I’m under deadline. Actually, I’m under multiple deadlines. I try hard to space those darn things out but sometimes stuff happens and they get jammed up like bumper cars. Add in Real Life responsibilities, and…well…writing becomes a grind. And when it does, this happens:

You’re right, Silver, too much self-discipline will discourage your playful, wandering imagination. It’ll snuff out the flames of inspiration and creativity. And it’ll weigh you down with routines and logic. It simply isn’t “spiritual.”

But, then, neither is too little.

Tallyho,
The Universe
© http://www.tut.com ®

Just think what you know to think, say what you know to say, and do what you know to do, Silver. Every day, lots and lots.

While craft is important to writing fiction, imagination takes a much bigger part of the pie. I’ve discussed Iffy, my Muse, before. She sulks in closets, wants to waste time looking at pictures, demands chocolate, and generally refuses to go to work when I most need her, but more than willing to nudge me at the worst possible times. Like in the middle of the night. Or when I’m driving. Or at a T-Ball game. I’m trying to get better about the care and feeding of Iffy, especially when I’m stressed because of those darn deadlines. The Universe may be on to something. I’m going to think, say, and do today. And tomorrow. And the day after. And I’ll hit my deadlines.

What about y’all? How do you stay encouraged and creative when the deadlines in life loom?