Keeping the Creative Juices Flowing.

Writing is one of the most difficult things I have ever undertaken.  I mean the idea of writing is enchanting and exciting, but actually getting down to it can be challenging (or exciting with unexpected bouts of opposition).  But even with the different obstacles that can get us of track in our writing, ultimately the desire to tell stories boils down to wanting to tell the stories that our imagination has effortlessly constructed.

And let's be honest, some days are better than others on the old word count.  But what I have found to be very helpful on days that I really struggle getting the words out is a simple redirection of creative energy.  For me, it can be crocheting a blanket, coloring a picture in my Smurfs Activity Book, or drafting a book cover for current or future projects.

Since designing a book cover is the only option listed that relates tot he writing process, lets take a look at how it can help get your story back on track.

Even if you don't do your own covers, you can search for images that relay or relate to the story you are telling.  Because ultimately the book cover is a visual highlight of an important part of your story.  It can be a character feature, location, an object, theme or any number of things.  But focusing your creative energy on this facet of the writing process can invigorate and inspire your story telling.  It's almost like when you decide on a title, so it can be encouraging because you have created (or located images) that will be important as you work on introducing your new baby to the world.

Do you have any particular habits that help keep the creative juices flowing?

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