August 19, 2007
Challenge Within
Here’s my Challenge Within a Challenge for Sunday…
Do something you don’t do. Something you think is slightly ridiculous. Too artsy-fartsy to be of any real use. Do something to Mix It Up.
Here’s my why:
I’ve been writing a certain way now for umpty-ump years, and having myself a hell of a time because of my written-in-stone belief that I’m a panic writer, and therefore panic must be part of my writing mojo. I’d even argued that if it wasn’t a biological fact that I needed panic to write, it was a self-fulfilling prophecy that now was so ingrained that I certainly was unable to change.
Here’s the truth: HA!
We writers are a flexible bunch. We are quite like pipe cleaners, I think. Fresh out of the package we seem to be perfect in our stand-up straightness. But when we really need to get into the nooks and crannies, we’re quite bendy. :)
All we need is the willingness to bend.
In recent months, I, who don’t believe in writing alters, or crystal magic, or anything that has anything to do with the woo, have taken to
• lighting essential oils when I begin my writing day.
• listening to a Brainsync focus CD that’s supposed to do something neato to my brain
• lighting assorted candles
• writing around 6 pages per day instead of 15
• starting my day with morning pages (well, not every day)
• amazing myself because I’m not only bendy, but I’m actually more relaxed!
Yes, it’s true. This old dog has been learning new tricks, and guess what. You can, too.
I’m not saying you have to keep doing this thing you don’t do. But I think trying something new, something daring, something foolish, actually opens up a creativity door deep inside us.
We’re past the midpoint in the 70 Days of Sweat, and it seems a really great time to start throwing things into the fire. See how it burns. See what it does to your brain. See how you can jump start the blahs.
Report back, but give it a week, okay? An honest effort. Although we are bendy, we are also stubborn and we must give ourselves an adjustment period. Or you may find yourself transformed after five minutes.
Here are some suggestions:
• Morning pages from The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
• Meditation before writing
• Artist’s Dates, also from The Artists Way
• Long private walks
• Bring scents to the writing with candles, incense, oils
• Buy and use a magic pen
• Start or change an alter in your writing space
• Tape yourself saying wonderfully encouraging and delicious things, then play that tape before you begin your day
• Tape applause, the kind with whistles and Bravos and everything, then play that when you finish your day’s work
• Listen to music if you don’t now
• Don’t listen to music if you do
I hope you all will share if you have some tip, trick or crazy thing that’s changed your writing for the better.
Here’s to 70! Don’t forget to check in at the official site so you can be in the running for a fabulous gift basket!!!
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Great advice. After this week (I wrote nada) I need all the suggestions I can. The kids go back to school this week so hopefully I will be able to get some work done on my day off.
August 19th, 2007 at 8:00 amI love this! You’re so smart!
August 19th, 2007 at 9:03 amJust for you (and for me), I broke out one of the sweet soy votives I’d been saving for a special occasion. My writing time is just going to have to become a special occasion!
August 19th, 2007 at 9:09 amThe writing is going pretty well this week, but I’m always open to new ideas and suggestions. Great advice, by the way. I already have an idea on how to mix things up. Thanks!
August 19th, 2007 at 1:44 pmAs always, Jo, dear, excellent advice.
Also, your new Blaze cover is the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen, and every time I come to this site I goggle anew.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:31 amthis has given me a couple of ideas on how to jump start the word flow again.
thanx for reminding me of the principles of ‘change of pace’ and ‘change of scene’. i forgot that i had learned of the power of change to inspire.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:57 amI can’t wait to hear what you all think after a week of something new. :)
I’m glad you like the cover, Diana!
PS - everyone gets to eat some sinful dessert tonight to celebrate me finishing my book. Seriously - no calories attached!
August 20th, 2007 at 2:00 pmOkay, Jo Leigh, I have having a huge helping of banana pudding in honor of your finished book!! Brilliant idea about making an external change to jump start the creative process.
August 20th, 2007 at 7:06 pm