• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Rowan Mangan

Writer. Mom. Wild Inventurer.

  • Contact me
  • Wild Inventures Blog

What to do with your newborn creative idea

July 19, 2022 Leave a Comment

Dear friends,

It was born a couple of weeks ago: the idea for a new novel. I was sitting at my kitchen table, chatting with a couple of friends when I felt it appear. It wasn’t a dramatic moment, but it was a very clear one. It rustled.

“Ah,” I thought. “It’s arrived.”

I knew almost nothing about this newborn, though, because I couldn’t see it yet. It was born in the shed.

The shed

I have a shed inside me where my creativity lives. It sits in the backyard of my self; it’s a bit ramshackle, built of wood and corrugated iron and probably put together by whoever lived here last. You might have something similar, although yours might be more like a theme park, a theater, or a cave in a rock face.

I value my shed very highly, but I’ve never been inside it. I just recognize the rustlings.

brown wooden shed surrounded by green grass
Photo by Kevin Jarrett on Unsplash

Here’s what it feels like: suddenly, something is moving around somewhere inside me. It feels as though parts of my body are very slightly displaced by it. But because the idea hasn’t taken its final form yet, it kind of morphs and pulses inside me. It’s very new.

The Khoisan people of the Kalahari Desert have a sacred text that describes “a kind of tapping, or presentiment” (source) to describe the coming of the year’s hunting.

“We have a sensation in our feet, as we feel the rustling of the feet of the springbok.”

It’s all about the rustling.

What my brain wants

The first thing I want to do when my rustling comes is to run straight into the shed. I want to meet the baby, to take this little creature in my arms and cuddle it. I want to see how many legs it has, and how many eyes. Mostly, I’m just dying to know what it is.

This is the brain weighing in, of course. Earnest and a little bossy, my brain firmly believes that this is a moment for discipline. It wants to seize the fresh little idea and interrogate it.

What ARE you, anyway? And what is that, exactly? What are you going to grow into? How can I make you grow faster, and better, and in a way that will appeal to the widest possible market?

The brain, of course, is sure that it is the one best suited to foster the idea into reality.

But it’s not.

It’s really not.

What I’ve learned by living this way for a while is that the creature in the shed is not ready for me yet. If I go barging in right now, this sweet baby is going to become terrified, and—I’ve gotta be honest with you, folks—there’s a good chance the little critter will actually die.

Thank you for reading Wild Inventures. If you like what you’re reading, why not share it?

Share

Receptivity and play

My brain is right about one thing: this is a time for discipline. But it’s such a different species of discipline.

A lot of this phase is about waiting and staying receptive, which is torture for the brain. But it’s what the creature in the shed really needs. So I have to put my bossy brain on ice and instead, start listening to my body.

I can feel the idea growing as I embrace waiting. Every now and then there will be a bit of movement and I’ll learn something new, like Well, it definitely has feet.

Then I get to start playing. But STILL I don’t get to go in the shed.

For me, playing with the baby idea—even while it’s still sequestered—tends to mean asking the creature a series of “What if…?” questions.

What if these two characters are reluctantly thrown together by their shared objective? What if it’s all set in the Lower East Side of Manhattan?

Want to play?

Asking the body

I know the story idea is ready to play when it starts answering these “what if” questions. It speaks its answers in my body, because that’s where it lives. (Must… not… listen… to… brain!)

 

If the idea likes my “what if” suggestion, the rustling increases. I’ll feel a twitch of excitement, a glow of warmth, or a jolt of enthusiasm. On the other hand, if the gambit I’ve offered isn’t a good fit for this idea, there’ll be a stillness within the shed, or I’ll even feel a slight reduction in my physical energy.

What I need to remember now is that the story already knows itself. It’s trying to find a teller. 

The truth about discipline in creativity

When creativity is new, it’s shy. It’s easily spooked. Nevertheless, there is a specific kind of discipline that I can use to help my idea grow from a helpless newborn to a vivacious toddler. And that’s what I need to do right now.

Here’s how it goes.

