How to Manage Multiple Creative Interests
Harnessing Seasonal Creative Productivity
I am a writer. I have published three books so far. For the last 6 years, I spent either reading or thinking about writing a review. It worked. My bookstagram page has amassed 170k followers so far. But writing isn’t the only thing that excites me creatively.
When I was 14 years old. I wanted to be a film director. I wanted to join a film school in Mumbai and make a name for myself. It didn’t shoot up as I imagined. But the creative spirit was alive. I turned towards writing stories.
I started off with short stories and letters. During Covid, I began writing my book. I didn’t know the ins and outs of writing a book. I consumed enough books to come up with a structure and format. It was nothing but an exciting ride.
In the following years, I published a short story collection and a nonfiction book. I used to feel that fiction was where my heart was. But my nonfiction book took me by surprise. I felt more ease, and words were just flowing out of my mind. So far, it is my best piece of work.
After 10 years, the urge to direct a film returned. I want to start with short films. For months, the story brewed in my mind. It is a time travel script. I don’t know how to write a screenplay or a film script. Using my fiction writing experience, I have written it. But writing is one thing, and shooting is another.
I asked my classmates to be part of the film. One ghosted me, and another one had a problem with her family. I wanted to go with nonunion members. But it will be a very expensive affair. Daily wage, transport costs, and staff meals. I don’t have a budget. I thought I should do it next year.
I immediately shifted to podcasting. I bought the equipment. I invited guests. By the time you are reading this, probably two episodes are up on YouTube and Spotify.
I did a lot of creative work in the last few years. Genre shift and exploring new domains. I want to do a lot of creative things in the coming years too.
Instead of dividing time into blocks or assigning certain days for certain creative works, let the creativity be seasonal. Let it be natural.
Ideas can be many. But the pressing ideas are few. Take one and implement it for one or two months. See where it takes you. In my case, I spent around 3 months on my short film, from idea to scripting to asking people to act. I faced many blockades, which led me to start podcasting.
If you observe, I acted on the urge to do a short film. I did everything I could to bring it to fruition. I kind of made it complete. Since I can no longer pursue it, I shifted to another pressing creative idea. After a few months, along with podcasting, I will try to bring another creative to reality.
It is great to have multiple interests. In fact, you are blessed. There will be several ways you can express yourself. But we shouldn’t let interests consume us and delay producing any work. Pick one and work on it.
When you feel it is shaping up well, start another in parallel. Don’t make the mistake of starting everything at once. You will exhaust yourself and lose enthusiasm to continue. Let the creative force guide you. The force will make your ideas realize.