words and pictures: the lab report

introduction

If you’ve been following along for a while you’ll know that I’ve been focusing on a writing (and drawing) series called words & pictures.
 
I’ve been notified by the Bureau of Inspiration that this series is now finito, and it is time to move onto something new. 
 
That new something is an upcoming series called travel tales.

But first, the lab report...

This is for anyone who wants to write. If that is you, make sure you read this right to the end, because there's something there for you. 

hypothesis

At the beginning of this series I included a quote from Steven Pressfield, about how creativity doesn’t originate from us. Rather inspiration comes through us as channels. So our job is simply to show up and do the work. When we do we magnetise ourselves and attract ideas like 'iron filings'. 

So the aim of this for me was to charge myself up like a human shaped antenna, tuned to receive creative inspiration. 
 

materials

a6 sketch book
h pencil
0.1 black liner
computer
stovetop espresso
coffee cup 

participants

me
you

method

I allocate a set time each day to write. Otherwise I procrastinate and send it to the bottom of my list of priorities. Early morning is generally my designated writing time. I wake up, meditate, brew coffee, then I sit down and write before the world or the kids wake up.
 
I put my headphones in and choose some ambient music to block out any external sounds and help me dive completely into the writing vortex.
 
Throughout the week I email myself story ideas so I have a folder full of inspiration. If I don’t do this, the ideas disappear.  
 
Each story in this series actually started with the picture. I mostly did these in the afternoons or at night because that's when my brain is geared for that brand of creativity.

I sketch out in pencil, then go over the lines in black ink and add a splash of watercolour – which I love, because it’s a bit unpredictable.
 
When it’s time to write the story, I sit the drawing in front of me and wait. I mostly have almost no idea what story the picture wants to tell. It writes itself as I sit there and move my fingers over the keyboard. 
 
Some days I only have enough time to get half a page out before it’s time to get some breakfast into the kids, or start work for the day. So each story might take me two or three days to get it to the point of being ready for other eyes.
 
Once I’m happy(ish) with it I put the picture and the words into an email and send it to my subscribers.

(If you’re not subscribed, you can do that here.)

I say 'ish' because I've learnt to let go of perfectionism. Done is better than perfect.
 
Then I feel equal parts fulfilled and satisfied with having made something and also some trepidation, particularly when I’m sharing something personal. 
 
And then a few days later I will publish it on my blog for the general public. 

results

At the beginning of the series getting up earlier than usual was hard, and the writing loomed ahead like a chore. But it didn't take long to get into the swing of it. Quickly I shifted to looking forward to the morning ritual of a quiet world, coffee and writing.

And I did feel I became creatively magnetised... the more I wrote, the more ideas I had and the easier it was to write them. 
 
And then I went on a five day hike and didn’t write at all. It was wonderful for so many reasons, but it derailed the creative charge and took me a couple of weeks to get back into the rhythm.
 
Beginning again is of course available in every single moment so it was definitely well worth the forest time, but it did at first feel a bit like going back to the gym after a long time away… My writing muscles had quickly gone soft and my brain told my body it would be much better to stay in bed than get up and write.
 
It reminded me that simply waking up, sitting down and having the intention to write is all that matters… The writing comes when a space is made for it.
 
Not only that, it grows into an ever present energy all through the day.

The other thing that happened was messages from readers... And not just from my mum telling me she was my number 1 fan!

Terry said, "How the hell did you read my mind, and then tell me about it?"

Judy said, "All your writings are beautiful and always have a little gem inside, however this one really touched me."

Peter said, "I needed that - while not the same as being there it let me 'be there'."

Julie said, "You have helped me hugely because our liquid amber tree had beautiful coloured leaves turning glorious colours when I read your story."

discussion

Why does writing or any form of creativity matter? I mean it’s not making money, saving lives, etc so why do it? Is it worthwhile? 
 
Yes, hell yes I say!
 
For me it brings a sense of achievement and fulfillment. When I write I feel happy and useful. It has nothing to do with the quality of my writing. It’s more a feeling of being an object with a purpose... Like a shovel is for digging and a spoon is for eating.

I think there is something very intrinsically human about any form of creativity... For the sake of itself and the process.

We are currently in a time of complete obsession with money, continual economic growth and consuming our planet as though there is no tomorrow.

And right now all that seems to be coming to a grinding halt.

Change can be scary and uncomfortable. Honestly I'm not much of a fan of it, but it can mean a fresh start and that's good news - the world needs it.

One really nice thing that has come out of this strange period in human history is more time - to create.

And also time to remember the important things - like human connection… I’ve loved the feeling of connection with my readers throughout this series.

Reminds me of that scene from the movie Reality Bites when Troy (Ethan Hawke) says to Lelaina (Winona Ryder),  

“This is all we need.

A couple of smokes, a cup of coffee, and a little bit of conversation.

You and me and 5 bucks.”

that something for you I mentioned... 

During the process of writing this series I've had conversations with readers who have told me that they have a book or a story they want to write.

If this is you, it can really help to bounce ideas with someone so that you can do something magical - start. And then make a plan to keep going and do something else magical - finish.  

So, I would like to offer you a someone to bounce a something writing idea off of...

If you know it's time to start and you'd like to take me up on this, lemme know.

Leonie x