How do I stay working on a project?

For some people the creativity flows continuously and it is hard to capture all the drops in time, before distractions steals it away. For others, there seems to be a blockage in their pipes! The blank page elicits fear and confusion. The self doubt spiral begins to spin like the water down a drain.

Looking outside a cave

Stepping back from the plumbing references, I can only speak from my perspective. When I sit down to write a fresh piece I have experienced both extremes. Where to start? What am I even doing here? I could do this, or maybe this... squirrel! Then I close the screen and work on something else until the mood strikes again.

Sometimes, I feel bad about it and that starts a guilt spiral. If you have ever been on the old roundabout ride, the one that spins faster and faster and all you have to hold onto is a pole (that is really slippy with sweaty hands) then you may have an idea what I am talking about. When you are in the guilt spiral it can be rather hard to step off in a safe way. If you don't take the time to slow down before exiting, you will be thrown out of the that pity party landing hard and in an unfortunate position, especially if you are in a skirt.

It has taken me some time time to learn strategies to help me get to the keyboard and stay there. These may not work for everyone, they don't even work for me everytime, but there might be something that will help reframe your thinking and get you back on track.

1. Free writing

   - This is when you let your stream of consciousness run free and see where it goes. It doesn't have to be on the project that you are working on at the moment. Just write whatever you are currently thinking about.

2. Writing Prompts

   - There are many collections of writing prompts that you can find online. You can get writing prompt journals. You can write your prompts as story seeds when you are in a creative mood. I have found that it is best to have some prompts at the ready, because if you have to go and look for them, then that is another distractions spiral.

3. Sprints

   - Setting a timer and much like free writing, see what you can get down in the time that you have set. Sometimes it is good to have an idea of what you are writing and other times it is beneficial to let your creativity out of its cage.

4. Writing buddies

   - There is a huge benefit to writing with someone else. You can run ideas past them and try to untangle a good plot knot together. Brainstorm ideas about what you want to do next.

5. Have accountability check-ins

   - I think that this has been the biggest help for me. Knowing that there is someone else that is excited to read my work and help with the stories is huge.

   
   

I have already spoken about the Author support that we provide at Bushland Castle productions. The accountability meetings, the mindset reset meetings, the write-ins are all there to help you be the best creative you can be. If you would like to know more. Please get in touch and talk to one of the team members.