Creativity has a natural ebb and flow to it. Sometimes it abounds, and at other times, it dries up. We need to nurture creativity – especially when we’re going through a dry spell. Perhaps the words aren’t flowing for your novel. Maybe the blank canvas is taunting you. Here are five tips to nurture creativity when you hit a block:
1. Go do your chores. Seriously, this really does work. It allows your mind to wander, and many times ideas start to flow. Keep pen and paper handy to jot down ideas. You may want to finish the task before acting on the ideas.
2. Take a shower, nap or walk. This has the same effect as doing your chores. Ever try falling asleep, and ideas start running through your head?
Two weeks ago, I was in the shower when the title of a book popped in my head. I now have a new writing project, and I’m trusting God to give me more than the title.
Years ago, I was snowmobiling up in the mountains when ideas for a novel poured through my mind. As soon as we reached the warming hut, I snagged some paper and a pen, and wrote it all down.
Any activity that allows you to relax, and your mind to wander, will loosen the dam holding your creativity at bay.
3. Use a prompt. The internet abounds with prompts you can use for writing, art, or music. Ask your spouse or kids for ideas. Something will light a spark if you keep flipping through ideas.
By the way, you should be keeping an idea file either in a notebook, card file, or on the computer. Collect ideas like a boy collects bottle caps.
4. Work on something else. Creativity in one area, will often spill over into another area. If you are struggling with writing, go do something crafty. Can’t get the melody right on a song? Write a poem. Blank canvas getting you down? Grab your sketchbook and hit the outdoors.
Try something you’ve never done before. If you write romance, add suspense. If you use acrylics, switch to watercolor. Do something different than your norm. You may find a whole new outlet for creativity, or simply enjoy a small change of pace.
Switching creative modes will often get your creativity flowing again, and you’ll be able to return to your original project with renewed energy.
5. Learn from the Masters. God is the ultimate Master, and Creator. Give your talents to him, let him use you for his glory, and he will inspire you. And your work will be inspired.
Read about your craft. Study work done by other writers, artists, and/or musicians. Find a mentor either in person, or through their work. We can always learn and grow in our skills.
Building time to nurture our creativity is important. We will have down times, but these tips should help us overcome them, and push forward.
6. my husband’s strong, yet tender hand caressing my cheek.
7. good novels that have faith woven through
8. children quietly working on their school work
9. grace when we fail
10. music leading our hearts into worship
Muse:
n. a source of inspiration; a poet.
v. to reflect or ponder; to gaze thoughtfully.
Mondays are perfect for finding inspiration as writers, artists, musicians…creatives. And who doesn’t like to reflect, ponder, and muse about life, and all it encompasses? That’s what A ‘Muse’ Me Mondays are all about. It’s a place to link up your thoughts on writing, music, and creativity. Share something that has inspired you: a novel, a song, an art piece. You can link to reviews of books or music. Anything related to writing (or reading), music, and creativity is welcome.
I’ll add a prompt or ‘muse’ each week. If it inspires you in some way, feel free to come back later in the week. You can share in the comments, by linking to your related post, or on the Facebook page.
PROMPT: Spring.
Use it to spark a poem, a song, a setting for a novel, a painting…what comes to mind when you think of Spring?
