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IT’S ALL ABOUT . . . STAYING CREATIVE

8/10/2020

3 Comments

 
​By Melissa Stoller
 
 
It feels like a long time has passed since the beginning of the pandemic. What are you doing to stay creative? Now might be the perfect time to try something new or revisit a favorite activity to jump-start your motivation.
 
Here are a few actions you can implement today that might be helpful during these challenging times:
​​1) Meditation - try a few calming breaths as you think about ideas you want to pursue or revisions that are waiting. Sometimes, closing your eyes can offer a moment of peace, and in that moment, a brilliant new idea or a solution to a story block can appear. Remember to have a notepad nearby to capture your reflections. 
 
2) Affirmation - pick a phrase that is meaningful to you and your writing journey and say it aloud or tape it to your computer or writing notebook. It could be something like, “I am an author,” “My words are meaningful,” or “I’m writing because . . . .“ Hopefully, these affirmations will strengthen your resolve to be creative and to allow yourself to write, revise, polish, and repeat.
 
3) Movement - take a walk around the block, do some easy stretches, practice yoga, take a bike ride, go for a swim, or do them all. The possibilities are endless. Often, movement clears your mind and allows for space, and that space gives you room for creative pursuits. 
 
I hope these actions help spur your writing inspiration and motivation throughout August and beyond. Let me know what works for you in the comments! 
 

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BIO:

Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Return to Coney Island and The Liberty Bell Train Ride (Clear Fork Publishing, 2017 and 2021); and the picture books Scarlet’s Magic Paintbrush and Ready, Set, GOrilla! (Clear Fork, Fall 2018). Upcoming books include Sadie’s Shabbat Stories and Return of the Magic Paintbrush (CFP). Melissa is a Blogger and Assistant for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for the Debut Picture Book Study Group, a volunteer with SCBWI/MetroNY, and a founding member of The Book Meshuggenahs. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. She lives in New York City with her family, and enjoys theatre, museums, and long beach walks.


CONNECT:  

https://www.MelissaStoller.com
https://www.MelissaStoller.com/blog 
http://www.facebook.com/MelissaStoller
http://www.twitter.com/melissastoller
http://www.instagram.com/Melissa_Stoller
http://www.pinterest.com/melissa_Stoller
​
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3 Comments
Kathy Chalas
8/10/2020 06:58:46 pm

Hi Melissa!

These are all such healthy, positive activities to incorporate into everyday life. Thank you for suggesting them.

I find that daily hikes through the woods with my energetic Vizsla Tula (always off-leash, about two to five miles in all types of weather) are invigorating and relaxing at the same time! It’s a wonderful opportunity to just “be in the moment” and savor my surroundings. Somehow, it makes the stressful, surreal world that we find ourselves living in right now become normal and peaceful for a little while.

On those hikes, I often use my phone to snap photos or take videos of interesting things that I see and want to save. I also record voice memos of observations, things that inspire me, and story ideas that pop into my head!

Stay well and thanks again for suggesting helpful ways to stay centered, focused, and motivated in challenging times.

Kind regards,
Kathy Chalas (“Tula O’Chalas”)

Reply
MyOchsner link
9/10/2020 10:54:01 am

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Reply
MySacState link
9/10/2020 10:54:29 am

Talking to your girlfriend face-to-face is an excellent way to gain a better understanding of her. Sometimes you can't pick up on things like voice intonation or sarcasm through text message, and you can't look at her body language when you're talking to her over the phone.

Reply



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    We are so excited to be mixing things up at CBA, beginning with some delicious additions to the Blogfish. Meet our  awesome new bloggers!!

    Here's our lineup:
    1st Mondays begin with editor/art director, & CBA Director Mira Reisberg PhD who is handing her Mondays over to awesome former now traditionally pubbed students to widen their audience.

    2nd Mondays will feature super smart Melissa Stoller whose career is taking off with several new books.
     

    3rd Mondays will feature
    Bryan Patrick Avery, published writer, man of mystery, and professional magician among other things.

    4th Mondays will feature STEM, STEAM & SEL obsessed author Kourtney LaFavre sharing delightfully dorky, quirky, and fun info.

    And 5th Mondays will feature Libyan American author Koloud Tarapolsi sharing wonderful diverse books.

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  • Home
  • WRITING
    • Craft & Business of Writing Childrens Picture Books
    • The Chapter Book Alchemist
    • New!! Middle Grade Mastery Instant Access
    • Mastering Graphic Novels
    • 2022 Kidlit Palooza >
      • 2022 Palooza Program
      • 2022 Palooza Faculty
  • ILLUSTRATION
    • NEW!! Craft & Business of Illustrating Children's Books Instant Access
    • Never a Dull Moment Workshop
  • TECH
  • About Us
    • Why Us?
    • Meet the Faculty, Lives & GT Judges
    • Testimonials
    • Books by Students
    • Our Bookshop
    • As Seen In
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
  • Blogfish
  • MN Course Access
  • Community
    • Our Bookshop
    • Come Play With Us!
    • Resources
    • Course Scholarships >
      • Yuyi Morales Picture Book Scholarship
      • Andrea Davis Pinkney MG CB Mastery Scholarship
      • Rafael Lopez Illustrating Childrens Books Scholarships
      • Larissa Marantz Merit & Need Scholarship