Digging Into The Unknown

Last week I wrote about some of the oddest ways writing ideas came my way (in case you were wondering, the bus-riding cowboy is still at large). Again, I want to emphasize this is not always a common occurrence. Especially the cat poop example.

I struggle often to find a spark to fuel new stories, essays or content themes to write about.

I’m committed to a weekly newsletter and hope to work on additional writing projects at the same time. I paused on my (physical) healing journey story as it wasn’t getting much traction. I haven’t tackled other projects for a while. And, as much as I love sharing my creative journey with you, there are many days when I’m stuck on what the next newsletter should be.

This is not a new phenomenon. Those within a writing project (like a novel, article or memoir) may struggle to keep the theme and characters consistent. Posting on social media or a personal blog can also become intimidating.

This is sometimes labelled as a form of writer’s block or creative block. These barriers to creation take place when struggling to tap into an inner creativity. Sadly, several creatives experience these blocks for weeks, even years. It goes beyond not having ideas. It can also encounter and combine with self-doubt, fears, jealousy, burnout and possibly leaving your creative path permanently. A BLOCK requires a deeper conversation I choose to explore another time.

You don't feel blocked, yet a speed bump appears along the creative path - a blip or a stone in the way. Without warning, it throws you into a loop. When you climb over it or go around, somehow this annoying bump remains. Similar to the black cat in the 1999 blockbuster movie “The Matrix.” Yes, it’s the same black cat. The blip is a glitch. And there is no spoon… I mean, spark, to work your way out.

A year ago I heard the metaphor “digging for diamonds” to describe seeking ideas. It has stuck with me. I like the idea and visualization that, as creatives and creators, we are always striving for the best. And a diamond is the best of the best. Yet, it isn’t lying on the road waiting for us to pick it up. They hide from us. We must seek them out. We need to DIG into the unknown for these diamonds.

How do we start digging? Start with some tools. Explore others. There are various “shovels” out there. Each one works in different ways. Keep it simple, especially if it’s your first dig. I will commonly use:

• Reading (books, articles)

• Podcasts

• Conversations with other creatives

• Freewriting

• Revisiting old writing (projects) or journals

Where and how we dig is not as important as the act of digging itself. Be open to any outcome - the results are not always what is expected or wanted. There are many gems on this vast planet. You may dig up a ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst, or other gems and never find a diamond. Or you end up with a rock or a lump of coal. Is the rock or coal worthless? Can we not rub two rocks together to create a SPARK? Can’t we use coal for a fire? Don’t be quick to devalue or dismiss any discoveries along the way.

Digging is exhausting, especially when nothing appears from the rubble for long periods. When other shovels don’t work, there is another tool I plan to use more often.

Breathing.

When I take a deep breath, everything around me stops. I am in the moment. I am taking a break from all that physical brain work. After I recenter, I see gems more clearly when I go back to the dig site.

When creative ideas don’t immediately come your way, grab a shovel and go digging. It may not come easy, and it is always a surprise what is dug up. It’s fine to use your own hands to escape the loop.

When you remove The Matrix cat out of the way of your creative path, remember to follow your gut and believe in yourself. No amount of digging (for ideas, word counts, themes, characters or more) will matter if you don’t believe in what you are creating. Even a rock that seems plain at first can shine bright in the right scenario.

Wishing you lots of treasures on your next dig, fellow creators.

Naddy / Nadine