The writing process. What does that mean? How does it work or what if it doesn't work? Staring at a blank white page or computer screen or a blank canvas can be daunting. Whether one is a writer or an artist or a composer or poet, the blankness can be the greatest hurdle.
But once past the 'blankness' or 'whiteness' of the medium and words begin to appear, page after page, I think we sometimes fall into that zone where we actually believe, "Hey, this is easy!"
Let me caution you (and myself) -- that is definitely a DUH moment. Because sooner or later, we hit that "great swampy middle", as Jim Butcher described it, and the creativity comes to a screeching halt. We slam into boredom, frustration and befuddlement.
Over the years I have taught writing to college freshmen (talk about a challenge to creativity) and have coached several writing groups. More often than not, the writing group kept my own level of creativity alive with their energy and eagerness.
But now I'm writing for myself, hoping to publish within the next few months, probably going the route of self-publishing an ebook or two first, then tackling the traditional route of agent / publisher. This can be a lonely process, isolation closing in, as well as the lurking sense of 'will they like it?' or 'how many more words in the count do I need to finish the first draft?' Nothing can stymie the creative flow than worrying about things like that.
I thought I'd share some books that have helped me over creative slumps --
This one I have not read yet, but it's on the "To Read" list:
And some favorite quotes to inspire:
But once past the 'blankness' or 'whiteness' of the medium and words begin to appear, page after page, I think we sometimes fall into that zone where we actually believe, "Hey, this is easy!"
Let me caution you (and myself) -- that is definitely a DUH moment. Because sooner or later, we hit that "great swampy middle", as Jim Butcher described it, and the creativity comes to a screeching halt. We slam into boredom, frustration and befuddlement.
Over the years I have taught writing to college freshmen (talk about a challenge to creativity) and have coached several writing groups. More often than not, the writing group kept my own level of creativity alive with their energy and eagerness.
But now I'm writing for myself, hoping to publish within the next few months, probably going the route of self-publishing an ebook or two first, then tackling the traditional route of agent / publisher. This can be a lonely process, isolation closing in, as well as the lurking sense of 'will they like it?' or 'how many more words in the count do I need to finish the first draft?' Nothing can stymie the creative flow than worrying about things like that.
I thought I'd share some books that have helped me over creative slumps --
This one I have not read yet, but it's on the "To Read" list:
And some favorite quotes to inspire:
"What we call the beginning is often the end.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.
The end is where we start."
T. S. Eliot
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