Creative Loading: Fueling Up For Your Next Big Idea

In the hilarious “Fun Run” episode of the hit series The Office, Michael “carb-o loads,” as he calls it, before a friendly race with his co-workers. Of course, since this is Michael Scott we’re talking about, there are hilarious-slash-unpleasant results waiting well before the finish line.

But the scene got me to thinking of how we might “carb-o load” for our creative endeavors in addition to our physical ones. Do we take that necessary time to gear up before the marathon race of writing a new book, story, article, report or white paper?

Or, more often than not, do we start mid-stream, without pausing to consider how big of an undertaking starting a new project will be?

I know it’s not always convenient to hit the “pause” button when you’ve got a great new idea germinating in your brain pan, but it’s important to do what I call “creative loading” – the writing version of carb-o loading – before tackling any new project.

So if you’re looking for some cheap, quick, even fun “fuel” for your next creative endeavor, here are some simple tips you can follow to “creative load” and ensure that you don’t run out of steam mid-project:

• Unplug: I say it on my blog(s) all the time, “Step AWAY from the mouse!” Writing a book takes a LONG time. What’s more, since most of us have “day” jobs it takes a lot of creative energy to work all day and then come home at night and write. So for a week or two before you write – or if you can’t wait just a weekend or so – step away from the computer the laptop, the net book or whatever and just… unplug completely. Take a walk, ride your bike, go swimming, take a “stay cation.” It’s okay, your project will be waiting for you when you get back. What’s more, your mind will be clear and ready to focus on your next great idea!

• Have a movie marathon: Maybe you’re getting ready to write a cozy mystery about a bookshop owner who solves crimes in a little Maine town. Now, before you start, would be a great time to go see a few great murder mysteries, or rent some classics, or even some not-so-classics. There’s nothing like watching in your favorite genre to give you “grist for the mill,” so to speak, when it comes time to write your own ideas down on paper.

• Be a bookworm: Read in your genre. If you’re gearing up to write the next business bestseller, grab your favorites and just. Start. Reading. Being in the presence of great business language is super inspiration for writing your own classic business tome.

• Listen actively: Download or grab your favorite CDs and just chill out to some great music that inspires you. Resting your eyes and being inspired by your favorite songs is a great way to “creative load” before your next book. It can also be helpful for the book when it comes time to, you know, actually write? For instance, oftentimes when writing YA, I’ll assign a certain “theme song” to major characters. So, the “bad” guy might sound like Judas Priest, but the good guy might sound like AC/DC. The good girl may sound like Joan Jett – or Katy Perry. You just never know, but music is a great way to visualize characters, mood or place settings, whether you’re writing or just boning up.

• Stock up for the journey: Don’t let the beginning of your new book, article or story be the end of your “creative loading”! When I was writing my young adult novel Zombies Don’t Cry, for instance, whatever YA zombie books I didn’t finish reading before I started writing were right there by my bedside during the process so I could keep my creative motor running. I had pretty much EVERY zombie movie known to man queued up on my Netflix account as well, and even created a playlist on my blog to inspire me while I wrote.

I hope these ideas help; any or all of them. I have learned over time that even when I’m chomping at the bit to get started on a project, the good ones will always wait!

Yours in publishing,

Rusty