I am so thankful for all of the inspiring creatives that have offered advice and shared their perspectives on creativity and writing with me. As I’ve delved into this writing journey it has been incredibly helpful to be able to lean on the resources that speak to the everyday challenges of writing, common challenges, and overall, creative problems. I wanted to give back to the community that has supported me by offering my own thoughts and perspectives and boosting the works that I love. I wanted to really highlight the resources that get me motivated when I’m having a writer’s block or a tough time and hope that they might help someone else too 🙂

Let’s talk about the warm fuzzy one first. If you haven’t read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, I highly recommend it. Big Magic is an inspiring, motivational read about the challenges of being a writer, writer’s block, and overall just being kind to yourself. I really loved how Gilbert set out reasonable expectations (did you know that she published three books before she quit her full time job?) and highlighted that it was okay if you didn’t succeed at first, as long as you keep trying. I received a good kick in the butt over calling my work my ‘baby’. Elizabeth Gilbert speaks clearly and compassionately to creatives about the need to just get the work out there and not to coddle it. My takeaway from her book is that you just need to love your work and be willing to release it into the world so you can make something even better. You cannot grow if you keep working on the same project. Really worth the read. It is about five hours via audiobook. Honestly, if you have not read it, it is so worth your time.

Secondly, anything by Brene Brown. She is a powerhouse who touches upon topics of shame, self-esteem, and empathy.  Brene’s work is great for working through hang-ups about sharing your work (if you have any). Any will do, though I started with I Thought it was Just Me. It was a great introductory read into personal work and emotions, and let me tell you, my writing is getting better with a more thoughtful approach. You can thank me later. If you like that one, Rising Strong and Daring Greatly are also great reads. Not only will these books help you approach life with more compassion, but it has the great potential to also support you through those difficult self-doubting writing moments.

Thirdly, check out The Oatmeal. Their works are hilarious and oh-so-accurate. Their comic called “Kill Your Darlings” is a magnificent piece that really pointedly tells you not to coddle your work. It definitely stopped me from using the analogy that my stories are my babies. If someone else needs that wake up call, then I highly recommend it. It is also great to have very funny visuals to highlight some typical creative hang-ups. 

Finally, for some good-old habit building, take a read through of James Clear’s Atomic Habits. Writing regularly definitely takes some discipline and small goals, and Clear’s book does a fantastic job of highlighting ways to start building these habits. Clear’s big point is instead of making big, unmanageable changes, just make 1% changes each day. His advice feels manageable and attainable, and I am working to implement some of his ideas now. Again, if this is an area that you struggle with, I highly recommend reading. It’s worth your time. I’ve struggled with habit management for years, and this approach has given me more daily success.

There! You have my toolbox. Let me know how it works for you, or if you have any additional recommendations!

In terms of my own suggestions, I like working off of lists. Each “work” day, I will create a list with the items that I would like to accomplish, and then I reread that list and ask myself if there is enough time in the day. If it is actually manageable with a proper night’s sleep and keeping up with household chores, I give myself the ‘okay’ and commit to working through it. I need instant gratification to keep up with a workflow, so checking off items over the course of the day is a must. I will highlight here that in order for my last point to be successful, it is super important that your daily goal isn’t “finish a chapter”, but “write 3000 words”. I have learned the hard way that you cannot necessarily dictate when an element of the story is done and you set yourself up for disappointment when you write 3000 words and realize there is more of a chapter to go. Lastly, eat food. If you regularly consume things that nourish your brain, there is a likelihood that your work quality will be higher. Take it from your neighbourhood hangry person.

That’s it. That is the best information I can impart. 

1. Use your resources.
2. Create lists.
3. Check off your little successes throughout the day.
4. Nourish your body.
5. Oh, and have fun. Writing should be enjoyable 🙂