Ask the Author: Carol Cottrill
Answered Questions (3)
Carol Cottrill
I can’t write on demand. No way, no how! Here’s how it works for me… I have a concept in mind—sometimes for months, sometimes just days. The idea floats around in my consciousness gathering momentum. Then suddenly, in the shower or on a walk, the whole story comes together. I rush to my notebook or computer to record my thoughts.
Within this gathering process everyday experiences enjoyed in relaxation and appreciation act as a conduit to my creativity. Something as simple as devoting a few minutes to my Pinterest boards, or shopping for a new lipstick color encourages my imagination and allows the words to flow without much effort. For me, the trick is to stay open and attentive during what may seem like mundane activities. Some of my best thoughts come in the moments when I’m watering plants or cleaning out the coffee filter!
Within this gathering process everyday experiences enjoyed in relaxation and appreciation act as a conduit to my creativity. Something as simple as devoting a few minutes to my Pinterest boards, or shopping for a new lipstick color encourages my imagination and allows the words to flow without much effort. For me, the trick is to stay open and attentive during what may seem like mundane activities. Some of my best thoughts come in the moments when I’m watering plants or cleaning out the coffee filter!
Carol Cottrill
Writing has been a way to become more transparent to myself. You can't hide from your words...even if you don't jot them down, the very act of thinking about writing exposes ones true thoughts and emotions. Once that happens- you've called yourself out and you have nowhere to escape! Writing has allowed me to flow with my feelings- good and bad, making way for more happiness and freedom.
Carol Cottrill
What a great question! My environment has a lot to do with my inspiration and ability to write. I'm a city girl-when I'm in the city, the words come easily. When I'm isolated in the country- not so much. This seems to be the opposite for most writers who thrive on peace and quiet to write.
That said the dreaded empty page could be seen more as a 'time in', than a time out. Embrace the void and use this gift of time for self-discovery through introspection. I believe that embracing writer's block- giving it the time and attention it deserves, is as vital as any other part of the writing experience. It’s also been my experience that soon after the ‘time in’, I’m most prolific.
Of course when you're staring down a deadline, this is easier said than done. That's why I try to stay one or two pieces ahead of my editorial commitments!
That said the dreaded empty page could be seen more as a 'time in', than a time out. Embrace the void and use this gift of time for self-discovery through introspection. I believe that embracing writer's block- giving it the time and attention it deserves, is as vital as any other part of the writing experience. It’s also been my experience that soon after the ‘time in’, I’m most prolific.
Of course when you're staring down a deadline, this is easier said than done. That's why I try to stay one or two pieces ahead of my editorial commitments!
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