Wednesday, May 18, 2016

When the Well Runs Dry by Mindy Obenhaus



Sometimes, it's just hard to get going, whether we're beginning a project or in the middle of one. Today, author Mindy Obenhaus provides a major tip to sparking that creativity. -- Sandy

Mindy: Writers are a creative lot. We create characters and story lines from a spark of an idea. But there are times when it feels as though you have to fight for every word. Or maybe the words aren’t coming at all. That’s when you know it’s time to step away from the computer and allow yourself to explore other avenues of creativity.

An inherent need to create.
Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:27 tells us that, “God created mankind in His own image.” Therefore, if we were created in God’s image and He created everything, that tells me we were made to create. Still, what are we to do when the creative well runs dry?

Explore new things.
Creativity comes in so many different forms. I have a son who loves working with wood. Logs, to be exact. He can take a plain old log and turn it into a work of art. My oldest daughter repurposes furniture. Recently I attended a workshop she presented on distressing furniture. Guess what that’s inspired me to do? Yep, nearly every piece of furniture in my house is now a candidate.

I have a friend who enjoys making beautiful cards and another who loves to crochet. Me, I like to create in the kitchen or break out a can of paint and transform a room.

There are so many things out there. Everything from scrapbooking to restoring vintage cars. Why not explore something new?

Creativity gives birth to creativity.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to step away from the computer, gone on to do something else and then BANG! Suddenly I’ve got dialog running through my head. Or the scene that seemed impossible to write is now clear as a bell. The well is no longer dry and the floodgates have opened.

Now it’s your turn.
 

How do you get creative? When your brain feels clogged and the words just won’t come, how do you get your creative juices flowing again? 

 

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It took Mindy Obenhaus forty years to figure out what she wanted to do when she grew up. But once God called her to write, she never looked back. She’s passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. Mindy is a two-time finalist for American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award. She lives in Texas with her husband and kids. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. Find more at www.MindyObenhaus.com.