A time for creativity during COVID-19 pandemic

What does the pandemic and major historical events have in common? Creativity and inventions will be birthed.

I made the commitment to myself very early on that I would use the COVID-19 lockdown period to fuel my creativity. During this time I have been writing my first non-fiction book, I have previously written a fiction book. I’m excited to announce that my book will be launched later this month. I wanted to share my process of writing a book, in the hope that it might inspire others to finally write that book that’s waiting to be unleashed within you.

We have a choice when we are faced with situations like the COVID-19 pandemic with the deep loss of lives and livelihoods, we can either think it’s just all too much and fall into the fear trap or dig in to our inner resources to choose something new; something that wants to come through you into creation. It might come from a place of survival when your back is up against the wall or because of boredom but it doesn’t matter where it comes from, it matters that you follow through with your ingenuity.

What creativity has been born from other major historical life events?

We can look at history of other major events to learn what creativity (just to name a few) is possible to blossom out of great hardship:

- World War I (1914 to 1918): tea bags, vegetarian soy sausage, and zips

- The Great Depression (1929 to 1939): the car radio, tampons, chocolate chip cookies, and Monopoly the board game

- World War II (1939 to 1945): medical penicillin, the popular toy Slinky, and the pressurised cabin.

Thank goodness that these people took creative action to make these inventions. History tells us that new businesses and products will also be born during this time. People will see the opportunity to create.

As you can see that good things really do come out of times of hardship and upheaval.

Why can we sometimes shy away from the creative process? The creative process is both exciting and daunting as it feels quite surreal and in flow when the words tumble out eloquently onto the page. On the other hand it’s also daunting as it’s a process that is unknown and can bring out the perfectionist who doesn’t know when good is good enough.

What is my book writing process?

What I find with all of my creativity is I receive the completed work during meditation, for example, previously I have designed my own clothes and all of the finished outfits appeared in my mind first. With the book that I’m currently writing, it came to me vividly, all of the chapters and what needed to be included. It is then followed by an urgent need to write so that I don’t forget the information that I received but also to bring the creativity into the physical realm. I have only gained this ability to receive the creative ideas in this way within the last five years.

I don’t write a book from start to end, I go to the chapter of the book that is calling me to write first and then from there I move to the next part of the book that I’m drawn to, this keeps me in creative flow. I won’t write my introduction or conclusion until the main content is finished. I also don’t edit any of my work until all of the creativity is finished. This makes the creative writing process more enjoyable because editing is a logical left brain activity compared with the creative process of the right brain and you can then plan time to focus on the editing. Here’s a summary of my tips for writing a book:

- Start writing the book where you are inspired to do so

- Write the introduction and conclusion last

- Edit your book after you have finished the creative process

- Don’t forget to meditate too!

I’m sure you have heard of the adage “there’s no time like the present,” so what will you be inspired to do? Use this time to fuel your creativity.

I’m looking forward to the launch of my new book with some cool bonuses too.

Here’s to living your best life!

Melissa Taylor

Future Transcendence Leadership Mentor