Struggling to Nurture Your Creative Self?
By Mary Kole
Mary Kole is a former literary agent, freelance editor, writing teacher, author of Writing Irresistible Kidlit, and IP developer for major publishers, with over a decade in the publishing industry.
Aspiring writers often focus the most on getting their work published, but overlook the importance of nurturing their creative selves. It's crucial to understand that the writing journey is a continuous process of learning and growing, rather than the pursuit of one destination (publication). In this article, I’ll delve into what it means to have a creative self and the kind of mindset that will help you nurture it, as well as some of the highs and lows you might experience along the way.
Defining the Creative Self
What does it mean to have a creative self? This means embracing your own unique voice and perspective, while avoiding comparing yourself to others (I know, I know, easier said than done). It also means becoming open to learning, exploring new ideas, and taking risks with your writing, regardless of what the publishing market is doing. One of the most important things you can do to nurture your creative self is to give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them. Many aspiring writers want to “nail it” on the first try, but this focus on perfection and output will hinder you in the long run. You should be developing yourself as a creative writer, not just the producer of one specific project.
Wrapping Your Creative Self in a Thick Skin
As you embark on your writing journey, it's important to remember that rejection is part of the process. This can be difficult on your creative self and identity as a writer. You may face rejection from literary agents, traditional publishers, and readers (especially if you self-publish your work), but it's essential not to take it personally. Instead, view writing feedback as an opportunity to improve your craft and take those insights to your next project. Use rejections as fuel to drive you to become a better writer, rather than letting them discourage you.
The Creative Self on a Time Budget
One of the biggest challenges many writers face is finding time to actually sit down and write. It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of everyday life, but it's crucial to make writing a priority, or your creative self may wither on the vine. This doesn’t mean blocking out hours every day—that’s impossible for many of us and will only lead to frustration and shame when you can’t meet such a lofty goal. Even fifteen minutes a day or half an hour on the weekends can make a difference. Set realistic goals for yourself and be consistent. Research shows that it can take up to a month of persistent effort to install a new habit. Over time, you'll make progress and feel more accomplished. Consider also focusing on the quality of your output, rather than the quantity. If you’re proud of a creative writing piece, that’s more significant than the word count you were able to achieve in that session.
Community and the Creative Self
The writing journey can also be isolating and discouraging. It's easy to feel like you're the only one struggling with a particular aspect of your writing, but it's important to remember that you're not alone. Join writing groups or critique partner communities online or in person, and seek out feedback on your work. Having a supportive writing community can make a huge difference in your motivation and your growth as a writer, not to mention your creative self and sense of identity as an artist. Barring this, you can also get writing notes from a freelance editor who specializes in your category and genre.
The writing journey is a complex and rewarding process that requires dedication, patience, and an open mind. You wouldn’t be doing it if you weren’t already passionate about the craft. To nurture your own creative self, it's important to focus on the journey rather than the destination. Embrace your unique voice, learn from rejection, make writing a priority, even if it’s for fifteen minutes every few days, and seek out a supportive community. Remember that the writing journey is a continuous process of learning and growth, and that each step along the way is an opportunity to draw closer to your artistic dreams.
Ready to expand your writing and publishing knowledge? Covering a wide range of topics for all stages of the writing process, my books will help you navigate the publishing world and refine your craft. The publishing landscape is constantly evolving, and I’m always looking for new and innovative resources to help writers succeed.