I got too close to the rose, and it became fuzzy.

When I backed away from the rose, I gained a new perspective.

This past week I have been struggling with a writing project, and feeling like I had nothing to say. And what I did say was not said very well.

But when I read about other writers' creative journey, it helps me refocus.

I hope their words encourage you - even if you are not a writer.

1) L.L. Barkat reminds me small actions make a difference. I set a timer, write for 15 minutes, and keep writing after the timer rings.

Maybe for you, it is a decision to walk, or maybe it is to talk, then listen to your spouse for 15 minutes. Or spend 15 minutes with God in Bible reading and prayer.

Whatever it is, if you take one small step toward your goal, you will be that much closer to meeting it.

2)"We deny that in order to do something well we must first be willing to do it badly." Julia Cameron (Read more here on risk and art, by Lyla).

Are you a recovering perfectionist? If so, maybe you are resonating with Julia's words like me.

Write that [horrible] first draft. Embrace your fear of failure, then set it aside, and get to work. (Telling myself this...)

3) "What do you do when someone else is saying what you want to say and saying it better?

Your goal is not to make something new, your goal is to reimagine what already is."
Wise words from Emily Freeman (read more here.)

4) "Because we spend so much energy running away from fear. And when we stand in courage instead, fear runs away from us." (Read more of Holley Gerth's encouraging words here.)

5)  For me, I must shift my focus from me, and onto the One, if I want my words to be the fruit of abiding in Him.

Through Sarah Young's Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, God reminds me:

Concentrate on keeping in step with Me, instead of trying to anticipate My Plans for you." 

I waste time and energy trying to anticipate God's plans for me. Forgive me, God.

Instead, please help me God to use my time and energy listening to Your voice*, and following what I sense Him leading me to do. For now, write what He puts on my heart.

What helps you to create when you feel stuck? Which one of these five ways spoke to you?

*If you're wondering what I mean by "listening to His voice," let me attempt to explain. My study of Scripture combined with meditation on it, and prayer are all avenues to open my spiritual eyes and ears. For me, I may sense an inner impression, or a thought that I know did not originate with me, but is consistent with His Word.

It is hard to explain a love relationship using words when it is mystery even to me.

Here is a wonderful list of ways to be creative compiled by Ann Voskamp.

Read about Emily Wierenga's new book, Chasing Silhouettes, here.

Are you joining15 habits of great writers with Jeff Goins?

Linking up with God-graced sisters: wonderful Jennifer of Getting Down with Jesus,  encouraging Emily of Imperfect Prose and her wonder team, and thoughtful Michelle of Graceful.

Copyright Soul Stops 2012/Dolly Lee.