Motivation is a very hard thing to come by sometimes. We get burned out, stressed and find ourselves dealing with a myriad of problems that seems to suck our creativity right out of our veins like a vampire.
But I've found that when I struggle to get words on paper or rather computer screen, I take myself out to do something really creative to spark my imagination like going to the Art Institute or seeing a play in the theater. I sometimes also use another art form like jewelry making and painting to relax me and re-ignite my fire.
What do you do to keep your creativity flowing when it has ground to a halt?
Hi Melissa - first...congratulations on finishing the A to Z - I'm going to be doing a little back reading of your posts, co-hosting left me with little time to visit some of my own personal favourites!
ReplyDeleteNext...great post for the IWSG today. When I am struggling with getting thoughts out of my head I go for a long run. I'm going to lace up tomorrow morning as I feel a little blocked after my own A to Z piece, which was quite draining.
Jenny @ PEARSON REPORT
I just try to do something else for a while. Usually it's housework because when my creative juices are flowing and I am writing, the housework is the first thing to go.
ReplyDeleteBut sometimes I watch movies. There are a few titles that almost never fail to get me back in a writing frame of mind.
I usually take a break. That is the easiest way for me to get back on track!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you also make jewelry and paint! It's amazing how you find time to do so many things! Now I need to find my "motivation" for the IWSG! Great post Melissa! Julie
ReplyDeleteUsing another art form - that's the best way to describe it. I find playing my guitar gives me fresh ideas. Although I think the beach might do it this weekend!
ReplyDeleteJust to get outside and do something a little different is good. I would like to have an art to inspire me but I unfortunately just don't have the time!
ReplyDeleteReading newspapers helps too, since real life stories can inspire as well
ReplyDeletegreat ideas! i love my job as a sub. i get inspired by kids & things that happen at school all the time! and i keep up w/fashion =)
ReplyDeleteMusic does it for me. I pick out something that I hope will inspire me. I'll be posting about this tomorrow, actually.
ReplyDeletePeople watching, chocolate, music, movies, reading a good book, painting and just plain old sleep :)
ReplyDeleteI love getting outside and going for a walk with my dog, especially early in the morning. It always helps me clear my head and feel more refreshed, plus I often think of story ideas while walking so that helps my motivation. Great topic for the group!
ReplyDeleteI am with you - art therapy of some kind - or a walk, or a trip to the beach...anything to put the piece aside for a little while. I have also bullied through and just stared at the screen until it started to happen. It works - but boy can you blow through some time doing it that way!
ReplyDeleteI also like to paint to take a break from writing! I also get inspiration from reading other people's writing. It gives me ideas, and encourages me to keep going.
ReplyDeleteAllison (Geek Banter)
I'd agree with a lot of the comments here. If I can't get into writing, I'll do something else for awhile, play the piano, watch a movie, draw, or even write something unrelated, usually something creative. It helps turn the content over in the back of my mind and I usually have an easier time when I return to it.
ReplyDeleteYep, art is another creative release for me along with writing. I love photography and digital art.
ReplyDelete