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:
