Aspiring author - part 3

I've realised that I'm an author twenty-four seven. There is no time when my brain switches off regards books, imagination and creativity so, during my long journey towards publication I've tried to harness that in a positive manner.

Since childhood, I've always been creative: singing, music, painting, drawing or reading. And so, here lies my hobbies during downtime which enable me to have a break from actual writing whilst still encouraging my creativity in a different manner. It allows my mind to drift and yet, I'll generate a thought or idea which links back to my current writing project solving an issue or creating a new scene. I try not to have any expectations regards my hobbies - they are purely for fun and my enjoyment. 

You'll find that many authors are walkers. I think the solitude and rhythmical movement of pacing helps to generate ideas and solutions. Apparently, the Bronte sisters used to pace around their dining room table in Haworth before writing. I use my daily dog walking sessions as thinking time. I don't see it as walking the dog but exercising my observational skills regards nature, people and usually the sky. I adore weather and clouds. You're probably realising that there isn't an area of my day when I'm not absorbing from the environment around me. I think that has been my key to remaining productive. But there is a downside. I feel I know myself well, I understand me and the things which make me tick. So, when I do find myself in situations that are negative be it stress, tensions, day job issues or negative people - I know it will affect my creativity. And, I can't afford that to happen given the enjoyment I gain from my creative world. It isn't unusual for me to remove myself from certain people, places, situations or even to see me fall silent and consciously withdraw whilst still engaging in conversation. I quite often put myself into 'a protective bubble'. In those moments I need to interact with the said negativity but I can't allow it to affect me. It sounds harsh but it is the realities for me as an author. 

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