I create a container. An area where my creature can play once it’s strong enough to leave the shed. A place and a time in the real world (outside my shed), which I can dedicate to keeping the idea safe and nourished.

Now my brain can come online. I give it the job of making the container, and creating whatever parameters are required for a firm commitment.

Then… I show up and see what happens. I listen for updates, I stay playful, and I trust in the perfection of whatever shows up (or whatever doesn’t). I refuse to engage in force or coercion.

Here’s what I personally need for this creative container:

  • A commitment to caring for my idea as it grows,
  • Accountability for the commitment, and then
  • A soft atmosphere—one that’s gentle, patient and kind.

Recently, I found this when I joined a virtual coworking program. I showed up on Zoom a couple of times a week, and somehow the alchemy of making stuff within a group of silent, creative human beings worked for me. It was as if the shed door had started to open.

When the coworking program came to an end, I eagerly asked the organizer if they would be offering another one. The answer was no—with this addendum: “Why don’t you start your own group?”

So that’s what I’m going to do. Check out The Creativity Collective section below. 👇 See if it’s something that interests you. Feel for the rustling, and if you sense something moving in your body—even if you’re not sure what it is—consider joining!

In the meantime, if your new creative ideas are as fragile as mine, remember: don’t hunt down the next step. Instead, listen.

It’s just a baby!

See original “just a baby” here. Who can relate?

Have a great week, gorgeous people!

Love, Ro

you may also like...

  • Parenting inventures
  • Inventures in Seeing
  • What are Wild Inventures?

Filed Under: Parenting inventures

Previous Post: « The Joy of Getting to Zero
Next Post: The Two Things Your Creativity Needs From You »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Footer

find me on instagram!

WE DID A HARD THING! Marty and I got to speak to WE DID A HARD THING!

Marty and I got to speak to the magnificent @abbywambach and @glennondoyle recently about our “deeply satisfying domestic arrangement.”

Even though it was a little scary, we had a blast—so much laughing and love and truth-speaking. Such truly lovely peeps.

Feeling very grateful for all the supportive and encouraging messages we’ve been getting since the episode aired. Y’all are gorgeous. 

I popped the link to the episode in my bio.
Excited to catch up with my cousin @drewk81 tonigh Excited to catch up with my cousin @drewk81 tonight. It’s been over 20 years since this photo was taken, and in that time we’ve really cheered up. #grunge #coffee #family #angst
On this BeWild Files episode of Bewildered, listen On this BeWild Files episode of Bewildered, listener Bryony is trying to explore her/their identity beyond the binaries of gender and sexuality. As Martha reminded me, I’ve got the perfect litmus test for anyone trying to determine whether or not they are lesbian. Google the song “Arrow” by Cheryl Wheeler, give it a listen, and by the end of it, you’ll know! (This is just math, people.) 

@themarthabeck 
@bewilderedpodcast 
.
.
.
#bewildered #podcastinglifestyle #funnypodcasts #selfhelppodcast #spiritualpodcast #podcastshows #podcastoftheday #podcasterlife #funnypodcast #podcastersofig #podcastingtips #podcastofinstagram #podcastrecommendation #podcastlifestyle #newpodcastepisode #womenwhopodcast #instapodcast #newpodcastalert #podcastseries #podcastepisode #podcastcommunity #podcastmovement #podcastsofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcastinglife #writerofinstagram #podcasthost #newpodcast #podcastersofinstagram
Have you ever found yourself becoming deeply inter Have you ever found yourself becoming deeply interested in things you’ve never thought of before in your life? That could mean that you’re supposed to become something you’ve never thought of before. Whenever we’re on the brink of a major transformation in our lives, the culture will immediately try to push us away from our curiosity and back to “stability.” In this episode of Bewildered, Martha and Rowan remind us that we’re part of nature, and because nature is always changing, we too are always being and becoming. Don’t miss this enlightening and entertaining conversation about following your curiosity down the rabbit hole and allowing yourself the space to become who you’re meant to be.

You can listen to the full episode on our website, link in the bio, or on your favorite podcast app.

