Avery K. Tingle, The Gamer Author

For the past six years, my writing process has been called “The Contract”.

My imagination doesn’t work when I’m sitting still. Half of the contract is regular exercise. It doesn’t have to be strenuous. Sometimes, it’s just a walk around the house. Sitting down is for grinding. Moving around is how I get the idea generator going.

This didn’t really hit home until a few moments ago. Frustrated at the litany of tasks I have ahead of me with publishing, I left the couch and strode to the coffee machine (the Force continues to fail me). Between the living room and kitchen, the Muse hit me:

“Only you know the story.”

So there I am, little smirk on my face, pouring my coffee and pondering that little expression. The meaning will be a seperate post. The idea wouldn’t have hit me if I was sitting still. That’s not how ideas come to me. I have to be moving.

Creativity is an organic, fluid process. As I get older, this process might change (I hope not). For now, this is how I get things done.

If you want to figure out your creative process, try these steps.

1). When Are You At Your Best?

Morning, afternoon, or overnight? I do my best writing when the moon is high. Don’t expect this answer to be permanent. But more often than not, you’ll find that you’re at your peak at certain times of the day. Figure this out and you’re on the right track.

2). Where Do Your Ideas Come From?

There is no wrong answer. I get my ideas from every day observations. I love watching the sun come up with coffee in hand. And I have the most vivid dreams you could ever imagine. Again, there is no wrong answer. Where do you get your ideas from? Mine come when I’m in motion.

3). Short Sprints or Long Marathons?

Ideas are great, but they’re easy. Execution is the hard part. Again, there are no wrong answers. How you do things is how you do things. A twenty minute jaunt can be just as effective as a three hour session if you do it right.

I love how the process keeps evolving. I’m excited to see where my writing process is in a few years, but right now, I’m enjoying where I am.

Thanks for reading.

Avery K. Tingle is a scifi/fantasy author currently residing in the Las Vegas area. Owned by two cats, he is passionate about social justice, Star Wars, and mental health. Connect to his award-winning writing and social media here.