Imagination Injection
Too many tables of contents? Is research bogging you down? Working through the online course to match up with your nonfiction book?
P.S. It’s worth scrolling down to see the full photo …
It’s time for a little injection of something less, well, real.
In fact, if there were an injection, I would take it.
I’m currently working on not 1, not 2, but 3 nonfiction books. Just for the record so you–and I–believe me:
- Audio for Authors: Audiobooks, Podcasts, and Dictation for Fun and Profit
- Decide: The Difference Between You and That Person Who is Succeeding
- Pride: How to write a book with your kids–and why you should
- Every Single Week: How weekly goals boost your productivity, increase your confidence, and fix your freedom
Oops, that’s 4.
See what I mean?
It’s nonfiction overload.
Our brains (well, our hearts, really) need balance. I can only handle so much of What’s Real. I need a little dollop of deliciousness, maybe a sprinkle of a sparkle, but I certainly need a healthy injection of imagination.
Speaking of too much nonfiction, I’m not going to now go into study after study about how creating from nothing increases the happiness chemical balance in your brain. I wouldn’t dare interview 47 people about how just a small spark of something surreal helped … their nonfiction productivity output.
I’m not going to do anything like that. I’m just going to tell you what to do.
“Wait! Creation should be free form and no one should tell me what to do! Uh. Right?”
Yes and no.
Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is the result of good work habits. — Twyla Tharp
Here’s what you’re going to do.
- Get a blank piece of paper or a blank screen in your favorite writing tool or app or text editor.
- Set a timer for 15 minutes.
- Turn off your phone or at least put it on Do Not Disturb.
- If you prefer music, put on some headphones and listen to something uplifting.
- Start writing.
I’m not going to give you writing prompts because that will guide you and I want this to just go.
You might get stuck. It might suck. In fact, it will probably suck. We’re not looking for awards. We’re letting loose. We’re letting go. We’re giving in to our imagination.
Where is it going to take you?
You have 15 minutes. No talking! No texting!
I’ll stop so you can start. I’ll join you.
Go!
OK, fine. In case you have objections …
- No, I’m not turning you into a fiction writer. I’m opening up a blockage in your life.
- Yes, it’s that simple.
- No, you can’t do it wrong. But you can choose to not do it–which is the only “wrong.”
- No, you don’t need to share it with the world. Yes, you can delete it immediately afterward.
- If you do want to share, I’d love to hear it!
P.S. I’m filing this (also) under Health.
Imagination Injection