@themarthabeck 
@bewilderedpodcast 
.
.
.
#bewildered #podcastinglifestyle #funnypodcasts #selfhelppodcast #spiritualpodcast #podcastshows #podcastoftheday #podcasterlife #funnypodcast #podcastersofig #podcastingtips #podcastofinstagram #podcastrecommendation #podcastlifestyle #newpodcastepisode #womenwhopodcast #instapodcast #newpodcastalert #podcastseries #podcastepisode #podcastcommunity #podcastmovement #podcastsofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcastinglife #writerofinstagram #podcasthost #newpodcast #podcastersofinstagram
There’s a sort of undefined time when you're bec There’s a sort of undefined time when you're becoming a new version of yourself, but you're not there yet and don't quite know what's happening. As Martha points out, there's no set of concepts or even words in our culture to describe that period that exists between the letting go of the old self and becoming the new self. Our culture doesn’t have a name for it because it doesn’t ever want to acknowledge that we, like nature, are always changing. Rowan calls this undefined time “the space for dreaming,” and in this episode she and Martha explore the beauty and delight to be found there. Be sure to check it out!

You can listen to the full episode on our website, link in the bio, or on your favorite podcast app.

@themarthabeck 
@bewilderedpodcast 
.
.
.
#bewildered #podcastinglifestyle #funnypodcasts #selfhelppodcast #spiritualpodcast #podcastshows #podcastoftheday #podcasterlife #funnypodcast #podcastersofig #podcastingtips #podcastofinstagram #podcastrecommendation #podcastlifestyle #newpodcastepisode #womenwhopodcast #instapodcast #newpodcastalert #podcastseries #podcastepisode #podcastcommunity #podcastmovement #podcastsofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcastinglife #writerofinstagram #podcasthost #newpodcast #podcastersofinstagram
I’m having a flare-up of chronic illness today, I’m having a flare-up of chronic illness today, so this picture shows me trying to WFB (“work from bed”) on my Wild Inventures newsletter. Hilariously, @themarthabeck captured in this photo the fact that I have by my side a copy of “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.” 

Because when you’re stuck in bed, you really need to be reading about intense productivity, right? 

I crack myself up.

A note to my lovely paid subscribers on Substack—today’s Q&A will be coming to you in audio podcast form. This is the scene of the podcast.

(If you’re wondering about this whole Wild Inventures/Substack thing, you can sign up for my free weekly newsletter, or pay a little and get lots of fun extras. The link is in my bio.)

Oh, and no, I didn’t read a lot of the book today.
Do you want to write a memoir? This is my mum, Pa Do you want to write a memoir?

This is my mum, Paula Keogh. She’s a Memoir Coach, and as of RIGHT NOW she finally has a few places open for new clients. 

Her work meets clients where they are, whether it’s the beginning of the process where they need to talk through their project, or further along where they need more detailed advice on the craft of storytelling. 

Paula has a PhD in creative writing. Her memoir, The Green Bell, was critically acclaimed and shortlisted for prestigious literary awards.
She knows what she's talking about.

A previous client said: “[Paula] was my sounding board, she kept me on track and accountable for my work… she’s warm and encouraging and incredibly smart. If you’re like me and want to (finally) write your memoir, she will get you there.”

Another said: “Working with Paula was an absolute gift. I found her at a time when I didn't have the courage to keep going, where I felt absolutely lost. Through her guidance, I was able to develop the characters in my memoir, identify the most important themes in each chapter, and develop my narrator's voice. She also encouraged me to dive deeper, to look at the psychological and spiritual elements of the story. ”

If you’re interested in chatting with Paula to see if you’re a good fit, she offers free introductory calls. 

