Creativity Boosters for Writers

CREATIVITY BOOSTERS FOR WRITERS
By
Tambra Kendall © 2006-2009

This topic comes from one of my online creative writing classes.
So here we go...

Creativity Boosting methods to excite your Muse!


WHAT CAUSES YOUR MUSE TO SNOOZE?

With the stresses of day-to-day life taking its toll on a person physically, mentally and emotionally there’s no doubt the muse is off to hide.

When you’re exhausted in all areas of your life, how can you write? You can’t. If you push you’re either not going to like what you’ve put down, or the frustration will make things worse.

I know once you’ve contracted with a publisher, you must deliver. You have no time for writer’s block. But what happens if it does come and rest like a brick on your brain?

Knowing the source of what is causing the muse to take a hike can be the first step to getting all under control.

Physical: If there’s a physical problem hindering you, go to the doctor. Nagging pains, blurry vision etc., can signal something bigger. Having physical aggravations reduce your capacity to concentrate.
I speak from experience. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue so I must adjust my schedule and writing activities accordingly. This is a neuro-muscular disorder, in the same class as MS, so I never know what condition my muse will be in from one day to the next. It makes every day a surprise.

Consider your writing area. Is it comfortable? Do you need adjustments to your chair, a footrest to ease back stress or a change of table height so your arms are less stressed? Is the lighting too bright or not bright enough?

Many office supply stores can assist with these areas. If you have a spouse or significant other, they could assist in this area.

If the area you’re writing in doesn’t make you happy it will affect your attitude before you sit down and put words on the page. For example, in my writing room, I write paranormal romance so I have a small stuffed dragon and unicorn on my CPU. On the top of my monitor, I have two stuffed bears and two stuffed rabbits. Also, one large poster of a hunky guy with no shirt on and a caption that reads: All Men Are Not Created Equal.

I’m not talking about spending a lot of money, just surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. I know this is sounds trivial but it does have an impact.

The goal here is to remove as much stress as possible to open yourself up to the creative flow and energy needed to create.

Emotional: I think this area is the most difficult. Family, jobs and friends all vie for a piece of you and your time. When can you find the time or energy to write? By doing for others, but not ourselves, our creativity is blocked by the guilt people rain upon us. Taking the time you need to recharge yourself, will make you happier and in turn productive.

Learning to say no is tricky. Those who really care about you will make an effort to understand that you must limit your activities and adjust focus. You must choose what is important and how you need to manage your time.

As writers, we tap into ourselves to bring forth a wide array of emotions in creating our characters and plot. If your emotional tank is dry, how can you dip into something that isn’t there.

Don’t heap criticism upon an already tender, bruised creative self because you didn’t do this or that. It’s okay to take a day or two to replenish and nurture yourself. I think as women, we are especially bad about not caring for ourselves like we should.

Suggestions/Assignment (Should you choose to accept)

If you haven’t tried one of these, then that is your assignment if you chose to accept.

* When writing in a genre, I read in one that is different than what I’m currently in. This will keep you from accidentally taking something from another author and will give your mind something fresh to ingest.

* Try or do something creative that isn’t writing. Paint, knit, crochet, garden etc.

* Walk a nature trail. Take a notebook to jot down anything that appeals to your senses. You can use the notes later in your work.

* Try a new recipe. I write Scottish/Celtic themed stories. I make a tasty shortbread and shepherd’s pie. This also gave me a wonderful excuse to buy a bottle of Drambuie. Hey, if my hero was going to have some, shouldn’t I know what it tastes like? Drambuie in coffee is good. (No haggis! I must draw the line somewhere. LOL)

I hope some of these ideas will prove helpful in your writing life.

What suggestions do any of you have that I haven't posted?
I'm looking forward to your posts.

Hugs,
Tambra