Greetings, my dear reader! It’s time for some fun in the midst of all this hard work. Writing a solo show can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. Let’s add some humor to this blog, shall we?
In Part 1, we talked about discovering the Central Moment of your show. It’s like finding the Holy Grail, but instead of Indiana Jones, it’s just you and your pen. Maybe you felt like a detective searching for clues or a psychic trying to read the universe’s mind. Either way, it’s a pretty big deal.
In Part 2, we explored the moments leading up to the Central Moment. It’s like a rollercoaster ride, but instead of going up and down, it’s more like going in circles. And maybe you felt like you were going a little crazy, but that’s all part of the creative process.
In Part 3, we told you to write, write, write! It’s like running a marathon, but instead of running, it’s just you sitting at a desk for hours on end. And maybe you felt like you were going to die, but hey, at least you’re getting exercise for your fingers.
And now, in Part 4, it’s time to take a break and connect with your muses. It’s like going on a vacation, but instead of going somewhere exotic, you’re just taking a nap. And maybe you’ll dream of something amazing, or maybe you’ll just drool on your pillow. Either way, it’s important to recharge your creative batteries.
So don’t forget to have some fun amidst all the hard work. Maybe take a dance break, sing a silly song, or watch some cat videos. It’s time to play, and connect with your muse.
Whether your show is closer to standup comedy or melodramatic tragedy (not that I think you’re being melodramatic, but let’s be real, some of us can be a little extra), following the process diligently can be intense. You might find yourself overwhelmed by looking at your life or this fictional version of it too intensely. But don’t worry, it’s not just you, we’ve all been there.
So, take a breather! Step away from your project for at least three days if not a week. Take a nap and write down your dreams, spend time with friends who can both relax and inspire you, and read books that have nothing to do with your project (yes, those still exist!). It’s also a great time to channel your inner artist – draw or paint something, make an offering or gift to your muses and ask for their guidance. Heck, create a ritual or ceremony! Light some candles! Just don’t set your house on fire, please.
To add a little spark to your creativity, see a piece of theater or hear a piece of music that is truly brilliant, truly transportive. Unfocus your eyes, soften your ears, and understand how this art is specific and universal at the same time. Grok how some part of the person who created it bowed their small self to the something greater to come through them. Perhaps it was a deeper intelligence in their brain, or perhaps it was divinity. Who knows? It was most certainly something that spoke softer and felt truer than their personality, their habitual way of being, their social conditioning.
Now, let’s talk about getting those creative juices flowing. Keep a notepad (and pen!!) by your bed, in the shower, and in the car. Before you go to sleep at night, ponder your show for at least ten minutes, as the last thing you do. When you wake up, write down your dreams or any ideas relating to your show. Do this for at least seven days in a row. If you feel like something is coming through you, say yes to it. Write everything down that comes, no matter how silly or insignificant it seems.
Alternatively, if you’re a bit more structured (or just need an excuse to light candles), create a time each day to allow this “transmission” to come through. Choose a time and place to write for one half hour or one hour each day. Light a candle or some incense at the start (why not make it feel fancy?). When you complete your writing for the day, always thank your muses and “close the circle.”
If it feels like things are backwards and confusing right now, congratulations, you’re on the right track! Anyone can write from A to B – it’s called a diary. What you’re doing is breaking some holes in the fabric of your normal understanding so the light can come in and illuminate it. And who doesn’t love a little drama and chaos?
Finally, take each incident, character, or vignette in your show and put it on a 3 x 5 card. Mix them up, scramble it up. The sequence of your life is now like Dada poetry (yes, that’s a thing, don’t worry if you didn’t know). Play around with it for a while, notice themes and threads you may not have noticed before. You may start to find an order you like, but keep scrambling – who knows, you might come up with something even more brilliant (or at least entertaining).
Need support creating a show? I’m here… Click to the right to book a complimentary consult with me if you’re serious about getting on stage.
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