I keep telling myself, “Come on Gwendolyn. Show your creative side. Rewrite that last paragraph. Show some pizazz! Pizazz? I let out a deep breath. My pizazz floats away disappearing in the warm April breeze along with any cool thoughts I might have had about my current work-in-progress.
I keep watching the news for updates. I think about my writing project. I watch the news. I think about my project.
What now? I need to finish this project. The deadline is somersaulting toward me with no brakes in sight.
I don’t turn off my TV. Instead, I tune in my favorite music station. It plays jazz music all day and all night. No voices. No commercials. Just soothing jazz. I get some of my best ideas while listening to jazz.
I talk to my writer friends who are extremely generous during regular times and even more so now with COVID-19 AND lockdowns on our minds. We read each other’s work, offer comments that are on point. You ask yourself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” They bring out more of my creative self.
Pull out a manuscript in your “Not Quite Ready” file. With a new perspective, you may be able to zero in on what could turn it into a sale. Relax. Take deep breaths. Close your eyes and type or write with your favorite pen. Don’t judge your work. Don’t even read it. Just keep going. As I write this, I’m thinking to myself, “Gwendolyn, you need to follow your own advice.”
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| While Hubby fishes, I write by the calming waters of Lake Draper in Oklahoma City. |
Is there an idea or character you visit from time to time, but never seriously follow through with your plans for it? Then maybe this is your moment. You won’t know until you explore it fully.
Fill your computer screen with stories only you can write. Your creative mind is within you. Use it. I promise to do the same.
Posted by Gwendolyn Hooks
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6 comments:
>>Don’t judge your work.<< This is the advice I needed today. Thank you, Gwen. And thanks for your promise. I promise to do the same!
This scene by the lakeside makes me feel so connected.
I too am a writer with a dear hubby who fishes.
And I enjoy writing at our coastal salt marsh refuge, while he tries to catch dinner.
As spring warms up, I hope you have many more such inspiring times.
We need to be easy on ourselves, as kind as we are to children & as we are to those at the end of life.
Be our own salve.
Appreciations for this meditation & appreciations for meeting you this way, Gwendolyn.
Jan/Bookseedstudio
Wonderful approach that eases the stress and in my experience, leads to greater creativity and even productivity! Thanks for this lovely post!
I think this has been true for many of us lately. We WANT to be productive and creative, but drifting thoughts keep getting in the way. Good for you for keeping with it and finding things that work!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Thank you for this very human post, Gwendolyn. I love "As I write this, I’m thinking to myself, “Gwendolyn, you need to follow your own advice.” ♥️
Hi Carmela, thank you for your comment. I've looked at manuscripts I've put aside with new eyes. Some of it isn't as bad as I first thought. Hmmm.
Hello Jan Godown. These days, we definitely need to ease our stress. I'd love to visit your coastal salt marsh refuge. It sounds ideal!
To Carol Coven Grannick: Thank you, Carol. I'm always on the lookout for a new place to feed my creativity.
Hi, Nicole@ Feed Your Fiction Addiction. I definitely have been drifting lately. I need to follow my own advice.
Hello April Halprin Wayland: Thank you for that creative push that I desperately need!. It helps to hear it from someone and not just in my thoughts. Thank you!
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