Creativity, just like energy, is limited and varies from person to person.
There are so many factors going into how much creativity you have in a day, and sometimes you might not have any at all! It can be scary, especially when you need to produce a piece of work by a certain deadline.
There is one way to help mitigate this inevitable creativity slump:
Optimize your writing environment and rituals.
We all function differently in various environments.
Some want to be in a busy environment, interacting with others, sipping on that caramel mocha coffee at your favorite coffee shop.
While others want to be in a more peaceful, quiet environment, alone with their thoughts and listening to tranquil music.
If you want to make writing just a smidge easier for you, here are five steps to finding your best writing groove:
Step 1 –– Find your writing frequency
You might write at a specific time of day.
For me, it’s in the morning, and I typically like to commit to writing 500 – 2000 words every day.
Action: Choose a time that works for you (early bird, night owl, or even lunch break)!
Step 2 –– Choose your writing medium
How do you like to get your words down? Do you like to use a laptop, or are you more traditional using analog methods of writing (the mighty pen and paper)?
Everyone has their optimal method of writing.
Action: Keep your best method of writing close to you; you never know when your next idea might strike!
Bonus: keep a small notebook, or have your notes app easily accessible on your phone to jot down your next big idea. Make this a habit.
Step 3 –– Find the right person to share ideas with
You’ll need someone to share your unpolished ideas with. I don’t recommend going at it alone (see my previous article on going at it by yourself).
Action: find one person who you trust to brainstorm and plan your ideas with. Preferably an experienced, professional author like myself. I’m happy to help! 😉
Step 4 –– Keep the small things that bring you joy close by
I don’t know about you, but I write best with a nice lit candle next to me, especially the fall-scented ones. It signals peace and productivity, and the lovely glow and scent next to me just bring a smile to my face.
Action: think of all the small things that put you in your writing zone
Step 5 –– Create your writing environment
I like to write in silence. It helps me collect all my thoughts from the previous day. You might like to be around other people, or you might like a hybrid— such as a zoom call with a group of fellow committed writers to keep you accountable.
Action: Create the perfect writing environment that works for you!
Just like that, these 5 small tweaks can have a major impact on how you write. If this feels even a little bit overwhelming getting started, just stick with the first step. After doing that consistently for a week or two, you can add another step, and so on.
The goal is to make a writing ritual that works for you. Trying to do all this at once might not be the best way to become a consistent writer.
P.S. Your writing environment will eventually change.
Where you like to write will certainly change.
Maybe you become a night owl. Or maybe you like tea instead of coffee.
That’s okay, adapt to suit your needs that work for you.
Reach out to Imani directly for custom advice on your specific writing needs or help publishing your WIP! Fill out her application form here for author services.