November 14, 2011

I’ve noticed one amazing thing about myself and other writers who claim to want to write more than anything else. Something odd takes over, and we fill the free time of our lives with all kinds of non-writing activities. We reach for things that make us feel good, that quell any anxiety we might be feeling, or at least keep us occupied.

What fills our lives–what quells our anxiety–can be either positive or negative. The activity we choose can be either a pacifier or a catalyst.

What’s the Outcome?

Activities that fall under the heading of “pacifiers” are things like mindless TV viewing, complaining about the sad state of publishing to all your writing friends, eating mass amounts of comfort food, surfing the Net, playing video games, or shopping till you drop.

Nothing good (for your writing career) comes from any of those activities. They serve simply as pacifiers, something to make the whining, fretful baby in us be quiet. But are we then any closer to our writing goals? No, not at all. We’ve simply passed some time–writing time that we can’t get back.

Positive Time Fillers

What if you’re tired of your non-writing rut, but you can’t seem to crawl out of it either? What can you fill your free time with instead of a pacifier activity? Why not try a catalyst instead? A catalyst is a springboard for change, something that nudges you in a better direction. The next time you feel anxious about your writing and you want to fill your time with something to soothe the fear, why not try a positive change agent?

Activities that fall into the catalyst category might include:

• watching an inspiring movie about an “overcomer”
• spending time with a writing mentor or coach
• reading an inspirational book or self-help writing book
• listening to motivational tapes
• reading a biography or watching a documentary about someone you admire (especially another writer)
• reading a current copy of The Writer or Writer’s Digest
• attending a writing conference, retreat or workshop

Think Ahead–Then Choose

We all feel anxious sometimes to the point of being stuck. That’s okay. Just be aware that there are activities that only pacify the fear (and waste your time)–but there are also enjoyable activities that can act as catalysts to get you writing. Choose the activity that is going to propel you forward, not help you stagnate even further.

We all have our favorite catalysts. Mine include reading inspirational writing books or writing articles I’ve saved over the years, Skyping with another author about writing issues, or watching a movie about authors (like Becoming Jane, Cross Creek, Finding Forrester, Finding Neverland, or Miss Potter).

What is your favorite pacifier–and what’s the effect on your writing? On the positive side, what is your most helpful catalyst and its effect on your writing? Please share some ideas that work best for you.

4 Comments »

1. 

   Indulging in other creative pursuits helps my writing. Ex. playing the piano, knitting or cooking up stuff in the kitchen. And re-reading some of my favorite books adds fuel to the writing dream.

   Comment by Vijaya — November 14, 2011 @ 9:36 am

2. 

   Vijaya, those are all EXCELLENT boosts for creativity. And they’re all so enjoyable that it’s a wonder we so often choose UNhelpful ways to get that boost. Thanks for sharing some great examples.

   Comment by Kristi Holl — November 14, 2011 @ 12:03 pm

3. 

   I recently watched the movie Soul Surfer – very inspirational. If you haven’t watched it – it is one I’m sure you would enjoy. It inspired me that I really can do anything that I put my mind do and “I can do all things through Christ who stengthens me.” I think that movie has inspired me as I charge ahead in my writing dreams. A pacifier for me would definelty be the internet and facebook. It is easy for me say I’ll only spend a few minutes there and easily get side tracked or avoid the difficulties I may be facing. I also am inspired any time I read about an author or a movie has an character who is an author. I haven’t watched any of those movies that you mention and bet I would like them. I will have to put them on my list. I’ve always said I grew up movie deprived.

   Comment by Jennifer Rathe — November 14, 2011 @ 9:34 pm

4. 

   Jennifer, my best friend and daughter also recommended Soul Surfer–I’ll have to get it from Netflix or Redbox. I hear you about the Internet/FB time eater… I think I grew up movie deprived a bit too, although I saw every Disney movie they made, I think! All the “writer” movies I mentioned I found in the last ten years or so. I need to watch them all again!

   Comment by Kristi Holl — November 16, 2011 @ 8:05 am

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