Kendra Leigh Castle: Refilling the Well

Of all the truths about becoming a published writer, there's one that is widely acknowledged but rarely spoken of.  It's simply this: as important and all-consuming as the work can be, sometimes, you just have to veg out.

Working authors are busy creatures, and in the digital age, it seems like we've only gotten busier.  We tweet, facebook, blog and pin, all while dealing with at least one work-in-progress, along with the usual regimen of edits, copyedits, galley proofs, promotion...it's an unending cycle.  Many of us also have families, which means you can add a layer of guilt on top of all this as we try to keep some sort of balance in our lives.  I've got three kids, all  between the ages of seven and twelve, and I always feel like I should be doing something other than what I'm doing at any given moment, no matter what I'm focusing on.  I would imagine some writers are more relaxed, but I'm naturally kind of a spaz.

In any case, sometimes there is a blissful lull, a point in time where there is no looming deadline, no pressing paperwork.  Things are humming along, life is good, and you might actually be able to—dare I say it?—relax.  And as hard as it might be to step away from the computer, I've found that forcing myself into some downtime is something I absolutely need to do for myself.  It's when I pause, breathe, and refill the well.

What's the well?  It's that impossibly deep conduit into the most creative part of yourself, bringing ideas to the surface.  I firmly believe that everyone has a creative well, writer or no.  And anyone can have it run dry once in a while.  It can happen at any time.  In the middle of writing a book, even.  Which in turn creates that lovely thing we know as "writer's block."  I've been there, in that place where you feel like you will never have another original thought again, where pages remain stubbornly blank.  It's ugly.

Over the years, I've found a few things that help me when the ideas aren't flowing like they should be, or when I have some of those precious days of downtime.  Everybody's different, of course, but if you're curious about what a stress case of a writer does to stay sane and productive, here's what works for me.

Read.  I admit, this is easier said than done for me sometimes.  When I've been staring at words for weeks or months, it's not unusual for me to want to run away from the written word completely.  And it takes more for me to get lost in a story, because I look at the construction of a story like...well, a writer.  But I still love being able to vanish into someone else's world.  And finding a story that totally blows me away is such a wonderful gift that I always have a hefty TBR pile to dip into, things I want to try.  That's the wonder of a good story...it's a trip, a vacation, experienced wholly in your head.  And I firmly believe we all need those little escapes sometimes, which is why I'll always be a reader.  And speaking as a writer, a good book can teach you a few things about craft even when you have no idea you're learning as you enjoy the story.

Listen to Music.  Not everyone is a music junkie, but I am and always have been.  My iPod is stuffed, and hunting for new music is one of my great pleasures.  Sometimes, just flopping somewhere with headphones on, or even listening to music while you're driving around, can get the creative juices flowing again, can reenergize or soothe you...whatever you need. 

Go Outside.  Fresh air is magical stuff.  Seriously.  Walking can blow the dust out of a tired brain, but so can simply sitting and listening to birds, or people watching.  Nature: it's good for you!

Watch a favorite movie.  We all have keepers, the comfort foods of the cinematic world.  You can disappear into a good movie just as easily as you can a good book, and if you're a visual person (I am), this can be just the ticket.  Sometimes, I need a good Lord of the Rings marathon.  And I always feel better afterwards.

Reconnect.  With family, that is, or friends.  I don't think I'm unusual in that sometimes it's difficult for me to really be fully present in my house, even when I'm physically there.  I have a busy brain.  I'm easily distracted.  But making the effort to stop and enjoy the people and animals around you is worth a lot when you're trying to re-center yourself.  It sounds easy, but for me, it isn't always so easy...simply being present, right there in the moment.  Loved ones can be a wonderful balm to a weary spirit.

Unplug.  I've gotten so I periodically take breaks from social media.  It's hard to get away from, between all the gadgets I have around here, but it's too easy to get sucked in and then waste a bunch of time with nothing to show for it but tired eyes.  I love people, and I love interacting.  But vacations from the digital world can be awfully liberating.  And it's lovely to remember you can do things besides type.

So that's what I do when I need to refill the well.  They all seem like simple common sense, but you should see me try to peel myself away from my desk.  It's not always so easy.  I'd love to hear what you do when you need to recharge!  Tell me about it in the comments.  I'll be here all day, and I've got a signed copy of my new release, Shadow Rising, to give away.  Thanks for having me here, and happy reading...and relaxing!  

Kendra Leigh Castle is the author of the Dark Dynasties series from Forever Romance, as well as several other paranormal romances with Harlequin and Sourcebooks.  She lives in Maryland with her husband, three kids, and menagerie of pets.  Kendra can be found at www.kendraleighcastle.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

***Kendra's winner is Rose_Wardell!  Please email totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your mailing details.  Thanks!***