I’ve been feeling creatively stuck for a while now.
There’s just too much *waves hands* life happening around me and far too little mental space for creative work.
I have many emotions about this — anger, sadness, frustration, guilt, resignation, grace and self-compassion (on good days).
As I slowly crawl my way back towards a vibrant creative writing practice, I’ve been re-reading some of my favorite fantasy novels. First I devoured the Stariel series by AJ Lancaster. Now I’m making my way through T. Kingfisher’s World of the White Rat. These are the books I’d bring with me if I were stuck on a deserted island, and I love them so, so much.
Revisiting my favorite stories is not a cure-all for my stuckness. It is, however, an essential reminder — no matter what, good stories are still possible. This work is still possible. I may feel stuck for now, but I know I still want this for myself.
I’ll come unstuck when I’m ready. In the meantime, my favorite stories help me replenish my creative well.
I can feel the water slowly rising, drop by precious drop.