Lately, I've been totally overhauling my creative process. I've been trying different things to figure out what I can do to get into a creative yet productive rhythm.
Here's my current routine, which will probably change and evolve as I try out new things:
Caveat: I also work full time, so the time of day when I write changes depending on when I finish work or if I have anything else going on.
When I am ready to write, the first thing I do is a mini Goethian Inquiry. Basically, I catalogue everything around me, and then spend 10-15 minutes asking "What has happened here?"
I do a little drawing of what I see (whether in real life or my imagination). Nothing complex, but something that allows me to externalize the chaotic thoughts in my head as I adapt to new spaces.
Occasionally, I will write a 1-2 page short story based on a poem if I feel that I need a warm up.
I think that it's important to incorporate low stakes creative activities into your routine. When you take away the pretense that everything needs to be perfect, you begin to have more fun. Not everything has to be a masterpiece.
4. At this point, I'll reread what I've worked on so far or go over the outline of the novel to re-familiarize myself with the world that I am working in.
5. I tend to write in sprints. I can lock in for about 10 minutes at a time, so I will do 10 minutes of writing and 10 minutes of something else (chores, stretching, etc). I do this about 4-5 times.
6. Because I am usually writing at the end of the day, I will usually do some embroidery or sewing to help me wind down and mediate. This gives me a chance to reflect on what I've written and let my brain wander before going to bed. Again, IMPORTANT TO NOTE: this is another low stakes creative act.
I create quilts based off the novel that I am working on, and I embroider images from the book onto the quilt; it's ongoing and perfectly imperfect. I am not doing this for anyone but myself. I'll embroider when I have writer's block and need to figure out a scene; it's a disruptive, rebellious, creative act that gives my brain a chance to reset so I don't burn out.
So why am I writing this all out and sending it into the void of Tumblr? Mostly, cause I want attention and for someone to get me on The Writer's Routine Podcast; more importantly, I think it's important to build a community of creatives that are normally isolating.
I want to know what other author's do to get into the creative groove, or what their process looks like.
I want to help someone else discover their own creative process.
