Finding time for creativity
Why your brain needs permission to wander — and how to give it the space it craves
Dear Scribblers,
I used to follow a routine to write psychological thriller ‘The Dark Within Them’ - 150 words a day, every morning, over breakfast. After that, I could continue writing, or if inspiration was not flowing, or time felt tight, I could choose to start my work day.
This was more of a no filter writing session - no time for deep thinking - so every Sunday, I would create a mindmap of what I wanted to write that week and what kind of conversations and descriptions might get me there.
Since March, I’ve very much fallen off the bandwagon on my writing routine. So much so, that I’ve started to look at my WIP novel 2 with some anxiety - it requires creative brainwork and commitment that I can’t give it. I’ve recently received a structural report which I’m looking forward to implementing fully, but I feel that my brain does not yet have the space to begin.
It's not that I'm waiting for inspiration to strike — I'd write twice a year if that were the case — but I do need headspace. My mind is currently buzzing with freelance stories, poetry edits, and novel submissions. Even in my downtime, I'm reflecting on those narratives rather than letting my thoughts wander to my own characters.
Mind-wandering and creativity
I’ve been reflecting on whether mind wandering, and the space to reflect upon our creative works-in-progress, is integral to being creative, when problem-solving.
Creative breakthroughs rarely happen when we're hunched over our laptops, forcing words onto the page. They emerge in dreams; during walks and baths. Research into mind wandering and creativity shows that our brains do crucial problem-solving work when we're not actively trying to solve problems. It's during these moments of mental drift that our subconscious connects disparate ideas, untangles plot knots, and discovers what our characters really want.
When I used to write 'The Dark Within Them' each morning, those 150 words were my auto-pilot tasks. The real work happened during my Sunday mindmapping sessions and in the quiet moments throughout the week when my characters would whisper solutions to problems I didn't even know I had. It only worked because I had mental bandwidth available.
I wonder if sometimes the reason we can't write isn't laziness or lack of discipline — it's mental overcrowding. When your brain is juggling multiple projects, deadlines, and commitments, there's no space left for the deep, meandering thought that feeds creative writing.
One of my favourite ways to feel creatively fulfilled, and spark new ideas, is to go to literary events. Our Northern Publishers’ Fair is perfect for this - 16 publishers and agents from the North at Manchester Central Library. Informal networking and your new favourite book! Free entry but register here for our next buzzy event - Sat 27th September. Tickets
Solo Writing Trips
My most productive writing periods have coincided with deliberate mental space-making. I've taken myself on solo writing trips — spreading the pages of my manuscript across gardens overlooking the Leaning Tower of Pisa, starting book three during a weekend in Hebden Bridge.
Not everyone can escape to Italy (though I highly recommend it), but we can all find ways to create mental breathing room (she says to herself, first and foremost!)
Protect your mental margins: Just as you wouldn't overbook your calendar, don't overbook your creative bandwidth.
Embrace productive procrastination: Sometimes when you're avoiding your novel, you're not being lazy — your subconscious is working. Trust the process, but set boundaries so this doesn't become permanent avoidance.
Take thinking walks: Leave your phone at home and let your mind wander. Some of my best plot solutions have come on walks.
Create transition rituals: When switching between projects, give yourself a moment to mentally close one door before opening another.
Another way I keep inspired and motivated is by hearing how other writers do it! Why not join writing coach and novelist Rachel Grosvenor at Waterstones Lichfield Sun 5th Oct (ring up to book this one - they don’t yet have eventbrite at this branch) or Thu 11th September (I’m hosting this one!) at Manchester Deansgate Waterstones TICKETS HERE
The Permission to Pause
Perhaps the most radical thing I can tell you is this: sometimes not writing is part of writing. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to step away and let your mind process what you've already created.
This doesn't mean abandoning your work indefinitely — I'm still committed to implementing that structural report. But I'm also learning to recognise when my creative well needs refilling.
So if you're struggling to find your writing rhythm, ask yourself: is this resistance, or is this your mind asking for space? Sometimes the answer isn't to write harder, but to think more freely.
How do you create mental space for your creativity? I'd love to hear what works for you.
Until next Friday,
Isabelle x
Really good post, thanks for sharing. I like the idea of allowing time to refill the creative well.