Perhaps the rituals and ceremonies intrigue me because I am not nearly as disciplined or orderly in my writing endeavors. I cannot say I write daily, as there are other demands on my time, but I do try to write several times a week. I have been a writer for many years, yet can I say I have a “daily creative ritual?” To be honest, I’m not sure I want one. Perhaps the creative free spirit in me balks a bit at the constraints implied by a ritual.
I think of myself as more of a cerebral writer because much of my writing preparation and even some of its process, occurs in my head before I type a word. This internal creative process does not require a set ritual or routine because it happens anywhere and at any time. Firstly, prayer prefaces all my writing. God is the giver of this gift, so His inspiration is essential for it to be of any value. Whether an assignment or an original project, He is the One who sparks the initial idea and fans it into flame. As I continue to pray, He brings illustrations and ideas to mind. While doing mundane activities like housework, waiting in a store lineup, or before falling asleep, I pull my latest project to the front of my mind and meditate on it. Sometimes I write down the results or jot down research requirements. A small notebook and pen nearby is essential. But mostly I carry around the gist of the thing in my head until I am ready to flesh it out in words.
I will concede there a few requirements when my project gets to this stage. The house must be in some semblance of order before I can sit at peace to write, so early afternoon is the best time of day, after chores are done. Other requirements are solitude, quiet, good lighting and access to writing tools like my computer, dictionaries and online helps. A cup of tea and sometimes an aromatic candle help set the right atmosphere. It usually takes me a while to get in the “zone”, so I make sure I have a good chunk of uninterrupted time to create. Regular breaks to move around, get some fresh air or a snack, help give fresh perspective when I return to work. When the words are no longer flowing well and my brain is getting a bit foggy, I know it is time to set the work aside until I am rested.
This sounds rather unremarkable but what can not be observed is the intense joy I feel when I am writing. There will never be anything ritual or routine about that. Even when I am stuck or the words aren’t flowing as I want them to, I feel more alive and fully who I am when in writing mode. As I imagine the guardsmen did who accompanied the Queen’s coffin to Westminster Abbey, I find deep satisfaction in fulfilling the purpose for which God intended me. This spurs me on to be the best writer I can be, for His glory.
More of Valerie's work can be read on her blog:
I loved the thought of "intense joy" - something I canrelate to when writing something I am immersed in. Thank you for this well thought out post!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your comment, Tracy. Though writing can be a slog at times, it is this joy which keeps me going.
DeleteThank you, dear Valerie, for this beautifully written post. Amen to these words of yours: "He is the One who sparks the initial idea and fans it into flame."
ReplyDeleteLike you, praying for His will to be done in my writing is the most important step I take as a writer. All else would be words in a waste paper basket if I didn't rely on Him.
Blessings as you continue to unwrap His will concerning your writing gift.
"Unwrapping His will concerning my writing gift" ... I love that! Thank you, Wendy!
DeleteValerie, our posts complement each other well. Great minds DO think alike! Loved this!
ReplyDeleteTrue, Lorrie! We started out with a similar illustration but from there on our ideas were quite different. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteA wonderful post. So many of us require, or rather desire good light, natural if possible. I find that quite fascinating. Writing is also my place of joy and contentment which is why I find it weird that sometimes it is the last thing I do instead of the first. Blessings on your day and thank you for your post.
ReplyDeleteSharon, I hear you about the thing you enjoy doing the most being left to the last. For years I was discouraged from writing by someone close to me, so I think I still have a bit of leftover guilt about doing something which brings me so much joy.
ReplyDeleteValerie, your post was a delight to read. It flowed beautifully, and I was eager to read to the very last word. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your positive comment, Brenda.
DeleteThanks for your sensitive and insightful ways of writing that work for you. You've written before about how writing gives you joy and satisfaction, and I simply had to quote your words that meant so much to me. "Even when I am stuck or the words aren’t flowing as I want them to, I feel more alive and fully who I am when in writing mode...I find deep satisfaction in fulfilling the purpose for which God intended me. This spurs me on to be the best writer I can be, for His glory."
ReplyDeleteIt's been my observation that most writers for InScribe are passionate about their craft. When God calls us to write, He gives us joy in the doing!
ReplyDelete