By J. M.
Hochstetler
Have you ever
experienced an unexpected letdown on completion of a project? You’re suddenly
overtaken by the uneasy feeling that you ought to immediately jump into a new
story and start producing words. The problem is that your brain seems to be
stuck in neutral.
Discussions with
fellow authors assure me that this is just part of a natural fallow season that
often follows the long, hard grind of writing a book, just as fall follows
summer. Deadlines may make it impossible for you to take advantage of a natural
fallow season. But if your schedule allows, here are some strategies for
replenishing the well of creativity and preparing physically and mentally for
your next project.
Celebration. You’ve finished your project! That’s
plenty of reason to celebrate with dinner out with a spouse, family member, or
friend, or by going shopping or attending a movie, sports event, concert, or
other event. Mark the completion of your goal by treating yourself to something
special.
Take care
of yourself. When
we’re in the flood tide of a project, we tend to eat at irregular times, skip
meals, and fill up on junk food. Good nutrition feeds not only your body, but
also your brain. Eat fresh, wholesome foods, and if you’ve spent long periods
in front of the computer, add exercise to your routine. Movement increases the
blood flow to your brain and helps you to think better. But also be sure to get
enough rest so your body can recharge.
Nurture
your relationships. If
you’ve been neglecting those close to you, take time to reconnect with them by
not only engaging in activities, but also communicating on a deep, heart level.
It’ll refresh you as much as it does them.
Jump-start
your creativity. Ask
yourself what you enjoy doing that you’ve neglected while immersed in your
project. Make time for those activities, and while you’re at it, rediscover
your environment. You may be surprised to discover new story ideas, characters
and settings, even snippets of dialog and plot. Becoming involved in other
forms of creativity will spark the creative flow in your writing too.
Get
involved. Find
ways to minister through your church, community organizations, and writers
groups. Cheer others on in their endeavors. When you share the expertise you’ve
gained and encourage others to succeed, they’ll do the same for you.
Free your
mind. Engage in
activities that allow you to free associate. Recently I accompanied my husband
on a business trip, and ideas for scenes and dialog rushed into my mind while
we were driving along in companionable silence. Much of this article wrote
itself while I was driving to the post office. Seek out such opportunities and
take advantage of them.
Prepare
mentally. Read
excellent literature and books about the craft of writing. Dive into research
for your next project.
Promote yourself. Take advantage of online promotional opportunities via
the social media, a new or redesigned website and blog, and by connecting with
other writers through online loops and writers organizations.
Maximize your
fallow season and watch your creativity explode when you’re ready to write that
next project!
An award-winning
author and editor, J. M. Hochstetler is the daughter of Mennonite farmers, a
graduate of Indiana University, a professional editor, and a lifelong student
of history. She is the author of Daughter of Liberty,
Native Son, Wind of the Spirit, and Crucible of War, books 1 through 4 of the American Patriot Series, the only
comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. Books 5
through 7 are forthcoming. Her contemporary novel One Holy Night was the Christian Small Publishers
2009 Book of the Year and finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers
2009 Carol Award.
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