On writing as a garden
instead of a factory
Today I was supposed to write my writing diary for February, but as I sat at my desk, staring at the little cursor as rain hammered against the window, I realized I had something else to say.
Sometimes things take time. The world we’re in now moves at an almost frenetic pace and we feel, as artists, that we have to match it. I say this as someone who used to pride herself on being able to write fast and produce a lot, who had endless wells of energy and ideas to pull from. That’s simply not the case anymore, and it’s been a real lesson in un-learning and re-learning what I need now.
Take this book I’ve been working on. I could write it faster, I’m sure. But I’m not, because I have a book launch next week and then international travel after and its not like my personal life has slowed down at all in the midst of all this writing.
The world won’t stop for you, so you need to stop for yourself. For your art. For the creativity inside you that wants to come to life, if only you gave it enough space and time and silence to do so.
We've internalized this notion that creativity must be efficient, productive, quantifiable. But the books that have most changed me and effected me the most as a reader weren't written in a breathless sprint. They were crafted with intention, with space for the author to wander down unexpected paths, to double back, to sit in silence when necessary.
So I'm giving myself permission to write slow right now. To trust that this story will be here for me even if I take my time and value myself as much as my productivity.
Maybe you need this reminder too, so here it is.
Your creativity isn't a factory.
It's a garden – sometimes dormant, sometimes blooming, always alive with possibility. Honor its seasons.
What season is your creative garden in right now? Have you ever given yourself permission to slow down? Let me know below. 🌸
If you’re curious about the books I’ve written, you can learn more here! I’ve written a fantasy romance trilogy and a cozy rom-com with a touch of magic.
My newest book, MAYA IN MULTICOLOR is out NEXT WEEK!! You can add it on Goodreads here and preorder your copy of MAYA here.
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Maya in Multicolor | The Boyfriend Wish | The Tiger at Midnight trilogy |
this is such a good reminder, esp because a lot (well-meaning) writing advice does tend to ignore writing as an art. everything's about finishing the first draft, hitting the goals, getting the querying done. i think taking a step back to accept writing as an art and an ultimately joyful process is soo important.
"The world won’t stop for you, so you need to stop for yourself." This!! Such a necessary reminder!