Most days, writing brings us joy. Our brains stay on overdrive as we scribble ideas on scraps of paper, napkins, and the edges of our church bulletins. A song on the radio sparks an idea and we scramble to record our thoughts. Middle-of-the-night inspiration brings a groan from our spouse as lamplight is needed to locate a pen fast.
But then, creativity stalls. The blank screen seems to mock us and make us wonder if the words will ever come. Or we are restless—writing the same old words, the same old way.
How do we avoid stagnation? Here are 3 simple ways to grow and to rediscover joy in our work:
- Read. And not what we always read. Read short stories and full-length novels. Read poetry and screen plays, magazines and newspapers. Read biographies and draw inspiration from stories of men and women who made a difference in our country and the world. Read about the amazing—about dragons and brave warriors. Be a kid again and devour tales of animals that talk and heroes who fly. Read words that make you think and ponder. And when you find a great book, slow down and ask, why is this good? Why did this book make me laugh, or forget the time? And how can I use these techniques in my work?
- Listen. There are stories all around us. When our parents or other family talk about the good old days? Listen closely—there are incredible story ideas tucked inside. When we hear bits of conversation waiting in line at the grocery store or sitting in a restaurant, let it spark our imaginations. Most importantly, listen for the heart-cries of our world. Are there needs God wants us to meet through an encouraging article or devotional? How can our words minister to someone today? Listen for God’s direction in each sentence composed.
- Daydream. Writers must be dreamers. Go a little crazy and lose the cellphone, turn off the television and computer, and simply be still. Something magical happens when we allow ourselves time to think and dream. Our imaginations take wing as we step away from everyday chaos and lift our hearts to the Author of creativity.
To be good stewards of our gifts, we must be intentional about growing in our craft.
Are we ready? Fire the laptop.
Prime the pen.
Keep writing!
How do you avoid stagnation in your writing? How do you keep the joy?
We must be intentional about growing in our craft. @A3forMe @LThomasWrites #write #amwriting Share on X Our imaginations take wing as we lift our hearts to the Author of creativity. @A3forMe @LThomasWrites #write #create Share on X
We love helping your growing in your writing career.
2 Comments
I’m in awe and realizing writers are a real tribe!
“Our brains stay on overdrive as we scribble ideas on scraps of paper, napkins, and the edges of our church bulletins.”
When I read posts such as this, my weirdness is no longer strange! Thank you, Leigh Ann!
Ha ha, thanks, Charla! Of course it’s not strange—it’s who we are! 🙂 Wonderfully and uniquely made! (You should see my stack of paper scraps and bulletins. I take a notebook with me at times, but gravitate back to my scraps. Ha.)