Creativity’s Grave
There is this glorified image of what a good fiction writer should look like—the ideal writer. The picture is of a writer slaving away on his manuscript day and night, using every waking moment to record his genius.
This author could be hunched over a computer clickety-clacking incessantly. He could be working with a feather dip pen on an ancient desk at all hours. Or, maybe this ideal writer uses every spare moment to jot down her genius on scraps of paper, like during her ten-minute work breaks. Her head bent over, focused on this sole task of storytelling.
Whichever version, the point is the ideal writer is romantically obsessed with her art.
These models of commitment look perfect at first glance. How fantastic would living a life with this level of creative purpose be, with time and motivation enough to satisfy the muse’s call? I used to be jealous of those images on Pinterest of writers in perfect writing spaces, one hundred percent committed to finishing a long list of books. I regarded them with high-esteem.
It wasn’t until I’d lived a few years as a writer that I discovered this ideal a hideous lie. For the most part, writing is an unromantic act when being done (not when imagining the act, but when one actually writes).
While we do burn the midnight oil at times and our writing sessions sometimes echo that romantic writer’s life, the ideal possesses a major flaw: It is unhealthy. We’d do well not to judge ourselves against this impractical standard.
I also learned that a fiction writer who’s sole activity in life is to write will not last long. This unhealthy obsession is actually a death sentence for creativity. The alternative—the sober reality of a writer’s life—is exceedingly better.
Reason #1: The Basis of Storytelling
Every story ever written was inspired by a life here on Earth with humans.
Life experiences are the fodder for creativity. When a writer refuses to take a break from writing stories to live a little her inspiration will be expended and never replenished. Eventually she will go deep in her mental archives searching for another story idea and discover her supply is depleted.
It’s the same concept as a writer needing to read: How can a writer expect to write a good book when they do not know what a good book reads like?
How can a writer craft a story which will move readers if they do not know what it feels like to live? Experiences are a blessing, and to hole yourself up in a stuffy study 24/7 is allowing a thief to steal your story magic.
But, as long as you keep venturing into the world, your creativity will never dry up. Your new experiences will restock your stores of creativity so that when you do return to your desk the inspiration will flow.
Related Reading: 4 Easy Tips and Tricks to Bolster Your Creativity and Story Inspiration
Having a regular writing routine is important, but it’s equally important to give yourself breaks and to prioritize self-care. Using this workbook, you’ll be able to create a healthier, more balanced life while continuing to make progress on your writing goals. Self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity—and this workbook will help you get the most out of your creative process.
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Reason #2: Life Responsibilities
Beyond the detriment to your creativity, this ideal writer model is impractical for most adults. As much as we might like, writing cannot—and should not—be the center of our lives. Life is teeming with a million little things to address. Jobs, family life, laundry, taxes, friendships, eating, shopping, parties, and on and on and on.
Some of those elements we love and others we hate, but most of them are necessary if we want to be a responsible adult.
That idyllic image of an obsessed genius is impossible in the real world, and if we try to achieve it regardless of the necessities of adult life we will only end up frustrating ourselves. We may not write as much as that ideal writer focused on one thing, but in the end we will write better stories because we are actually interacting meaningfully with the world.
Related Reading: 4 Quick Steps to Create Your Own Writing Routine
Reason #3: Self-Care
There is a time for writing and a time for resting and both are important.
We writers need space away from the page from time to time to stay healthy. Rest is an invaluable ingredient in every individual’s life. We humans need sleep, food, and community. Without these simple forms of self-care we injure our bodies and minds.
And when our bodies and minds aren’t doing well, our writing suffers. It’s okay to take your evening off to read, watch a movie, hang with friends, bake, or knit. Don’t feel guilty that you aren’t slaving away at your manuscript every minute. There is a time for writing and a time for resting.
Related Reading: 5 Acts of Self-Care Writers Should Practice Daily
Writing Life Tips
Of course, to be called a writer one must write. So, while regarding writing as our sole purpose in life isn’t practical or healthy, dedicating time to the endeavor of penning stores amidst our adventures, responsibilities, and self-care is.
In that pursuit, here are some suggestions for when you need a break or need to write.
When you need to restock your stores of creativity:
- Spend with a brother, sister, friend, or other family member.
- Seek out new experiences and adventures. Go on a day trip somewhere fun, plan a road trip, or have a lunch at a restaurant you’ve been dying to try.
- Take a walk and breath in nature.
- Read a book.
When you need to find that writing mood:
- Change writing environments. Go outside, to a coffee shop, or to a friend’s house.
- Try background ambiences on YouTube. I love ones with crackling fires, or I choose an ambience related to the scene I’m writing (e.g. if your scene is set on a beach, choose a beach ambience).
- Listen to inspiring music or seek out sweet silence.
- Treat yourself to your favorite cup of coffee or snack.
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S.J. Siedenburg is a thriller & fantasy novelist, an editor, and a bibliophile with a passion for stories and helping writers finish their novels. She’s the author of the guidebooks Character Presentation, Before the First Draft, and the How to Write a Novel online course. Six of her short stories have been published through writing contests. Sarah lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” —John 1:5