This week a song keeps playing inside my head with all the political misfiring going on.  My parents loved this song, which actually was a lost-love tune sung by Eddie Arnold.  I guess it applies today, a lost love for the way the world should be.  As writers, our creativity is usually sensitive to outside events.  I try NOT to “focus” on outside events while writing, but I need to be informed also.

My intentions have been good, but I haven’t reached the page count that I’d originally planned for this month.  Yet.  I think during external stress, writers need to pull a few tools out and use.  I’ve listed a few that are in my arsenal.

1.  It’s okay to pause, and take a deep breath. Often if need be.  Only you know what your internal compass is telling you.

2. Take time to read. (I think writers read daily anyway, so this is as natural as breathing for most of us.)

3. Watch a movie.

4. Take a nap if you need it.

5. Spend time with a child/children.

6. Do something nice for someone.

7. Crank your Ipod up and dance!

8. Meditate.

9. Take a course.

10. Take care of you. 

I’d love to hear how you maintain your creativity.  We’re all in this together, and knowledge is what it’s all about.  And those of you contracted now, is it easier or harder to get into story these days?

I read an interesting article about a musician who read, The Last Lecture.  The novel by Randy Pausch inspired him on a new level.  One of his favorite quotes from Pausch was, “The number one goal of a teacher is to help students learn how to judge themselves.”  This musician went on to say that nothing is more crucial than self-criticism.  Basically in my case as a writer, learning craft, finding nuances, the ebb and flow of personal rhythms.  He went on to say that teachers won’t be with us forever.  The light must go on in a student’s head, and is much more important than emulating others.

I believe a good teacher guides gently, and stands back to allow growth.  I’ve had teachers in my life, and each one brought something new to the table.  A teacher to me is someone who comes into your life and leaves something behind.  You can know, maybe before they arrive, that something is about to happen.  It’s not always lovely things you discover, but something inside you becomes more from the encounter. If it’s a negative encounter, you’ve learned.  If it’s a positive encounter, you’ve learned.

In learning more about ourselves we can, I believe, give more to others.  Life really is a dance filled with dreams.  Of of my most precious teachers was my editor on my debut book.  She did all the lovely things you’re supposed to do, and I learned much.  She didn’t hand me anything, rather I found myself stretching.  I grew as a writer, and it’s a gift I cherish.

What teacher made an impact in your life?  I chose a postivie example, but there’s certainly others where much growth occurs as well. 

Most of you know my Magical partner, Edie Ramer.  Drum roll please… she recently finaled in the American Title V contest for her story, DEAD PEOPLE!  Voting won’t begin until January, but I wanted to officially cheer her on from my corner in cyberspace.  The winner will receive a publishing contract with Dorchester!

So, Edie, you go girl!  I’m cheering you to Victory, GF!