting. I never imagined saying such a thing!
By building in structure into my day I’ve found this helps to keep me on track - I’m very easily distracted and an expert in procrastination. Yet, with a plan in place, I’m more committed to my writing whilst also stopping myself hitting overwhelm from too many hours spent in front of the screen.
What works for me is Writing hours. I’ve tapped back into a fabulous online community I discovered during 2020. I highly recommend popping over to see what they are all about (link below).
Along with the set times to show up for my writing they offer me that human connection that can be missed from not having work colleagues. Smiling faces from all around the world, cheering each other on, that’s how writing should feel. The idea of being sat alone with only my own thoughts and a notebook feels idyllic, until you are on day whatever, going stir crazy.
As, I’m on the final edits of my latest novel I've put in some serious hours these past few months but I do ensure I take the time to do other things. Here’s my list of things to keep my creativity flowing and mood from dipping -
Going to gym classes - moving my body stops the sluggishness setting in
Morning pages - for years now I’ve taken my coffee back to bed & journaled
Painting - paint by numbers are a great way to switch off
Reading - enjoying other people’s books keeps me inspired
Yoga - quietening my busy mind & slowly stretching my body is wonderful
Naps - allowing myself time to stop, recharge & process
Socialising - either in person or on video calls - this stops me becoming a recluse
Dancing - just dancing through to the kitchen to top up the coffee works wonders
Puzzles - I’ve found a love of jigsaw puzzles
Jazz up your work space - a fancy cup, incense or candles, a lovely picture, music
Basically, I’ve had fun discovering things I enjoy, that break up my day, thus enhancing my writing and creativity. It is a common misconception that if we stare at the screen/page long enough the words will come. I find that when I step away, do something different, my brain gets to work on the things I was stuck on.
I’d love to hear what helps you.
Have a fabulous day, Claire x
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