A revived segment of my blog is The Author Takeover, where an invited guest is asked to contribute a blog to my site. This allows my readers to connect with more authors and celebrate the world of literary in a different way. Today, welcome T.P. Wood as he talks about writer’s block, tarot cards and passion. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for a special monthly question and answer with him, too!
The Oogly Boogly of Creativity with Canadian Author T.P. Wood
No doubt, my creativity is not a continuous flow of unimpeded inspiration. There is a goblin that shows up from time to time who halts the work, and deludes me into thinking no more verbs or nouns exist, and the page destined for blankness.
Commonly known as writer’s block, he is a faceless apparition that stalls my pen. Shoots me into all forms of diversion, keeping me from planting my butt in the chair. The beast assures me—no—there’s nothing left to say.
As creatives, we’ve all experienced moments when the well runs dry. This is not the time to panic. Least of all quit. I’ve learned that having a strategy (or two or three), when the blank page looms, is better than falling down the rabbit hole of creative oblivion.
Here’s the key: get the pen (or computer, guitar, paint brushes, baking pans) moving. No matter what. Movement without judgement. That’s the aim. Because at day’s end, I feel worse if I don’t write than when I do.
What strategies get my pen rolling?
Journalling is one way. I’ve written a diary for over thirty years, and it is a wonderful way to activate those writing muscles. Another way, if I am stuck on a scene or a character’s next course of action, is to interview them. Like a cub reporter. It’s easier when the characters make their own decisions. Takes the heat off of me.
Or…
I draw a tarot card.
Gulp. Did he just say that?
Yup, he did. It’s my oogly boogly solution for firing up the pen. In fact, I did it before I started writing this little piece. Here’s the card:
The 7 of Pentacles.
What does it mean? Work, for sure (which is the essence of my entire creative point), but more than that. Meaningful work. In my case, the project I am working on now, and how far I’ve come. The vine (my sequel novel) is vibrant and healthy. It has taken on a life of its own.
There is a transformation that happens when we engage in our work. It moves our project forward, crafting the bits of ideas bouncing around in our heads, giving them concrete form. But there’s another, deeper transformation that happens within us as artists. We find out who we are. We become more confident, more multi-dimensional in how we view ourselves, our work, and our expression of it. That our contribution has meaning and is mature enough to sustain its own development.
Of course, as writers, musicians, creators, we envision ourselves at the pinnacle of what our art will bring. We are dreamers. But it’s only in the work where the real satisfaction lies. The true reward. When I choose to listen to that tiny voice who refuses to be beaten down, the scowling face of the white void disappears, and I dance on the page.
What is your meaningful work? And what reward does it deliver? Bring it forward any way you can.
Follow T.P. Wood on Facebook and visit his website and check out his book, 77* North, today!
Please be sure to sign up for my newsletter for the special Q&A.
Thank you, T.P. Wood, and thank YOU reader, for joining us today. If you’re an author who wants to be featured, please reach out and we’ll schedule your Author Takeover soon!
Happy reading!
Sarah Butland
PS: Not convinced his book is for you? Check out my review on The Miramichi Reader for a nudge. 🙂