REFILLING THE WELL By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless.com

 I recently learned that creativity burnout is a real thing.  I always felt lucky not to suffer from writer’s block, which I avoid by working on more than one story at a time.  But this is different.  It’s affecting not only my writing, but other creative endeavors, like what to make for dinner and what to wear.  Someone likened it to running out of gas, only refilling ¼ tank, but expecting to travel as far as with a full tank.  Yup, that sounds right.  And it can happen to anyone at anytime.

 In the past, I was really good at taking myself on an Artist’s Date.  I knew the importance of feeding the muse, refilling the well, honoring my creative soul, however you like to think of it.  But things have changed.  I can’t just spontaneously drop into a museum or art gallery for a wander.  Decorating stores and galleries are by appointment only for serious buyers, not starving artists. Wilderness trails and parks are clogged with so many people that a visit there is no longer a peaceful, nourishing experience.   Book stores have a line up to go in and empty shelves when you do get in.  There have been no outdoor concerts. 

 I’m muddling through.  Kindness towards myself goes a long way.  Talking to friends helps.  Plus, I’m lucky enough to be involved in a variety of multi-author projects where I have a commitment to the other writers, and a loose concept to tease my malnourished imagination.  Like my next book, Mail Order Noelle, An Impostor for Christmas series.  Why would a mail order bride deliberately impersonate someone else?  And when does the groom learn the truth?  Mid-Point?  Black Moment?  Can I pull this off and still have her be a sympathetic heroine?  Of course, I can.  That’s my job.  Here’s a little tease. 

           From the shadows of the train station in Boston, Noelle crossed her fingers as she watched her brother, Theodore, walk her sister Merry to the waiting train after first delivering her oversize trunk to a porter. 

          Theodore gave her sister a quick peck on the cheek, then watched her board the train.  Noelle inched further into the shadows as he turned, walked past her, and exited the station.  The second he was out of sight, Noelle scampered to the train’s steps just as the whistle blew and Merry disembarked, passing her a ticket.

          Merry gave her a hug that nearly squeezed the breath from her lungs.  “I will never forget this.” 

          “You better not,” Noelle said.  “Be happy.  You deserve it.”  Noelle disentangled herself and jumped onto the train just as it started to move.

 

You can view the entire series here  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09J8BJWWQ

and preorder Noelle here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09GNYZD23   

Next month, I’ll tease you some more.  In the meantime, be good to you.  And please share any coping mechanisms you've found that help prevent you from burning out.

Kathleen Lawless blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys, which doesn’t stop her from creating a wide variety of interests and occupations for her many alpha male heroes.   

Her hero, Steele, in HER UNDERCOVER COWBOY, is a modern-day cowboy, so when she was wooed by a man called Steel— while he’s not a cowboy, he is an alpha male and her forever hero.  Which is why all of her stories end Happily Ever After.

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