A See-Saw Of Creativity

Does this sound similar to any book or story you’ve read before?

If not, and you’re intrigued to read more, stay tuned.

It’s my story. Publishing date - TBD.

This story synopsis was created after a vivid dream I woke from and journaled about on August 10th. The cryptic love story/mystery played out in my mind like a motion picture movie all day. Ok, maybe one of those Hallmark TV specials… I can't tell. Either way, as the story developed, I wrote the first draft of a synopsis. 

This story idea took me by surprise. I haven’t been motivated to write fiction in a long time. And I do NOT write romance mumbo jumbo (at least I hadn’t until two weeks ago). It’s not my writing style. Yet each day since the dream, I’ve been pleased with the mushy fictional romance.

Each day I take some time to think about the plot and the characters. Sometimes I write the story. On other days, I research certain elements impacting the plot.  There have been a few days when I only thought about the story for a few minutes and did nothing else. I am happy with my commitment to only think about this story daily. Anything more (whether research, outlining, or chopping out ideas no longer serving the developing plot) is a bonus.

There are many great debates online about writers who label themselves as plotters (outlining every detail of a story before writing), pantsers (flying by the seat of their pants) or plantsers (a combination of both).  Is one better than the other? Is a writer more successful when they take a side or clearly define their writing style? 

I visualize this new story idea and process at a playground with a see-saw (or teeter-totter). I have no preference on which side of the see-saw I am on, nor do I stress about it. I can outline parts of the story one day, write freely another day, or do a bit of both on a separate day (stand in the centre and tip both sides).  

There are other days when I simply don't play. I stand aside and think… about romance (ugh!)

How can I be satisfied on days when I write nothing for this story, you may ask?

I have always sought a more fluid system for goals, intentions and routines. For the past 934 days, I wrote “something.”  I had no word count or fixed number of pages attached to my initial daily writing intention. It became a routine and has stuck because it is achievable and expandable as I require day by day. 

Writing daily established a foundation for more specific writing intentions. I am leaning towards habit-building as a key to accomplishing intentions. I can now separate routines of daily writing and story ideations.

With a more fluid, intentional routine, I can write as little or as much as I want and still feel a sense of accomplishment.  Every day is an accomplishment because the creative process for this story is always taking place.  

Many people won’t understand this method. I am still figuring it out as I go and enjoy learning new ways to work creatively. I know in my gut a book is in my future. Yet, I don't want to live in the future. I want to enjoy the journey. The only way to do this is to live in the present moment and take it day by day. I am motivated by these characters to continue thinking about them.  They are blooming with me each day. It’s been a fun (and funny!) way to write.

While I have been making lots of notes on my characters, scenes, plot twist ideas, and any research I’ve done for this idea, I am not even sure if I will ever write this story in its entirety. Will it become a novel? It could evolve into something different. Instead of surrendering to limited beliefs (worrying about the “what-ifs” and “I’ll never’s”), I will try this new approach to creating and allow it to bloom in its own way. 

As creatives, it is important to find routines that work best. Plots, pants and plants are not the end goal. Whether your methods are concrete, fluid, or anything else, the best routines should not harm your creative processes and outputs. Follow your gut, experiment, and see what habits or routines work for your style and specific project. Creative experimentation takes time. Give yourself permission to explore, pivot and change course when necessary.

I spent 2022 and 2023 with a focus on personal essays and poems. I had strong outlines in advance for personal essays, whereas poems were completely freestyle. This year I am leaning back into fiction, an avenue I haven’t written in decades, and playing around with both pants and plots.

Kira, Kyle, and Sandra may eventually join Denise and many other characters inside the writing side of my brain and hibernate forever. At the moment, I am excited about exploring their story and their world out of my brain and onto pages. If this process works, I can refine it later when other stories or ideas come my way. One day, I hope to find the courage to convince Denise to leave my brain, too. 

Explore and enjoy the process, fellow creatives.

Nadine