Issue #32: Hit a Wall? Run Around It.

We all have to come up with ideas sometimes. And if you’re like me, it’s all the time. 

But what do you do when you feel you’ve hit a creative wall? When you’ve juiced your brain of every possible idea you could squeeze out of it?

Because I’m a copywriter by trade, I have to concept and write a lot for other brands. And after I’ve mustered the courage I need to face the dreaded blank page, I’m left with a hearty list of ideas. 

Then a sneaking fear hits me. Always quiet at first, but then it gets louder. 

I’m gonna need to do another round of this. Maybe more… What if I’m all out of ideas? What if this was the best I could do?

​I know that the first thoughts are usually beatable. But if I’m being honest, I fear that I won’t be able to generate more. That this is the best I can muster. That I’ll dig and dig for something, anything, and my mind will become infertile soil, producing nothing of substance.

But that has not happened. 

What helps me in these moments? Taking a break, for sure. When I know I have to brainstorm more after pouring my all into the first session, I’ll stop writing. I put my pen down and then go outside. I listen to music. I do some small chores. Maybe read or talk to another person. I let my mind wander and ask “What if?” at the objects and activities around me. I become a focused observer. Because it turns out that all of those actions are like putting fertilizer back in the soil of your imagination. 

So when I sit down to crank out another round, something in my head unlocks, and the ideas flow once again. Are they all great? No. But they are something. And experience has taught me that something “meh” can lead to something “wow.” 

And who am I to shoo away any inspiration?

Writing Updates: 
OMG omg, you guys…Jon has finished coloring! 

​Me when Jon announced he found the golden ticket….I mean, finished the last page. 

He focused and was ruthless with his schedule this summer, aiming to color two pages each day. Here’s a video of him grinding for the past two months. 

If you supported our comic on Crowdfundr, stay tuned for more updates and outreach as we get this book finalized and ready to send to the printer! 

Current Read: Wired for Story, by Lisa Cron

​Lisa Cron does a fantastic job of breaking down how we can make our stories more engaging, using psychology and brain science. Not only does she address common mistakes writers make, but she also provides examples of good writing that underscore her insights. And she does it in a way that is super conversational, approachable, and clear. We can all appreciate that.

If you're writing or thinking of writing a story, this is a great book to read before diving in. And if you’ve already written a draft (or two…or six…)—or even gotten several books published—this book is STILL helpful. 

Pet Pics: 

Lilo and Amelie having an important post-breakfast meeting, discussing meals, nap times, and treats. 

Finn finds the oddest places to nap. This time, he chose a partly-finished puzzle. When it comes to self care, I guess he doesn’t like seeing the bigger picture. 

Sanity Corner:
Ever since my kids did distance learning, I’ve noticed a profound level of dependence on devices and an aversion to boredom. Everything they want to do (other than sports) is on a device, and it’s a reality I know many other parents these days struggle with. 

But there’s one activity they’ve rediscovered this summer: puzzles. During device-free periods—which we require even on these long summer days—they’ve started solving puzzles together, working on them little by little on the coffee table.

Here’s their current puzzle. I honestly love this so much. The quiet focus it takes. The peaceful camaraderie required to finish. I 10/10 recommend you try one on your own or with your loved ones. 

Fun fact: I worked as a preschool teaching assistant during college, working with 2.5-4 year olds. My supervisor was a strong supporter of puzzles to help kids learn and develop so many important skills (focus, perseverance, problem-solving, etc.). I never did a formal study on the impact of puzzles, but I can attest to their positive effect on the little ones. 

That’s all for June. Thank you so much for reading. I’ll be in touch again soon. 

Feel free to share this little newsletter with a friend and/or a favorite frenemy! :)

Take care,
Desi