by Annette J Beveridge
We all know that finding time to write can be a mammoth task. Most days, you have to juggle everyday chores along with a rising workload. But what about now? What about this period of enforced lockdown? Unless you are a key worker, you will have more time on your hands than you ever imagined. If you enjoy creative writing, doesn’t it make sense to make the most of your writing time while you can?
Your writing time is precious
In the first few days of being at home, you may have considered setting time aside to write. But when? Do you write early in the morning or late in the day? When home, it is all too easy to be distracted. You have the Television on and spend more time watching it than writing. It distracts you. Perhaps, if alone, you are not used to the silence. For some reason, the words will just not come. Or
There is no doubt that it takes time to settle into a routine of sorts. You will have your inner frustrations to deal with. If like many, you will resent that your freedom has been restricted even if you understand why. You may have to help others through their frustrations too. This is a situation in which no one is prepared. Another thing to consider is that change is not always good for anyone with a creative flair. The uncertainty is unsettling. Lockdown may
Where to start
If you want to make the most of your writing time – clear your mind. Take a deep breath and come to terms with your situation. It isn’t easy but the best way to deal with any situation is to accept it. Imagine space between your thoughts. If you are good at
This may not be the usual route to writing success but it works.
Tap into your reality
The one thing you may not wish to do while living this situation is to think more deeply about it. However, it can actually be a starting point for your writing. If you write about the things you know and have experienced, it breathes renewed intent into those words. Although we are all sharing these strange times, no one will know your situation as you do. When you write about it, others will be able to
Think about using keywords such as escape and freedom to spark the creative process. Create a mind map allowing the thoughts to flow from one idea to the next. Most people would agree that the thought of freedom right now is high on their list of needs. If you close your eyes, you may transport yourself to a sunny beach scene, to a walk along the river or transport yourself away on a city break. Your idea of freedom may be very different from someone else’s. We all share the knowledge that everything we have ever taken for granted in life is highlighted at this moment. Our health is under attack, the prospect of going on holiday is over and even, a long walk may be subjected to public criticism. Life has changed in ways we could not predict.
Progressing ideas
Take the concept of freedom and consider what it means to you. Take the battle for health and wellbeing and how this lockdown has turned your thoughts inwards so you worry about yourself and others. These are very real emotions. Weave these elements into stories that show the human response to situations that test each and every one of us. Create a story that grips and compels readers to continue. There are literally hundreds or, thousands of ideas that could be created as a result of these initial starting points. When you write, do so with the readers in mind.
Creating characters that reach out to readers
Once you have your idea, you also need to create well-defined characters. Place them in your melting pot of a story and let the frustrations of that plot create uncharacteristic actions. To do this, spend time getting to know your characters. To make the most of your allotted writing time, create character profiles and have fun with them. Consider the following:
Who are these characters?
Why do they think and feel in specific ways?
What has happened to them up to this point?
The more detail added to your profiles will strengthen these creations. It will aid the belief of those who read the story. You will also be able to write with greater conviction. Writing affords an escape into the untapped potential of your mind. It also gives you some control. In a way, you play God with your characters and can take the story in any direction you like.
Summary
No one could predict the extent of this pandemic or how it would affect us all on a global basis. But it makes sense to use this time wisely. Creative writing is so therapeutic. Even if you are not planning to let others read your story, just enjoy the whole process. It is fun.
Let your creativity run riot. It is liberating.
Once the risk of catching Coronavirus has reduced, life will gradually go back to some sort of normality. There may be much less time at your disposal so, tap into a little creativity today. You can make it a family event – even if you are not all locked in together. Make use of Skype or Zoom. There are so many apps that can bring you closer together. Even if you want to have some alone tim
Annette J Beveridge is the editor of Creative1 Publishing. She is an established writer and author with 16 books to her name. Annette helps writers of all levels to breathe life into their words and is a well-known book publicist. If you would like professional feedback on your writing, take a look here.