|
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Staying Fresh
I like the connection between these words:
- housework
- girlfriends
- movies
- grandchildren
- vacations
- writers conferences
These are all ways I fill my creative well. After I send off a manuscript, I'm in need of a couple of weeks of downtime, because first I have to divorce the characters I've fallen in love with, thus freeing me to love new ones. Then I need to recharge.
But before that I usually become intimately reacquainted with my house. It's mindless work, but it accomplishes something visible and tangible while my imagination does a little jig between past, present and future work.
Then I catch up with friends I've put off for the last few weeks of a deadline. (I find if I say, "I'm on deadline!" with just the right amount of frenzy in my tone, people are incredibly understanding.) Girlfriends are critical to my well being, and I nurture and treasure those relationships.
I love to watch movies, especially in the theater, where I'm surrounded by sight and sound. Even a mediocre movie is better that way. And one that takes me away also helps restore my creativity.
Grandchildren offer my imagination a child's perspective, which is always fresh and fascinating, and a whole lot of fun, besides.
Vacations. Ahh, vacations. I've decided that "rustic" isn't my first choice of vacation anymore. Give me sun, sea and sand--and a hotel--and I'm happy. I have brainstormed many books while vacationing in Mexico. Something about that environment sparks my creativity. I generally get up hours before anyone else in my group, and spend quiet time watching the morning joggers along the shore and hopeful surf fishermen, a pad of legal paper on my lap. Words pour out of me.
Writers conferences are springboards to plotting, problem solving, networking, and all-around good mental health.
You don't have to be a writer to feel the well go dry. Taking a break, doing something different--especially out of our comfort zone--sends us back to our daily lives recharged.
What puts YOUR life back into perspective?
posted by Susan Crosby at 6:32 AM
|
Previous Posts
|
2 Comments:
Playground Monitor said...
Hmmm. Maybe that's what all this de-cluttering is all about. I've been on a frenzy the last week trying to get rid of junk. You'd think I'd have dumped it all a year ago when we moved. Nope. Still have junk, though I have less now than this time last week. *g*
I was writing gung-ho a few weeks ago, finished up a project, mailed it to the magazine and then wham! I lost focus. Maybe I should go see that new Antonio Banderas movie that's coming out Friday. If he's not inspirational, I don't know what is. And I'm meeting with my Playground friends on Saturday before our RWA meeting. That's always good for the soul as is the meeting itself.
I think you're on to something here, Susan. ;-)
Marilyn
7:44 AM
Susan Crosby said...
I think we do these things without thinking, Marilyn--in some intuitive way we KNOW they'e good for us. And I'm with you on Antonio! Be still my heart.
I de-cluttered my house last fall but a whole lot more could be sent on its way. I've apologized in advance to my sons and daughter-in-law, in case I kick the bucket before I kick the clutter :-).
Susan
9:53 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home