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What Filled My Creative Well in 2019

December 6, 2019 / Motivation and the Writing Life / 14 COMMENTS

by Elizabeth Spann Craig, @elizabethscraig

I had a lot of changes going on for 2019.  On the professional end, I started a new series (the first for about nine years). On the personal end, I ended up with an empty nest and a husband who started working remotely from home.

I also had a very productive year. Because of the new series, I wanted to put out two new books in the series fairly close together.  I ended up writing five books in 2019 instead of my usual 3.5.

This all means that I needed to refill my creative well a little more than I usually do.  And I did. Despite writing more than usual and despite all the changes (and I’m not one who handles change easily), I didn’t experience any burnout or the usual irritability that comes with change/not being in control of things.

I did quite a few writing sprints, using my timer.  Sometimes I followed the Pomodoro method and sometimes I made the sprints a bit shorter. Following the sprints, I took breaks. Some of the breaks were pretty long, but I found I could still hop back into my story easily for the next sprint.  Having breaks definitely helped keep me motivated.

What kinds of things filled my breaks?

I’ve listened before to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, but only erratically and when I followed a link to them.  But this year, I’ve really enjoyed listening to them (they’re short…only about 15 minutes) and discovering a variety of different musicians and types of music.  When I found someone I liked, I added their music to my Amazon Prime Music playlists or Spotify.

I’ve also listened to podcasts again this year.  There are so many different choices out there that anyone should be able to find something of interest.  A few years ago, I was more interested in listening to fiction on podcasts and also writing-business-related podcasts, but this year it was nonfiction…true crime on Crime Junkies, This American Life, etc.

I’ve also spent more time watching films this year…mostly independent or classic films instead of films from big studios. I’ve found these on free accounts through my local library on Kanopy and Hoopla.

Writer and artist Austin Kleon’s newsletter has provided a weekly rabbit hole of inspiration and creative well-filling.

Can exercise help fill your creative well? I wouldn’t have said so (and I don’t enjoy exercising…I enjoy having exercised) but I’ve found that my daily walk on the treadmill I purchased in February has really helped me in terms of focus and general well-being. I’m going to reluctantly add it to my creative well list.   :)

What has helped you fill your creative well in 2019?

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  1. You have had a really, really busy year, Elizabeth! And my goodness, you’ve been productive! No wonder you’ve also needed to take time to fill the well. Major changes can be taxing, even if they’re good changes, so I think we all need to do that sometimes, and especially if our lives have gotten busy. Thanks for sharing your advice on filling up the well, and I hope you take some time for yourself.

  3. Thanks for the NPR Tiny Desk recommendation. Just checked it out. I can be really stuck in a rut when it comes to music and this looks like a good way to discover new artists.

  4. I need to find more for my creative well.

    I know when Craig is home for a holiday, it throws me off completely, so I can’t imagine having him home all week.

  5. I’d never heard of the NPR tiny concerts but will check it out. I love music but tend to tune in only one radio station that plays my current favorites. A little variety will be good for me.

    My creative well was quite dry in 2019, mostly due to a troublesome knee that kept me from spending too much time at the computer, walking the dog, and other activities. I finally had the knee replacement surgery in November and expect that, of all things, to allow my creative well to fill with many rewarding activities.

    1. Pat, I’m so glad you had the surgery and can look forward to all the active things you enjoy!

      The NPR program has really helped me to listen to much more diverse things. I can’t listen to classic 70s music all the time, ha.

  6. Wow, empty nester. Are you sure? :) It wasn’t that long ago you were writing on the go as your kids were involved in after school activities. NO you get to connect with your husband again (not that you’ve neglected him) in new ways. Aww. This is the way relationships should evolve. :)

    I think my brain and body follow the Pomodoro method naturally. I’ve really practiced this method (not knowing it was a thing) for years. Since I’m having some neurological problems, more than ever I need to stand up and walk around. My deal is that I don’t like to stop (whatever I’m doing) so I have to make myself.

    You are so productive!! Prayers you will continue in 2020. Pretty certain 2020 will be my retirement year from the education world.

    Teresa

    1. I can’t believe it, myself! It’s been a very weird year. But on the upside, my husband and I have had lots of lunches together. :) It was an adjustment because he was used to being part of a team and having camaraderie and I was used to…well, being alone, ha. But we made it work out well!

      Walking around, stretching is so important! I’ve come to realize how much in the last 10 years.

      Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! That’s so exciting…being able to do more of the things you’d like to do. :)

  7. Hi Elizabeth – lots of change going … but you seem to have adapted so well and thankfully without any hiccups. I must exercise more … walk along the seafront or up the Downs and especially stretch for time at home (everyday) …

    Thanks for all the links – really helpful to know about – cheers Hilary

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