Between creative projects - where to go from here?

Between creative projects – where to go from here? I’m at this stage and have already planned my next steps to avoid bad habits, would you like some inspiration? Let’s chat…

On my last blog post, I talked about finishing a novel and the trap that most creatives face when they finish a project – click here to read, before continuing.

I’m pleased to say, I’ve finished the novel I’ve been working on for over 6 months. I type the satisfying words..The End. And it felt good. Really good.

And I’m even more pleased to say I celebrated the achievement, I went out with friends and toasted the effort; I let my hair down and marked the occasion.

I have also been editing another novel of mine hoping to release it in the summer. And I have just sent that on to my editor yesterday, which means I am working on nothing now – no editing, no writing. I usually have something to do. Now what?

Steps after I finish a novel

I’ve popped my manuscript in the drawer, so to speak! (aka, I’ve stored it away on my iCloud, as who really writes on paper anymore?!). Now I have time, and that time I’m going to make the most of.

Before I start a new creative project, I soak in all around me.

Meaning – I seek inspiration. I keep my eyes and ears open if anything should pop up.

I can’t waste mornings!

So my mornings and toddler’s naptime is a bit less hectic than it had been. What to do?

My mornings will continue on more self development, going inside myself as I’ve neglected that over the winter months.

These include:

Morning pages

Gratitude

Affirmations

I just can’t waste the precious time I have in the mornings by sleeping in. My body clock is now set, I wake about 6am each morning, so I keep that up. Through the winter I woke that early, and now with it coming in to spring and the morning getting brighter, it’s easier to continue getting up early.

My new morning routing between creative projects

So, I’ll wake – make a coffee (essential to me waking early!) and write in my notebook.

Following from Julia Cameron’s ‘The Artist’s Way’, I’ll write about 2-3 pages in my notebook. This is anything in my head, It doesn’t need to make sense, just whatever comes out is good rather than keeping it in.

I’ll write atleast three affirmations I feel drawn to. I just make them up on the spot, writing what I want to affirm to myself over the day.

Then finally I’ll write three things I am grateful for. These can be anything, my family, something that happened the day before, being thankful for my cup of coffee, pen, kitchen window to look out of in the mornings – anything.

In between creative projects, can be easy to slip into bad habits. There’s not that drive in getting that project done anymore. So you relax, patting yourself on the back that you’ve done the ‘thing’ and now it’s time to enjoy a bit of peace.

I try not to get that way. Sure, I rest a bit more, but I fill in my few spaces with meaningful things, keeping my creative curiosity open. I have little time, like most women! So I need to know I’m making the most of every scrap of time I have. Instead of getting bogged down with house tasks, I do those, other times of the day – never on my sacred ‘me time’. Above is my morning routine, below is my new afternoon/nap routine.

My new afternoon routine between creative projects

My exercise has dropped over winter, where I focussed on writing rather than exercise. So my afternoons are going to be nourishing my body.

Walk

We have beautiful woodlands and beaches near us. And since only moving to our new house a month ago, I’m going to enjoy popping out for a walk, breathing in the fresh east coast air.

Yoga

I used to do yoga every day, but had to pick something to focus on, so it slipped, my focus went on writing my novel.

I can’t wait to stretch, there’s a fresh new yoga mat too waiting for me in my livingroom. The mornings are light and bright and inviting. I can’t wait to get started.

Music/podcast/Blogs/Videos

This is the time to get inspiration. In between creative projects, my mind is usually a sponge. I’m looking forward to catching up on podcasts and YouTube videos on writing and discussions over movies I love too. The thing I really need to watch out for here is over-consuming. I have not been listening to music enough over the winter. And I love my music, it is my thing – well certain genres! And I’ve had no desire to look for new bands, mostly because when I was writing, I used a playlist without singing, purely music. Now I’m ready to listen, I’m open to listen to others’ stories, feelings and thoughts.

Between creative projects – where to go from here?

I treat this period in between creative projects as fun. And encourage you too. What have you let slip when you started your project, that you now have the time for? Have a think, write down those things, prioritizing what you can, and that are realistic and can work into your schedule. Try not to embrace too much, I think if we take on too much, we won’t be satisfied with anything. Unsure of what to prioritize? We’re all different, with different priorities. For me it’s things that will nourish my body, mind, soul. It feels right, I’m excited to do it, and I know it’ll get me looking around for inspiration.

Inbetween creative projects needn’t be a stress. Don’t waste your time thinking about what you should be doing. Make that time nourishment for your creativity, and that creativity will come. Good luck!

Your turn?

Do you feel a bit lost after finishing a creative project? Where do you direct that energy?

If you enjoyed this, have a look at my previous posts such as – Don’t wait until it’s too late – get creatively unblocked now