Resurrecting My Creativity

Slump! In fact, a bumpy slump. I’ve been in a writing slump. Yeah, yeah, I know. That’s nothing new for most writers or artistic people in general. I’ve given myself pep talks, tried to pray my way out of it, but…..

So last week my husband, Jeff, and I were spending six glorious days in the beautiful mountains and woods outside of Prescott, Arizona. Our friends own a deluxe, luxury cabin and once a year we spend a week there so Jeff can paint – or rather, put a stain – on the exterior. And I, while he is painting, am free to do whatever I want. Well, besides making sure Jeff has meals.

This time I was psyched to do nothing but write. Ten thousand words of writing was my goal. It’s very doable since I do that amount whenever I participate in NaNoWriMo. I was going to spread the ten thousand words over several novels I’m working on and some short stories.

Did I accomplish my goal? I’m glad you asked. No! NO! Said with anguished tears and gnashing of teeth. In fact, I wrote not one single word.

For one thing, there were numerous storms that hit Prescott last week which messed up the WiFi connection, and interfered with Jeff’s ability to paint. Having no connection to the internet certainly would not prevent me from writing IF my computer would turn on.

After I got over my disappointment about not having WiFi, then an electrical storm sent my laptop into a tailspin. Yes, I had it plugged into an outlet without a surge protector. I was so distraught over the condition of my laptop, that I couldn’t enjoy the quiet peacefulness nor the beauty of my surroundings. For a couple of days, anyway.

If I trust that God is in control, then I need to let go of my expectations, which brings me to the place of still being on a quest to resurrect my writing mojo. It’ll come.

My laptop? This non-techie granny somehow managed to revive the thing. It went from repeated blue screens, dump crashes, shutting off almost as soon as I turned it on, and only opening in safe mode, to returning to its former state. I’m sure I need a new laptop, though. Hint, hint, Jeff! We have a twentieth anniversary coming up. 

Hope

How many times have you read a book or watched a movie where the villain is described by co-workers or neighbors as, “Quiet, but so likeable, a nice person” – everyone was surprised that hidden inside the person lurked someone completely different.

It hit home this week with the suicide of actor/comedian Robin Williams. I’m not going to discuss the moral issues surrounding what he did. Only God can judge. Often those who laugh the most do so to hide or help cope with the pain within. No one truly knows what goes on inside someone except that person and God.

I love television crime series that deal with profiling people. The upbringing, culture, environment, and care a person receives throughout their lifetime certainly determine much of their behavior.

We all have secrets. We hide wounds. We put on a façade. In my book Like A Cedar In Lebanon the reader starts out disliking, maybe even hating, Jack. He definitely isn’t a likeable person. The second half of the book takes you inside the heart and mind of Jack. The readers finds they now care about him.

What wound are you covering up? Does your spouse do things that hurt you, yet you keep silent about it? Communication is key to success in any relationship.

I suffered for years with deep depression brought on by my circumstances. I was plagued with thoughts of “ending it all.” I just wanted free from the torment. I overcame by my faith in God and surrounded myself with loving, caring people.

Writers, portray the story behind your characters’ behavior. Then, as a Christian writer, point your readers to the hope that is found in Jesus. With all honesty, I wouldn’t be here today if not for Him.