STAYING CREATIVE IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

by Melissa Stoller

​If you are concerned about maintaining your motivation and keeping your creativity in these stressful and uncertain times, read on for some tips that will hopefully be helpful:
 
1) FIND ONE IDEA: 
 
   -Observe everything. What’s right outside your window – nature, buildings, people? Write about what you see. 
   -Take a look at old family photos. Jot down details about the people and places you see.    
   -Interview family members and write a story about their experiences.

​2) RESEARCH ONE TOPIC: 

    -Try researching one topic you encounter today.
    -What do you wonder about? 
    -What are you curious about? 
    -What are you reading, watching, or listening to? 


3) REVISE ONE DRAFT:

    -Pull out one old manuscript draft and find one place to revise. 
    -Or critique one critique partner’s manuscript.

4) READ ONE BOOK:
    
    -Whether it’s an adult book or a children’s book, start to read something today.

5) HELP ONE WRITER OR ILLUSTRATOR IN ONE WAY:

    -Add one book to your “to read” list on Goodreads.
    -Write one review on Goodreads or Amazon.
    -Request that your local library purchase one book.
    -Follow one creative on social media.
    -Promote one creative on social media.

I hope that these manageable steps will help propel you forward with your writing pursuits. Happy creating! Let me know how it’s going in the comments. 

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BIO:

Melissa Stoller is the author of the chapter book series The Enchanted Snow Globe Collection - Book One: Return to Coney Island and Book Two: 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, 2018). Upcoming picture books include Sadie’s Shabbat Stories and Return of the Magic Paintbrush (Clear Fork, 2020 and 2021). Melissa is an Assistant and Blogger for the Children’s Book Academy, a Regional Ambassador for The Chapter Book Challenge, a Moderator for The Debut Picture Book Study Group, and a volunteer with the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators/MetroNY. In other chapters of her life, Melissa has worked as a lawyer, legal writing instructor, freelance writer and editor, and early childhood educator. Melissa lives in New York City with her husband, three daughters, and one puppy. When not writing, she enjoys museums, theatre, and long beach walks.
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​CONNECT:  
 
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