Do you have to go through dark times in order to be more effective in your creativity? I’ve had this debate with myself for years now.

While I know I don’t subscribe to the outdated thought that I have to suffer for my art, I think in tough times I turn to my writing as a way to cope. And because of that I’m more productive, and perhaps, I dig into a different place within myself and my writing just “feels” different during times of strife.

For the past few months I’ve walked this weird line with my writing. I find real solace there, when I’m creating. But also, when I’m writing I struggle so effing hard. I doubt. It’s a slog. Most of the time it feels like I’m doing a 300 lb. dead lift with my brain. I’m most definitely not what I think of as being in the flow state, yet my editors are praising the things I’m writing right now as some of my best work.

Say whaaaaat?

I’ll be the first to admit that creativity is weird, and a process that is both unique for everyone and something we can’t fully understand.

I try hard to keep this space light and fun, but it’s difficult when reality is heavy and heartbreaking. I don’t want to be tone deaf, but I do want to offer people a space that is positive and try my best to fill the world with love the only way I know how, by sharing stories about flawed people in an imperfect world finding their way to each other.

And the only way I can do that is keep going in my creative work.