What if you’re tired of your non-writing rut, but you can’t seem to crawl out of it either? I’ve noticed one amazing thing about myself and other writers who claim to want to write more than anything else. Something odd takes over, and we fill the free time of our lives with all kinds of non-writing […]
creativity
A Walking Idea Factory
Some days I feel about as creative as a cement block. Most of us know, however, that we can’t wait to feel creative before we write. Writers who wait for inspiration before they decide to write are generally known as hobbyists. Working writers–those actively writing and growing in their craft–must write whether the muse is […]
Creative Writers and Depression
I was reading an article in Writing World‘s monthly newsletter (see archives here) where an editor revealed her struggles with depression. Her symptoms might surprise you. They also might sound familiar. Could This Be You? Dawn wrote: “It came as a huge surprise to me. I thought I was suffering from Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome, or […]
Principles of a Creative Life
“The healthy creative life is an intentional life, in which the person examines options and opportunities, necessities and desires, and makes his or her choices accordingly.” ~~(Vinita Hampton Wright) in The Soul Tells a Story You may know exactly what your writing dreams and gifts are because you’ve pondered them and journaled about them for […]
In Your "Write" Mind
Do you think about what you’re thinking about? You should! Controlling Toxic Thoughts I’ve been reading a lot lately about current brain research and the huge impact our thoughts have on our creativity, our health, and how we use our gifts. I highly recommend a couple of fascinating books by Dr. Caroline Leaf called Who […]
A F*R*E*E Course on Creativity
After blogging just once per week for five months, I’ve decided that this frequency isn’t often enough to share what I want to share. I plan to go back to blogging here twice a week. On Tuesdays I will discuss some “first aid help for writers” topic. On Fridays I plan to give you resources […]
Creativity: Inside or Outside the Box?
If trying to be creative feels like slogging through mud lately, you may be trying too hard. If so, I’ve got good news for you! Several articles I’ve read lately disputed the idea that “thinking outside the box” is the way to be more creative. It’s given me hope, as I don’t tend to be […]
Drains in Disguise
I was wrong–again. For twenty years, I’ve told students and wannabe writers that you have to put the writing first! Do it before other things take over your day. Fight the impulse to clean your kitchen first, or straighten your office, or clean up the mess the kids made before leaving for school. “But I […]
Food for Thought
When I read nonfiction books, I underline important parts. Next to very important sections, I put a star. If the passage really touched something deep in me, it gets a star within a circle. Over the holiday weekend, I had the pleasure of a couple free hours that I spent re-reading some “star-within-a-circle” portions of […]