Passion, Purpose, and Power for Creatives

This week’s post is by guest contributor, Beth Barany.

I just got back from a writer’s conference. I love going to them. I love speaking there and helping other authors. But I’m tired. I’m an introvert. As I wade through all the post-conference activities of following up with all the cool folks I met and getting back to the business of running my business, I also want to get back to my writing.

But I feel depleted. What’s a creative to do?

I need to get in touch with my true purpose for writing my own fiction; I need to connect with the passion for telling my story. There I will find the power to get writing again.

What is your true purpose for your writing, for your creative work? When all is said and done, regardless of what the world thinks of your work, would you keep creating? I would. Some writers I’ve worked with say that if their story only touches one person they have done their work; they have left their mark upon the world. I know that if I can inspire one creative writer and can empower one girl or woman to take charge of her life because she’s read my fiction, I have done what I came here for.

Good writing and all good art is full of heart and connects the artist’s heart and mind to the viewer or reader. What are you passionate about? Does it come across in your art?

One of my clients is passionate about the underdog in boxing and wrote a compelling tale set in gritty 1950s Los Angeles. Her love of the sport and the times shines through in her story, Ladies Night, A Fight Card book by Jill Tunney.

In my young adult fantasy novels, I’m passionate about exploring the responsibilities and choices of a strong young woman. How can she be a true hero in the face of her inner demons? How can she step into being a leader when she has no good female mentors? In my romance, I’m passionate about exploring how driven career-oriented people can also find love in a crazy sometimes confusing world. How can my would-be lovers find room in their hearts for each other?

So, I’m curious — what fires you up? What are you passionate about investigating and sharing through your art? My wish for you is that this fire and passion brings you to your art on a regular basis. My wish for you is even when the world outside your door doesn’t know what you’re creating or why, you show up for yourself.

Lastly, what are you focused on? You may have heard, “What you focus on grows.” You can choose to be focused on what’s hard, or you can be focused on what you can do. Even the smallest step pays off. Are you stuck in your creating? If so, acknowledge where you are and what you’re feeling. Then feel it and focus on spending a minimum of twenty minutes writing or creating your art. Just get moving and allow yourself to create whatever, however.

Remember: Progress not perfection. Are you confused about all your producing and marketing options? Then get clear about your main purpose, your passion, and also your goal. Write it down. What is the smallest step you can take today, now, in the next twenty minutes that will move you toward that goal?

I believe in reflection then action, back and forth. Maybe it’s a balancing act for you. Maybe it’s a dance. For me, creativity is about flow, movement, feeling, and diving in. Enjoy the delicious dance!

We creatives have the power to change the world! Let’s start today.

Author’s coach and keynote speaker, Beth Barany is also the award-winning author of the YA epic fantasy, Henrietta The Dragon Slayer. She’s passionate about helping novelists create successful careers. For more information about Beth and her work, www.BethBarany.com.

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