Try Another Medium to Find Flow
When you have created in one medium for a long time and it feels dried up, then try a different method. This applies to creatives across the board. This suggestion is a sound one for a few reasons. First, creating something out of the box helps to invigorate an art. For example, both poetry and flash fiction use compressed language. Using one form, then switching to another sharpens the imagery. Next, it creates a kind of curiosity to learn more about the other medium and how to work with it effectively. Finally, it feels good to have positive experiences with a new medium and the results of the creative process.
Ask for Help with New Genre
When trying something new, ask for help to move ahead into flow faster. I over-wrote my first flash fiction piece for an anthology, which ran right up to the 750-word limit. I thought I needed every single word, because the genre is so short. After the piece was accepted with the condition that I condense the ending, I accepted and asked for help. The piece was brought down to nearly 500 words with the help of one of the editors.
From the experience, I learned to accept literary criticism and expert editorial advice to make my craft grow. The Dance, is the second to last piece in The Collection: Flash Fiction for Flash Memory. The pieces are meant to be read by many audiences, but specifically those suffering from memory loss. Interested in purchasing a copy? See more here at: https://anchalastudios.weebly.com/
Your Turn
Take out your journal. For 15 minutes, write a stream-of-consciousness entry to the following prompt: The best way to tell you this is to write a __________________. Then, simply write whatever comes to your mind. Afterwards, circle the forms that are revealed in your answer. Choode one and try it over the weekend.
Tomorrow, we begin a 28-day look at connecting to creative flow through self-care. It makes sense now, doesn’t it? Caring for your physical body is necessary to grow a body of work. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Here’s to growing your flow,
Marisa