The Art of Slow Writing

Embracing Mindfulness in Your Creative Process

Here’s something I have to work on. Slowing down. In life and in my writing. I always seem to be chasing something. There’s not enough time, I think. I must tell this story. I must give these characters life. I must, I must, and i must do it now.

But who’s chasing me?

This sense of urgency does nothing but fatigue. And in a fog of weariness, what magic will take hold? Likely very little.

A few weeks ago, I got this new idea. It’s all atmosphere, a dash of magic, a timeless romance, and lots and lots of nature. This story is so me. But it isn’t much of a story yet. It’s all vibes, no plot, if you will.

On the weekend, I decided to go for a brisk (of pace and of the weather) walk to get the story juices flowing. I wandered with swift purpose, fixing my mind on this story. Forty-five minutes later, I hadn’t cracked much open, hadn’t really developed any new ideas. Later that day, when I was in bed, trying to sleep, an idea came to me. Something big, that changed the genre and trajectory of the story. That idea came to me when I was resting. I wasn’t chasing.

That’s not to say ideas can’t come to us on walks or on bike rides—in fact, I belive creative ideas thrive on movement. But sometimes, it’s the softness, the release, the slowing down that makes the most difference.

I learned my lesson.

I can even bring this into my drafting and revision process. Slow down when I’m writing to allow for a deeper exploration of everything that makes up my story. Really engaging in my story, reflecting on my choices, enhances the vibrancy of my writing.

Slow down, you’re doing fine.