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Friday 2 October 2015

The Magic Shower....

I've spent the last few days trying to work out what to write for today's blog post, but nothing came to mind. School holidays, a cold, work, kids, all of these could be excuses. I could just throw up my hands and say "It's all too hard, can't do it, can't come up with any ideas, I'll have to pass on this one."

But I was determined to come up with something.

The harder I tried to come up with an idea, the more it wouldn't come.

I'm sure all of you can relate to that feeling of nothing coming no matter how hard you try. It's quite common among writers.



That was until I decided to have a shower...

I was frustrated after a long few weeks, and needed steam to help shift the symptoms of a head cold, so I took a break and stepped in the shower. That's when an idea came to me.... I can write about the shower!

That may seem like a strange topic for a blog post, but hang in there.

In the last few years, I've found the shower is one of the best places to go to break through writer's block. But it's not only a great cure for writer's block...

There have been a number of times I'll be in the shower and a great idea will come to me. There are times I wish I had a waterproof notebook to record them all. My kids are getting used to me running out of the shower to write something down before I forget it! I often joke that it's a Magic Shower.

A while ago, I was pleased to see an article going around Facebook that explained why we think better in the shower. There are quite a few articles out there, here is just one of them.

Science aside, I just know from my own experience that the shower helps the ideas flow. For me, it's getting away from the hustle and bustle of life for a few minutes helps clear my head and any blocks that are there so the ideas can take the place of the clutter that's usually in there.

Never underestimate the power a simple shower can have in clearing your head and letting the ideas flow.

Melissa Gijsbers lives in Melbourne and writes in between working as a bookkeeper and being the mother of two active boys. She is a blogger and author of flash fiction and children's books. Her first book, Swallow Me, NOW! is available now.

You can follow her writing journey at www.melissawrites.com.au andwww.melissagijsbers.com

6 comments:

  1. Totally agree, Melissa! Many times I have found a way forward in preparing a talk or sermon while in the shower, as well as ways to resolve issues with writing my books. It's as if God inspires as that water flows over us--a great experience!

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  2. I'm with your Melissa. I find the shower a great place to think. I also find driving a creative space, though not so good for taking notes :)

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  3. The power of flowing water. We just need great water heaters too. I also find the bath isn't bad for inspiration.

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  4. I'm so glad I'm not the only one :)

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  5. Interesting, I usually find going for a walk helps writers block, but mainly I seek the Lord for inspiration, thanks for sharing, maybe I'll take a shower next time and pray while in there, :-)

    Paul

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  6. Driving on my own works for me.

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