Whether we’re writing full-time, part-time, or in whatever random gaps we might get in-between work and family, the one thing no writer can do without is time to refill the well.
We are not machines. We cannot write novel after novel without a break and expect it to have no detrimental effect on our writing health. While a full well fuels and inspires new ideas and productivity, an empty one can mean the exact opposite—a lack of inspiration and motivation which can often lead to a lack of focus, words, and all-around frustration.
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| copyright: Keri Arthur |
So, how do we go about refilling our wells?
The best way to do that is to find a side passion—something else that’s creatively or mentally stimulating you can do at least a couple of times a week. Many people recommend reading, but while that is a damn good option for some, it just doesn’t work for me. I’m at the computer screen all day staring at words; the last thing I need is to be staring at words on a tablet or even in a book.
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| copyright: Keri Arthur |
What does work for me is combining two passions—walking and photography. I walk every day in a vague effort to keep fit, but, as those who follow my personal page know, I take an awful lot of photographs during those walks. Most of the time, they’re nothing special—just a random something that caught my eye, like a pretty rose, a sunrise, or a lovely old tree. The subject doesn’t matter; it’s more about getting my mind’s eye off words and looking for photo possibilities. And honestly? The best way I’ve found to unstick a scene is to go out for a walk or jump in the car and drive somewhere to grab some photographs. It’s amazing what the muse can come up with if you’re not putting any pressure on her—even if that means getting up at ungodly hours to get the perfect sunrise (still searching for that one).
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| copyright: Keri Arthur |
Other creative ways to refill the well would be: drawing, sewing, visiting gardens or museums, wandering along a beach, or simply sitting in a café and people-watching. It doesn’t really matter, as long as you’re taking a few minutes of personal time at least once or twice a week to look after your creative and mental health.
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| copyright: Keri Arthur |
Remember, creativity is not a machine, and neither are you.
So, what do you do to refill the well? Let’s chat!
Latest Release
Bia's Blade
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer...
Bethany Aodhán is not only a reluctant relic hunter for Deva’s Fae Council, but also a major “chess piece” in the latest round of godly games. When a fallen storm goddess tasks her with finding Bia’s Blade—a godly weapon capable of bringing anyone under the control of its wielder—she knows danger will once again stalk her.
As if that was not enough to deal with, the council hands her a second mission—find the person who, with the help of another godly relic, broke into one of the most secure banks in all of England to steal a handful of documents.
It soon becomes clear that the person behind the break-in is after the same thing Beth is—the location of Carla Wilson, the second-in-command of the Ninkilim.
But things become more complicated when she receives confirmation that someone close to her works for the enemy. What she doesn’t know is how far they will go to fulfill their contract.
And whether it really even matters.
Because Carla Wilson has finally had enough of Bethany’s interference, and is now determined to bring her under total control… with the help of Bia’s Blade.
Keri Arthur
Keri Arthur, author of the New York Times bestselling Riley Jenson Guardian series, has now written more than 25 books. She's received several nominations in the Best Contemporary Paranormal category of the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards and recently won RT's Career Achievement Award for Urban Fantasy. She lives with her daughter in Melbourne, Australia.
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