Doesn’t this quote just sum up how you feel sometimes? How nice it is to have something written, but the process of writing sometimes isn’t what we want it to be. The drudgery of sitting down to write is hard when there are so many things to claim one’s attention.
Take for instance today… the weather was beautiful! I had this blog post to write but instead I went outside and worked in my garden. I am so delighted that I managed to get all the weeds out, and then planted potatoes and peas.
A creative cat reminded me of how tired I was getting, Miss Lizzie is not allowed outside but she’s mighty creative in finding ways to get outside, as I went to bring her back inside my feet ached.
Leading me to sit down in my comfy chair to contemplate what I should write for my post today. But my thoughts wouldn’t gather. I was too distracted by all that was going on around me. The TV show, my lad recovering from surgery, hubby trying to figure out why he’s not feeling right today, and the mess waiting for me upstairs. I simply couldn’t focus. There was no use fighting it, so upstairs I went.
I was pleased to get almost all the books up on our new shelves upstairs. Took me most of the afternoon though. It’s good to pack and organize, it helps my brain to settle and allows me time to mull over thoughts spilling through my mind.
I was finally able to chill out when supper was all over, and then writing a post came to me as easy as can be. As I thought about the topic of this blog post I realized how very true it was. Routine helps with writing and creativity. I had all my thoughts kicking around in my brain all day but couldn’t get them down as my brain and body were simply too busy.
But sitting down after all my busyness is worked out and my brain is settled knowing I worked hard today, the writing comes to me so very easy.
A post where I was thinking, how can I write in a realistic way about how routine helps with writing? Yet today was the perfect example of that. I write best at night when my family is quiet (in bed sleeping or quietly watching tv). The distractions of the day are behind me and I can just write until I am tired enough mentally to sleep. It’s a routine that works really well for me. Helping me to formulate my words and my thinking much better than at any other time of the day.
I want to encourage you, my dear fellow writers, to figure out what time of day works best for you to write. Perhaps early morning works well for you, or grabbing an hour in the afternoon, or binging on the weekends. We all have a time that suits our lives, lifestyles and ways of thinking best. A show my son has recently discovered and enjoys is called “Stuck in the Middle” and the young lady in the midst of it all learned that her creativity is at it’s best when she’s in the middle of the chaos of her family. That’s what works for her. I ask you this… do you know what works best for you?
Have you discovered the benefits of making this discovery?
- a regular time helps get your mind in the frame for writing
- a routine helps sparks your imagination
- a regular time provides a safety net for your creativity
I do want to caution you though, a routine doesn’t have to just be a time of day. It could be a location or a time of day, or article that stimulates your creativity (like my laptop does for me!) or it could be a combination of all the above. In Pep Talks the author of this chapter uses a hat! A different hat to inspire each unique book written. Isn’t that an interesting idea?
What can you do to inspire routine that will affect your writing? Can you find a time, or a talisman, the right environment or location? What safety net can you provide for your imagination and heart as you write?
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