(I promise this is a positive post!) 2 minute read - 555 words
It’s raining where I am today. Perfect weather in my opinion for writing, however, I’ve been pondering something I read recently from another writer. It was referring to a low period in his life that halted his writing, and how he likened it to a dreary rainy day. It’s all about life’s little ups and downs and how ‘a rainy period in one’s life’ effects the writing flow – in other words, being bitten by writer’s block.

I’m in the depths of writing my fourth novel and when the flow is working, the process is seamless. However, this isn’t always the case. A little thing called ‘Life’ can happen and sometimes can throw all sorts of spanners in the works. I’ve seen it happen to people close to me, and yes, sometimes things happen in my life that take my attention away from my writing…so I thought I would put my thoughts on paper as they may help someone out there!

The other writer was referring to an unexpected upheaval that overturned all manner of inspiration and therefore the words were just too hard to come by. He was referring to a rainy period in his life. Quite the opposite of how I see an actual rainy day as inspiring.

I was considering this writer’s agony and realised it’s a universal feeling that we must still carry on no matter what life throws at us. The basic requirement is, you still need to get the inspiration and write those words. Right?

But how do you do that when you’re in a rainy period?

Using the emotions that arise at any given life circumstance is a fantastic way to make use of inspiration for writing.

As an added incentive to keep moving forward, I personally also use the tools of a foundation based in my meditation practice as a positive influence. I feel that this approach to writing may just help that other writer, or anyone for that matter if you’re faced with a little ‘rainy period’ in your life.

When you are trying to move forward in writing your novel which can sometimes be a very lonely journey – look at your writing practice just like a meditation.

Each word you place on the page is like an inhale. Each sentence that forms from these words is like an exhale. Soon enough, all those inhales (words) and exhales (sentences) form together allowing a simple flow of connectedness. Before you know it, a paragraph is formed as it connects all those sentences.  Then, as you repeat this process, allowing each word, sentence and paragraph to flow, you find yourself completing a chapter. Then a new chapter starts (new beginning) and the process begins again. All the while, you are gaining momentum, working through your ‘rainy period’ and soon enough the sun will start to shine, and your story will be finished!

I urge you to try it. There is absolutely nothing to lose, but so much positivity to gain.

One word at a time.

All my love,
Gillian

PS…For those of you who know how much I love when synchronicity strikes…I literally finished writing this blog and then turned on my Spotify music and surprise, surprise ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by The Beatles started playing. All is good 😊

Since my books were published, I find that people I meet want to talk books with me all the time. If the conversation isn’t about my own books, then it will be about the books they are reading, or they ask me what I’m reading. Some people might remember a scene from one of my books and recite the scene in the middle of a conversation, (which I find awesome!) then ask me how I go about constructing a scene. I love this!

I’ve also encountered receiving emails or text messages from people, only to receive a follow up saying, “Sorry, I misspelled a word” or “That should read…” and they change the entire sentence, apologising profusely for the error. I recently received a lovely long email from a friend, and truly, even though I saw the error, it didn’t bother me in the least, in fact I just smiled because we have a joke about this very subject. Within about 30 seconds of me opening the email, he sent another one with the correction saying, “being a writer, I’m sure that type of thing would be quite annoying.” It makes me smile to think that he thought about that when sending it to me.

It's lovely to engage in conversation about books and writing in general, but really nice when in mid conversation, someone may ask me about a certain character or scene in one of my books, or care so much about spelling – that really puts a smile on my face!

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I’m sure people who know me well, know that I love going for walks. I absolutely love just setting out with the intention of relaxing and exercising, but it is so much more than that!

For those of you who love rainbows, I was out walking yesterday afternoon. The sun was out, then it started to rain. I love the fresh smell of rain especially if there is sun to enjoy at the same time. So, I knew there would be a rainbow, and sure enough – a double rainbow! I took a moment to stop and look at it, making all my usual wishes and showing gratitude for these little wonders of nature. As I turned to get back on my walk, there was a ten dollar note right in front of me on the footpath, with absolutely no-one around who could have just dropped it! So, I’m thinking, I may have just found that pot of gold 😊

These gorgeous mushrooms were discovered on one of my walks recently. Truly, this little bit of garden was like something out of a fairy-tale and also holds some significant details for my latest novel that I’m writing.

I get a lot of inspiration for my writing while I walk. The characters in my story get a good working over as I take each step. Recently, I passed a beautiful home that I’ve admired for years, yet until this day, didn’t realise the home has a name. I have now named a very significant place in my latest novel, after this home.

During the planning process, I may write my ideas on paper, but the freedom of creativity while I walk outdoors seems to bring about a broader depth, the more I let it unfold. In which case, I whip my phone out and type in the idea before I forget!

I also find that meditation is a wonderful way to enjoy a walk. I put my earphones in and enjoy a meditation while I take in the scenery. That too is an inspiration, and often just after I’ve completed the meditation, ideas will start to pop in. It’s like a window of opportunity has just unleashed all these ideas.

Next time you feel like some inspiration or need a few new ideas or a pick me up, try going for a walk. It does wonders! As a bonus, when you see these little beauties in nature, it really makes you feel grateful for every little thing.
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Recently I was lucky enough to spend the day with my good friend in the Hunter Valley. It was an early morning start, driving in the thick fog to begin our journey, and then as the sun beamed through the fog, we arrived at our destination to perfect weather. The occasion was for our birthdays, which happen to be a couple of weeks apart.

I am reflecting on this, because even though we live nearby to each other, spending uninterrupted time for the entire day is a rare occurrence. We must do it more often, because spending time with your closest friends is the best kind of therapy.

The enjoyment of cruising up the freeway, with music playing and not even having to have a conversation if we didn’t feel like it, was just the best. Not to mention the singing! No restrictions of time, and both of us in a relaxed frame of mind.

Given, we were blessed with gorgeous weather, the surrounds were picturesque, the atmosphere at the festival was relaxed – the day could have been just as good if it rained, and we were in a cosy pub with a fireplace, and a live band playing!

Actually – that’s a great idea for next time! I see no need for an occasion to do this sort of thing anymore. This type of therapy should happen more often at any given time!
Have you done this recently? I'd love to hear about it.
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