On Writing a Book: Creativity Unmasked

I always thought my first book would be a novel.

For many years, the titles and first sentences of my imaginary books kept popping into my head. Ohhhh, they were so good. But as quickly as they entered my conscious awareness, they dissipated; ever ephemeral.

I imagined I would be one of those tormented writers locked up in some dimly lit room, dishes piling up in the sink, caught by the muse writing into the wee hours of the night. Dear friends would drop by to bring me meals and keep food in the house. Maybe someone would even come over to clean up after me. Well, that was my imagination.

The truth is, I don't seem to be able to leave dishes in the sink for very long. Practical matters need attending to, and I may be on an island, but I am certainly not looked away in a room. However, I do try to keep my social life rather still. The quality of my writing and ability to jump into that creative flow lasts for three hours, at most. I lose my focus and ability to write anything worth reading after that.

The creative process is just that; a process unfolding.

I thought I was writing a pamphlet to go with my Enneagram Typing Cards.

The pamphlet began to morph into a workbook and somewhere along the way the workbook became a book/workbook/journal.

Each step of the way, the book revealed itself to me, almost as if it is its own entity with its own voice and form.

Every time I thought I was just about done with the book, a new angle on what I was writing unveiled itself and asked to be included.

And I loved having my expectations violated in a positive way!

My creative bursts come after spending time in nature alone. I walk, let my mind wander, and allow impressions to form while taking in the beauty around me; sights, sounds smells. Softening my viewing, expanding my peripheral vision, and luxuriating in the moment all opens my in-sight and my listening to the thought forms waiting to be heard.

Other times, my in-sights are triggered by an article, a talk, or in a juicy conversation with a friend.

The process is both amazing and frustrating.

I want to complete the book--get it out into the world--birth it.

But it has not been ready. It begged me to round out its edges, dig a little deeper, shine the light a little brighter, take a bigger risk.

Soon. Wait. Now? Yes, it is ready and the time is right. Now.

With elation, I am launching the book on March 29, just a few days from now.

I followed my creative impulses from start to finish.

And you? What has your creative process been like? What inspires your creativity? What helps you get into a creative flow? I'd love to hear.