Sometimes Creativity is About Faith

In yourself.

In your work.

In the family and other loved ones who support you and try to understand but don’t always succeed.

In allowing the house to be messy, and letting the kids eat cereal for dinner.

In your creative friends. And your not-so-creative ones.

In the market.

In readers who always want something new to read.

In your original ideas—there will be a place for them.

In publishers who are brave enough to take a chance on something different. Or something similar. Or something else.

In agents who might be in a terrible mood when they read your submission, but decide they like it anyway. Or not.

In a higher power who has plans for you, even though you can’t see the blueprint.

In your ability to continue producing.

In your need to take breaks.

That what your gut tells you is the right thing to do, even if no one else—even the person you trust most—agrees.

Faith that you will be successful. Eventually.

And until then, faith in the power of chocolate covered marshmallows, Cadbury mini-eggs, black licorice candies, Black Forest gummy bears and Dr. Pepper. When creativity fails, these things will certainly see you through.

The Power

One of the reasons I write is to rid myself of situations in which I feel helpless. To give myself power to look at both the good side and the bad, and to give my characters power over situations in which they might otherwise have none.

Sometimes I really do hope to help someone—even if it’s just one person—finds his or her own power. Whether it’s the power to save the world or the power to defeat demons (real or imaginary). The power to find courage, or the power to give of themselves. The power to be strong, to make better choices, and to choose good over evil.

Is this my way of fighting back? Of taking control of things I can’t personally fix? Maybe. Do I think I can change the world? Sure. Why not.

Someone has to try.