Typically, I write my entire first draft without getting feedback, with the “door closed,” a la Stephen King. For me this draft is a flow of words as the story plays like a movie in my head. Yep, madness rules when a story grips me.
However, for the past few months, I did not look at my current manuscript. It was although, I had lost interest. Although, I read, edited and commented on other author's works, mine was left desolate. As the COVID19 months passed, I became worried that the writing bug had left me. I felt bereft. I didn’t mean to stop writing.
Has that ever happened for you?
There are lots of reasons that our creativity, in whatever form, can be cast aside or forgotten. Illness, a new baby, a new relationship, a new home or job, divorce, financial stress and many more. To find that creative spark again, we can use one or more of the following:
1. Firstly, do not feel guilty - it is counterproductive and harassing your muse is a form of procrastination.
2. Start writing - use a prompt, do a character study, write out a story idea.
3. Keep Writing - give yourself a time limit 20 minutes or an hour, or write a page, or 250 words. Choose one and stick to it.
4. Finish a small project.
6. Change the location of where you write - it can even be in a different room or somewhere local like your library.
7. Take a writing class.
8. Do another creative activity.
9. Make up book titles - based on well known novels or use a title generator on the internet.
10. Create a character description - including all their back story.
Photo by Andrea Davis on Pexels.com
Welcome back. I’m under that same dark cloud right now with no fresh ideas for either writing or painting. This too shall pass. Fingers crossed!
Well thank you. It is rather daunting when you are in the midst. I hope you find your creativity soon too.