Books to Inspire Your Best Writing
- At January 18, 2021
- By Write in Community
- In Blog
4
With the new year, one of your resolutions may be to get to your writing desk more often, and write faster and better, and more! If you’re like me, it helps if you have a little inspiration to get going. I believe in reading as preparation for writing, and want to share with you some of my favorite books for getting the writerly juices flowing.
Read More»Hello dear Home!
- At December 14, 2020
- By Write in Community
- In Blog
20

Tucked In by Gina Barlean
Even now after so many years when I close my eyes, the enchantment of the first home I knew and loved comes into view. Follow the yellow brick road and you’ll see a small, brick farm house with homemade lace curtains that seem to blink hello. Hello dear home! I spent countless hours in a storybook red and white striped barn with a magical playground hayloft. In the summer, deep blue and purple petunias framed the stone front porch where, in early mornings, I would sit and watch the sunrise. Oh, how the translucent rays, so radiant in their soft pink color, were transfixing! And, there I would begin to drift away dreaming of such things as wild horses and dancing cottonwoods. Cock-a-doodle-do! Cock-a-doodle-do! A friendly greeting from our leghorn rooster would stir me and I would slip back to my bedroom into my special place, and write.
Read More»Staying Creative During the Pandemic
- At November 23, 2020
- By Write in Community
- In Blog
10
When the pandemic really “hit home” to me and the lockdowns were announced, I was concerned. Okay, I was a little scared. And how could I make it not seeing my friends and family? Not being able to go to movies and coffeehouses and concerts? But wait, I thought, I’m a writer. I can use this time to double-down on writing my novel; I can immerse myself in poetry and be productive. Take advantage of this time and write like mad.
Advantages of Creativity in Hard Times
Creativity can help us get through difficult times, we know this. First of all, when we absorb ourselves in music or writing or painting, we can let go of worry. We may find ourselves connecting with a greater power. Finding more meaning in every day. There is something about art and the creation of art that “lifts us,” calms us. Perhaps it’s the time spent with what is beautiful and pleasing. We breathe a little easier; we feel better.
But What If You Can’t Do Your Art?
Still, in spite of the advantages of losing ourselves in creativity, in difficult times, it may be that we just can’t. For those trying to balance work and child care along with a creative life, the pandemic can create even more obstacles to getting to your writing desk. Many parents and grandparents have taken on additional roles in child care and teaching, and while that in itself can be fabulously rewarding, it will take away from creative time.
Even if time is not a problem, there are other issues that might get in the way. When we are under stress, the thought of another thing you have to do, and you want to do well, may add an additional layer of tension. I’m not making the dramatic progress on my novel I thought I would, or writing as many poems. Perhaps it’s the same for you. You might be frustrated, perhaps even angry at yourself.
Give Yourself a Break
If the thought of getting to your creativity is causing more stress than it would potentially alleviate, perhaps it’s time to take a break. Instead read, watch a good movie, indulge in a leisurely walk outside, then have a cup of tea and listen to some music. Julia Cameron encourages artists to allow time to “fill the well.” More than ever these days, we need that advice. And, “In filling the well,” she writes, “think magic. Think delight. Think fun. Do not think duty.”
The Bottom Line
So, strive to allow a little creativity into every day. It is satisfying, affirming. Being creative is one of deepest yearnings of the soul. But if it just isn’t happening, don’t sweat it. Relax and surround yourself with beauty, surround yourself with what you love. Take care, everyone, and stay safe. Wishing your good health and peace. Wishing you calm.
A Creative Exercise For Tough Times
In this exercise, we’re going for what is out of the ordinary, whatever brings you a smile and is not a “big deal.” We’re going for just plain fun. If you’re a painter who works in oils, buy some glossy paper and finger paints, and see what happens. If you’re a poet who writes in free verse, write in rhyme. Get a little rhythm going and see what happens. Try something like this:
I woke up today and I was feeling good,
I thought I should write, yes, I knew I should,
But the sun it was bright and the birds on wing
And I thought I could do just about anything….
Give this a try. What is your “I woke up today and I was feeling good poem?” Or your “I woke up today and I was feeling “fine” poem? Or “feeling silly” poem?
Try something that is out of the ordinary for you. Know that creativity is inside you. Create and know that better times are coming.
Exciting News for the Writing and Creative Life!
- At September 21, 2020
- By Write in Community
- In Blog
33
Exciting News for our Writing Community!
from Lucy Adkins and Becky Breed
Hello friends, we have some exciting news to share! Since the publication of our first book, Writing in Community, we have become more and more interested in all the ways we and those around us express our creative powers. Not only in writing (which is still our creativity “go-to!”) but also in painting, making music, all the traditional ways we think of creativity, and in the very way we live our lives. We use our creativity every day. To solve problems, to create more beauty in our lives. To find the right words to say to a friend who is hurting. Our creativity is vital, essential to who we are. And the good news is that we are all wildly creative, each and every one of us. Let us repeat that. We are all wildly creative, each and every one!
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