Getting the Creative Juices Flowing
Most of the time, I write in a pretty insular space, the only distractions; my cats, and at times, noisy neighbors. Both are easily tuned out when I get into my own version of a writing zone where my creative juices flow freely.
It brings to mind the years I wrote when there were still other humans in residence. I’d write late at night, or in the wee hours of the morning when I could be assured of minimal distractions, and a clean space from which my thoughts could flow.
Coming out of the most severe restrictions needed to reduce the effects of the pandemic means not only spending more time with people, but having visitors (very welcome ones, I might add) in my home. Thus, I have to pull out my bag of tricks when it comes to writing with distractions, especially since my office remains in the living room for the time being where ballet classes via Zoom will continue for awhile.
Line dancing is beginning to move from Zoom to more in-person gatherings as restrictions are lifted. The only other factor in play is my own comfort level with those who may or may not have practiced social distancing and masking for the last 15 months or so.
As long as the venues aren’t so crowded I can’t maintain my distance, I think I’ll be OK with it. Time will tell. I’m grateful I don’t have health issues other than excess weight, but I do have my infant grandchildren to consider, and as it seems I’ll be seeing them somewhat regularly in the coming months, they are my primary concern.
Creatively Creating Your Own Space
Every writer has her own criteria which allows for the free flow of ideas. Some require absolute 
silence, others need music or the TV in the background. There are even those who write best with a certain level of chaos going on around them. I tend to have different needs at different times.
Sometimes, I can write like crazy when the house is utterly and completely silent, while others, the quiet is a distraction in and of itself. I’ve knocked out blog posts in a crowded coffee shop, or even between dances at my favorite club. My biggest problem is figuring out what I need when because my needs vary so much from session to session.
Overall, I think I just need to strike while the iron is hot, so to speak, writing when the mood strikes, or inspiration hits, or when I’ve gone too long without writing, and make myself sit in front of the computer with my fingers on the keys until they begin to move, sometimes of their own accord.
This is especially true of projects requiring editing because there, I already have the basic idea on paper, but am tasked with making it better, clearer, and more likely to draw the reader into the story where they see, feel, and hear what my characters do. It also means I have to somehow get my analytical and creative sides working together in imperfect harmony; never an easy task.
A Time to Mediate, and a Time to Stand Back
Heart and head will always fight for supremacy in any human. Some allow one to ride roughshod over the other most of the time, for reasons of their own. After many years spent journeying in a veritable spaghetti pile of directions, I’ve learned to give each side their place in the sun, often getting out of the way to let them duke it out. I’ve also learned there are times I need to force one to give way to the other, knowing a task requires the right hand to guide it to completion.
I find my years of experience raising twin girls is a real asset when that happens! As my girls have always been as different as night and day, physically, mentally, and emotionally, it wasn’t always possible to mediate, or reach a mutually acceptable solution. It’s been a long, bumpy road to self-awareness, and I still stumble now and then.
I’ve also learned the creative life requires a lot more self-discipline than accounting ever did. There are often no clear goals or deadlines unless I set them myself. There’s no one else counting on me to finish tasks so they can complete theirs. Granted, when I start publishing, that will likely change to some degree. There will be editors, publishers, and perhaps even a marketing team who have solid due dates which require my active participation. I both look forward to that time, and eye it with more than a little trepidation.
Managing the Bubble
Having others depend on me to complete their own tasks is nothing new for me. I spent over 
30 years in environments where there were schedules to keep, meetings to attend, and agendas to follow. Though I made a conscious decision to leave that life behind me, vestiges remain, and there are times I appreciate how those requirements led to a finished product; something my life has been lacking lately.
Having something to show for a job well done, even if I only owned a piece of it left a hole in my life I didn’t expect to have. It took me a few years to notice it, and make me start setting expectations for myself that didn’t involve bosses, clients, or co-workers. I’ve met with mixed success, but continue to set myself deadlines, knowing, like everything else in life, practice makes perfect.
Looking Back to See Progress
Looking back over the last 6 months or so, I realize I stopped practicing for awhile and allowed myself to drift along with minimal expectations. I don’t begrudge myself the time, as I’ve learned there’s a time to wait, a time to drift, a time to prepare, and a time to act.
Like the Earth quickening in the Spring, my personal river is thawing, and soon, will expect to move. Any blockages encountered will be blown out of the way by a wall of rushing water which coincidentally is often associated with creativity.
I’m grateful for the long, cold, virtual winter in which to gather my thoughts, and prepare for the momentum, but I’m looking forward to the thaw, and a frenzy of activity. More than anything else, I know it’s what feeds my soul, and drives me closer to my soul purpose, and the dreams and goals which draw closer, even during times of rest when movement seems nonexistent.
I recognize and accept creativity needs breaks, though I know many successful authors might disagree. We all have our own way of working, and our own path to follow. The trick is tuning out the noise, the opinions, and the practices of others and find the one that resonates with you to the very depths of your soul.
About the Author
Sheri Conaway is a Holistic Ghostwriter, and an advocate for cats and mental health. Sheri 
believes in the Laws of Attraction, but only if you are a participant rather than just an observer. Her mission is to Make Vulnerable Beautiful and help entrepreneurs touch the souls of their readers and clients so they can increase their impact and their income.
If you’d like to have her write for you, please visit her Hire Me page for more information. You can also find her on Facebook Sheri Levenstein-Conaway Author.
Be sure to watch this space for news of the upcoming releases of ” Rebuilding After Suicide” and “Sasha’s Journey”.
