One of the complaints I often hear from clients is they find it hard to create the right environment and atmosphere to write.
For the past month, I have been doing story coaching with a writer who is set to release her memoir based on her journals. In spite of the anticipation of having the book finally released, she was finding it hard to sit down and work through the edits sent by the editor. When asked why, she said that she felt that her environment was not one that she could be productive.
After a talk over some coffee, we were able to get to the root of the problem. My writer client confessed that her partner was not supportive of her writing. She said that he became uneasy each time she picked up her tablet or went into her writing room and he became angry every time she powered up her computer to work on her book. She also felt that he had been doing things to intentionally sabotage her creative process.
This inspired me to write this post and provide a few ideas for creating an environment that supports your writing. You don’t have to be writing a book like my client is to appreciate this post. Anyone who values words and stories, who feels at home with pen in hand and thoughts flowing from head and heart to paper will appreciate the tips below.
Write. Write what weighs on your heart, what inspires you, what troubles you, and write the story within. Many times we fuss with our environment, making unnecessary tweaks and changes simply because we are procrastinating. You know, writing is simple as putting pen to paper, fingers on keyboards, and unleashing the thoughts, emotions, and ideas within. But oftentimes, we overthink it. We question our stories, we make light of them, and we deem them unnecessary, not worth sharing, recording, and investigating. Don’t make it harder than it needs to be. Don’t blame it on writer’s block or lack of inspiration. Our lives and every-days are made up of a collection of stories, mundane, exciting, and somewhere in between. Tell those stories and when you do, don’t be surprised that they move you to write other stories that come easier.
Research and refine a routine that works for you. I would love to get up each morning and write 1,000 words before breakfast and before I do client work. But that rarely happens. It’s all well and good to have lofty plans and schedules when it comes to writing time, but practicality must rule. If you’re not an early riser, don’t force yourself to get up early to write. Chances are, you’re not going to enjoy the process. Similarly, why set a writing schedule during the hours when your energy may be low or you have other things or people competing for your attention? Find the time and the space that supports you best and stick with it, refining along the way, as and if needed.
Talk to those who put a demand on your time and energy. Have an open discussion with those you share a living space with. As with pretty much anything, we often need the support of the people we live and share our lives with when we are committed to something. Talk to the people you live with and let them understand what you are trying to accomplish and how they can support you by giving you space and time to work on your writing. Let your spouse or partner know that your writing is important to you and that the time you are working on your writing or you’re journaling is not the best time to discuss bills, child care or share some office and neighborhood gossip. Just as you respect their time when they are on the job, you need to convey that your writing is as equally important. You may need to repeat it often and enforce it by ignoring all attempts to distract you. You can put a ‘no disturb sign on the door’, refuse to take calls during your writing time, etc.
If you feel you are not getting the support as in the case of my client, you need to find ways to communicate what you feel is a lack of support. It may be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but it needs to be done. Don’t make excuses. Make opportunities to meet with your words. Your writing is important to you. Treat it as the other important things in your life.
Leave a Reply