Houston has been getting slammed with natural disasters lately: the Derecho, Beryl, heat advisories for days, the consequence of privatizing energy through corporations like Center Point. The impact of these events have left millions frustrated, enraged, disappointed, and worried about how the next disaster will be- people have gotten killed by way of the storm and the poor actions of Texas leadership. My partner and I were one of those millions who felt frustrated, enraged, and worried. How does anyone cope with all these strong emotions? Well, my response has always been to grab a pen. Writing helped me cope through neglect, abuse, and now, it grows with me through natural disasters. Here’s one way to find grounding through writing practice.
Sticking to a writing routine can provide a sense of stability amid chaos. It’s a godlike quality if you think about it. In the World of Myth, which I’ve had the time to reread from my old college days, creation myths were described as human’s understanding of the dichotomy between order and chaos. Putting together a writing routine helped me create a sense of order amid the chaos- it gave me a sense of control. Sure I couldn’t fix the power lines myself, but I could certainly grab my notebook.
My partner liked to comment that we felt fortunate to not be one of those couples that goes at each other’s throats during times like this. The reason for this is because I have the coping strategy of writing, besides disassociating. Sure I couldn’t give the CEO of Centerpoint or Greg Abbot a piece of my mind, but I could still confront those feelings in a manageable way. Writing gives me a safe way to channel my extreme feelings.
In addition, writing is a wonderful way to document history. Through all the sweat, misery, and restless nights, I found ample opportunity to record history. In response, I wrote some poems for my new chapbook project: In Search of Peace, which will be coming out on July 30. Not only can history serve as a great inspiration for stories, but it can fill one with a sense of purpose. The sense of purpose served as another catalyst for creating stability amid a chaotic time.
Just like books provide an escape from challenging times, writing them can do the same. I am working on a second project called Bound by Shadows, which is a novella about the romance between a very powerful witch and a demon and is also coming out by the end of July. Catching ideas to add to the second draft really took me away from the stress of figuring out where to charge my medical and electronic devices.
Tips for Creative Writing During Stressful Times:
Set Aside Dedicated Time: Schedule regular sessions for writing, even if it's just 10-15 minutes a day. Consistency can help establish a routine and provide a much-needed break from stress.
Create a Relaxing Environment: My relaxing environment was on the porch, looking for a breeze.
Experiment with Different Forms: Try different forms of creative writing. I’ve been experimenting with different forms of poetry such as the cinquain, haiku, sonnet, spoken word, and freestyle. Mental gymnastics can take you places.
Write Freely: During stressful times, don't worry about grammar, spelling, or structure. Allow yourself to write freely without self-criticism. You can always revise later.
Explore Emotions: Use writing as a way to explore and express your emotions. Describe how you're feeling or write about a specific situation that's causing stress. This can help you process your emotions and gain clarity.
Focus on Sensory Details: Engage your senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures in your writing. This can bring your writing to life and make it more vivid.
Create Characters or Worlds: Escape into a fictional world by creating characters or settings that are entirely different from your current reality. This can provide a creative outlet and a temporary distraction from stressors.
Reflect and Find Meaning: Use writing as a tool for reflection. Write about lessons learned from challenges you've faced or insights gained during difficult times. This can help you find meaning and perspective.
Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Reward yourself for sticking to your writing routine, whether it's with a treat, a walk in nature, or simply a moment of gratitude.
Be Flexible and Kind to Yourself: Understand that there will be days when writing feels challenging or impossible. Be gentle with yourself during these times and try not to judge yourself for missed sessions. Tomorrow is always a new opportunity to start again.
Creative Writing Prompts for Stressful Times:
Write a letter to your future self, reflecting on how you've grown through this challenging period.
Describe a place from your childhood that brings you comfort and nostalgia. What memories does it evoke?
Write a poem about resilience, using imagery that symbolizes strength and perseverance.
Invent a short story where the protagonist overcomes a major obstacle, drawing inspiration from your own experiences or emotions.
Imagine you have the power to change one thing about the world. Write about what you would change and why.
Create a dialogue between two fictional characters discussing how they cope with stress and uncertainty.
Write a stream-of-consciousness piece where you jot down your thoughts as they come to mind, without editing or censoring yourself.
Describe a moment of unexpected beauty or kindness you've witnessed recently. How did it affect you?
Write a reflective essay about a challenging experience you've faced recently. How has it shaped your perspective on life?
Invent a fantasy world where magic is used to heal emotional wounds. Describe how this magical healing process works.
Maya Angelou was not a writer I enjoyed until much later and started to understand what she meant when referring to the caged bird. She said it sings because if it doesn’t, it will die. I’ve had the privilege of watching a retelling of her life as the Ensemble in Houston, and it was riveting the ways she used writing to build resilience. That’s how committing to a writing practice, even during times of natural disaster, can help build resilience too.
It’s hard to organize thoughts when circumstances feel overwhelming. However, staying grounded is one of the best ways to overcome these circumstances. Thinking about when I could do more with writing while doing the little bit I could each day helped me cultivate hope. When those lights were off and I was pressed on all sides by heat and humidity, that hope was everything I needed to get to the next day. My encouragement is to start writing, keep writing, and stay grounded.
Please provide ways you keep your own writing practice or share your own tips and tricks.
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