As writers, we all push, we all stress we all struggle with plot holes and writer's block. We see the writers around us and become forlorn in our perceived inadequacy. These bouts of doubt are often accompanied by Creative Lows.  Here are a few images from a Chat we recently had on Twitter's Wednesday night group #storysocial hosted by the lovely Kristen Kieffer. 

Question 1  How would you define a creative low? Is it tied to a lack of inspiration, productivity, or motivation? Something else entirely? 

My response: "A1 I think it depends on the writer. For some, the Low is when words won't come, for others, it is a plot hole that creates writer's block. For me personally, I know I am at a creative low when I am writing in a circle, different versions of the same scene over & over."

Question 2 When was the last time you experienced a creative low? What was that experience like for you?

Question 3 Are low periods a natural part of any creative process? Or can a creative low represent a bigger issue in a one's writing life?

Question 4 What steps can a writer take to push through a creative low when it feels like they may be stuck forever?

My Response : "A4 I examine my WIP and all the research but I will admit to completely scrapping a WIP and putting the chapters in my orphan scene notebook. Sometime New Story Smell wears off and you realize that you followed a cactus drunk jackrabbit Muse out into the moonlight."

Question 5 Are there any steps writers can take to avoid falling headfirst into a new creative low? Even if we aren't running on an all-time high, how can we maintain an even creative keel? 

My response : "A5 Don't overdo the push to "get it done". If there is a pause in the story writing, there is a reason. As a writer, we may not realize it or there are IRL factors are drawing a writer's energy away from their WIP. Balance is key between and other life."

For the full threads, check out #StorySocial on Twitter for June 26, 2019.

I hope these help you in someway. Have a blessed day, Mama Magie