Let’s be honest. The world isn’t exactly normal right now, and sometimes having normal yanked out from under you steals your creativity too. But deadlines (whether externally or internally created) are looming. What’s a writer to do? Here’s some ideas for you:
- Word Sprints. Set the timer for 10, 15, 20 minutes and write. No editing allowed. This is free form, stream of conscious, get it out on paper kind of writing. No editing, no processing, just writing. The best part is inviting writing friends to join you. Tweet #WordSprints and tag your friends or set something up in advance. Then you have accountability to keep going and someone else invested in your work. Don’t have someone who’d like to do one? Tweet at me (@JanyreTromp) or post a call on the Editing Insiders Facebook page and I bet we can hook you up.
- Write-Ins via Zoom. Call up your buddies, invite them to join you live on Facebook. Then write. It’s amazing how much you get done when someone else is working diligently on the other side of the screen. To avoid conflict, you’ll want to schedule chats in between working. Agree ahead of time what your time frames are so you don’t end up annoying each other with unnecessary disruptions. You might even try word sprints!
- Physical Reminders. Sometimes I need accountability without the danger of socialization. That’s when I give myself some kind of reminder. Light a candle that says, “If I’m lit, you should be writing…not doing dishes or answering the phone.” Or write until the end of a song. Or maybe it’s just closing the door, even if you’re the only person around.
- Change of Space. This is a tried and true creative tactic. If you’re feeling drained, try moving to a different location. Kitchen table have you distracted? Try the basement. Office mind numbing? Try the deck, drag a camp chair into the backyard or the local park (just stay six feet away from your closest neighbor). Maybe look up some of the art museums and take joy in fine art.
- Creative Relaxation. Did you know science shows that some of the most creative moments are those when your brain is disengaged? That means driving the car, just waking up (or falling asleep), taking a shower, or ah-hem doing other business in the bathroom. Take advantage of those times. Use the voice to text on your phone, keep a notebook by your bed, use Aqua Notes in the shower. If you’re stuck, take a short nap or an extra shower. Some of the greatest minds in history have done the same.
- Mini Rewards. If you make your goal 3 days in a row (or 3 days in the week or whatever), give yourself a reward. Buy yourself syrups or special coffee creamer rather than the regular brew. Sit in the sun for 20 minutes, buy that salted caramel dark chocolate bar you’ve been eyeing or a new pen or notebook, or purchase a well-written novel or craft book.
- Redefine Work. Maybe you need to just need a new definition of what it looks like to work on your book. Sometimes reading a really good book is just what you need to spark your creativity. Remember the aforementioned nap? Sometimes that might be what you need to fill your tank. Or maybe instead of writing, you search for weasel words (get a list here) and work on trimming those. Or maybe you work on your platform. Get the picture? Being a writer means so many things. Don’t get stuck on one aspect.
Above all else, give yourself some grace. Even if you don’t quite make your goal I bet you have more words written or edited than you did before. And for that, you deserve a fresh cup of Joe…or at least a nap.