Your Imagination
Writing is hard, absolutely, but it’s also fun, right? Otherwise we wouldn’t put ourselves through such angst. 🙂
But when we’re in the thick of self-doubt, it can be hard to remember why we started in the first place. So think back to that moment. Something grabbed a hold of you and didn’t let go. What got you so excited?
For me, it’s the idea of retellings. I love myths, legends, fairy tales, and supernatural lore because it’s rife with possibilities. Taking bits and pieces of what we know and weaving it into something new is fascinating. When I remember the thrill I got thinking through angel lore for my young adult fantasy Evangeline’s Heaven or creating a fairy tale world for my adult fantasy The Fairy Tale Fringe Festival, I’m reminded of the joy I get from writing. It helps propel me forward.
I don’t stop at reminiscing either. I love coming up with new ideas. I love the spark and excitement about new characters, a new premise, a new world. Yes, there’s a danger of abandoning your current story because, well, brainstorming can be easier. So yes, control your ideas instead of allowing them to control you, but it’s okay to take a break. I have a half-dozen journals, each with a different story idea. I may or may not ever follow through with any of them, but that’s not the point. The point? It’s fun to run around in my imagination. 🙂 Why not explore yours, too?