Here to Create

A post last week on the Writer’s Perspective, a Writer’s Digest blog by editor Maria Schneider, got me thinking about creative rituals. Schneider’s ritual involves generating as much stress as possible before beginning to write. “Procrastination, anxiety and outward chaos seem to be part of what it takes for me to get into the flow,” she says.

I commented that her methods are the exact opposite of what it takes to get me to write. When I get that tense, my brain just freezes and writing is the last thing I’m able to do. At those times, I know I need to reboot my brain before even trying to write. The exception is when my stress is caused by work or school, then any creative pursuit is a great way to distract myself.

The other commenters on Schneider’s blog also have interesting rituals. Some clean to procrastinate, some need to listen to music in isolation, some have to impose strict deadlines, some look over the previous day’s work before beginning, others have to get out of the house. It’s fascinating to me that other people have such different methods of creating. Thinking about the ways others write reminds me to not be so sure that I’ve discovered the “best” way for me to work.

When I first read Schneider’s post, I didn’t think I had any creative rituals. But then I remembered that I prefer to do rough drafts with pen and paper. I’m also a little picky about my pen: it has to write smoothly. But other than that, I’m pretty flexible with my writing and creating habits. I do like to have a clean workspace, but it’s not necessary. Sometimes I like music, sometimes I want quiet.

One idea I might adopt is trying to come up with a “soundtrack” to fit the character I’m writing. I can see how mood music could really get the energy flowing. On the other hand, I can see how the process of choosing music could lead to nothing but procrastination.

If you’re in a creative rut, try designing a new ritual. Get out of the house, turn on some energizing music, make a cup of tea. You may discover a whole new way of working, or you may discover that you’re flexible and can create anywhere, anytime. Either way, knowing what gets you moving will make it that much easier to sink into your work.