I'm the first to admit that sometimes I write often and other times I don't write at all. While my experience has proven that writing routines work, sometimes life has other ideas.
Here are the places I've found inspiration this festive season...
Writing Queensland - Motivation Issue
Just when I was starting to lapse into a comma of post-festive parties and absorb the distraction of all things glittery this time of year, along came the latest issue of Writing Queensland.
Very thoughtfully the November issue focuses on the one thing writers need most - Motivation!
It contains articles on everything from project management for writers, to re-labelling writer's block 'writer's pause' and this advice from Dianne (Di) Bates, author of more than 110 books:
'Superglue: that's the answer I give when people ask how I motivate myself to write day after day. Apply it to the seat of your pants and face the screen.'
We're all looking for a secret formula, but in truth, Bates is right. If you want to be a writer, you just have to sit down and write. It really is that simple.
Other advice I took away was from an interesting article by Alison Goodman about how 'the fear of digging deep' can stop you writing. She suggested free writing to overcome this fear. Goodman also suggested breaking down your writing into scenes rather than facing the entire novel.
Writing and yoga
Generally I write least when I have a lot on my mind. My weekly yoga class is a good indication of how my body and mind are feeling. I can tell by the poses I can do with ease and those I find more challenging in a class, where my blocks are.
Poses I find useful for overcoming writers block are warrior (focus) and one legged chair (endurance and stamina), and setting the intention before class to still my mind. It's amazing the inspiration that comes when your mind is free of all distractions.
If you're interested in developing the writing and yoga connection further, check out Sarah Armstrong's Writing and Yoga Retreats or pop along to your local yoga class. Here's mine.
Space to write
As a working Mum, finding time to write, or wanting to do anything other than 'nothing' when I do have free-time is a constant challenge. The key for me is finding the balance between writing, down-time and living. It sounds simple in theory but it's more difficult in practise.
The reality is, we all have busy lives and if you want to write, you will. In the words of Bates: 'Superglue - that's the answer.'
Happy writing this festive season.
Comments