It’s Not Easy Being Creative

I don’t mean to neglect this blog, I really don’t.

So, to kickstart some creativity in this space, I’m going to post 31 Days of Inspiration starting August 1st.

I’m talking about what motivates me to write or nudges me to polish a scene or edges me closer to a good idea ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY. People always ask writers ‘HOW DO YOU DO IT?’ How do you sit down and write? Where do the ideas come from? (I like to say Target, in the dollar section.)

“It’s my job” doesn’t seem to be sufficient. We all know it’s more complicated than BIC. (Butt In Chair)

It’s not easy being creative when it’s your job or when you are striving to make it or job or to meet a self-imposed or editor deadline, right?

I might post a bit of advice I share with one of my writers. (I’m an editor and book coach, don’t worry, I will only use non-identifying details.) It might be a photo that relates to my WIP. It might be a movie or TV show at makes me laugh or cry, adding to my arsenal of emotions for my story. It could be a stranger’s gait, or eavesdropping on a conversation that leads to an epiphany for my story.

I’m hoping that August will clue me into the phase of life for this blog — because it needs it, and so do I!

I’ll post here every day and if I can’t post here — I’ll tell you where you can find me using #31DaysofInspiration on Twitter or Instagram.

I’ll also add tidbits of info about writing if I think you’ll like them. The key is to find my way to this blog again, because I miss and all of YOU.

Tell me what you’re writing and what you’ve been up to in the last couple of months!

See you on August 1st.

Amy xo

PS I got this idea from Dan Blank and he’s a creativity guru. Fingers crossed!

Hanging out near Chicago with my stellar literary agent. Books, sushi, lipstick. We love the same things and make a great team. She reminds me how much she loves my WIP and that inspires me get words on the page.

Hanging out in Disneyworld with Daisy Duck. My first real vacation in 18 years inspired me to take time off. The work was there when I returned.

Hanging out with my college buddies near home. It’s new for us after 30+ years and like no time has passed. This inspires me to remember these real connections when I write fictional friends.

Hanging at home with Mitzi, who now can’t really hear anymore at all. Otherwise, she’s a healthy 14 year old dog who’s just much quieter than she used to be. Mitzi inspires me to come up with creative doggie sign language. So far, we’re doing great!