Go to her website (linked in my bio) to find out more and book a session. Or, if you’re really keen, you can DM me for her email address.
It's Throwback Thursday o'clock!⁠ ⁠ As regular It's Throwback Thursday o'clock!⁠
⁠
As regular readers might remember, I’m revisiting writing my first draft of Goat Street on the wild western coast of Ireland back in 2015. Every night after I finished writing, I published a short post about the day’s happenings. These Throwback Thursday posts are the historical record of that time. 😉⁠
⁠
👇 👇 👇⁠
⁠
April 17, 2015⁠
Day 7⁠
⁠
Today, a new item!⁠
⁠
TALLY⁠
⁠
Today: 2607 words. Total written in Ireland: 17,339 words⁠
Total manuscript: 51,439 words. Target 80,000+ and/or end of book, whichever comes second.⁠
⁠
Update from the cottage: Jandy Malone is missing! But we're trying not to worry, perhaps she'll be back tomorrow to yowl at us from the windowsill once again. ⁠
⁠
Maude is still pregnant, and not too happy about it. ⁠
⁠
No one has eaten any of our lambs, as far as I can tell. ⁠
⁠
Paula is learning everything about 19th century female astronomers and observing flying fish in the wild (not to mention enduring me!). ⁠
⁠
Meanwhile, I'm arse-deep in hypothetical genealogical research, and if if wasn't for my brilliant and generous helper, Catherine O'Connell, I'd be ready to throw this book into the Atlantic.⁠
Martha and Rowan are taking a brief break, but the Martha and Rowan are taking a brief break, but the podcast is still here for you! This week we have another "Best of Bewildered" episode for you to enjoy.

You can listen to the full episode on our website, link in the bio, or on your favorite podcast app.

@themarthabeck 
@bewilderedpodcast 
.
.
.
#bewildered #podcastinglifestyle #funnypodcasts #selfhelppodcast #spiritualpodcast #podcastshows #podcastoftheday #podcasterlife #funnypodcast #podcastersofig #podcastingtips #podcastofinstagram #podcastrecommendation #podcastlifestyle #newpodcastepisode #womenwhopodcast #instapodcast #newpodcastalert #podcastseries #podcastepisode #podcastcommunity #podcastmovement #podcastsofinstagram #podcastaddict #podcastinglife #writerofinstagram #podcasthost #newpodcast #podcastersofinstagram
RUSTLINGS In the past week, something interesting RUSTLINGS

In the past week, something interesting started happening. I felt it as a kind of rustling within, as if something small and tentative was starting to move around. I couldn’t see it yet, but I could hear it. 

A new story.

This is SUCH delicious news. I’ve been in limbo for a while as my first novel bumps around the desks of editors in the hope of finding a home. It’s hellacious. It’s like watching your heart being slowly, slowly lowered towards a meat grinder. At any moment the pain could begin. But it hasn’t. It’s just… waiting.

And so when this new story started its rustling, I was thrilled. Because it means I get to play again! It also means that I can let go of the other story. And it’s time to let go of it. I need to relax the fists that have been gripping that story way too tight for way too long.

Creativity kills fear. So I’m going back in. I’m going to offer this tender heart back to the gods of story. 

Because what else are we here for?

************
The rustling of a new creative project is the topic of my Wild Inventures newsletter next week. If you haven’t subscribed and want to chat about creativity, subscribe via the link in my bio! xx
Loving this huddle! Happy birthday, Brooke! Loving this huddle! Happy birthday, Brooke!
I'm making video! So excited to be expanding wha I'm making video! 

So excited to be expanding what I do over at my Substack newsletter community. In addition to the regular weekly newsletter for all subscribers, I'm now also posting an audio AND video version of each essay for paid subscribers. Inevitably, these involve some chatter and editorializing and a little silliness. Please come join the community if you like Wild Inventures of any kind. Link in my bio. x

#substack #substacknewsletter #substackwriter #newsletters
Throwback Thursday is extra escapist this week. Throwback Thursday is extra escapist this week. 

As regular readers might remember, I’m revisiting the writing of my first draft of Goat Street on the wild western coast of Ireland back in 2015. Every night after I finished writing, I published a short post about the day’s happenings. These Throwback Thursday posts are the historical record of that time. 😉

👇 👇 👇

April 16, 2015
Day 6: Word count 3053

Writing was a slog, but I got in a gorgeous walk this afternoon. It's the furthest I've gone so far, up and over the mountain. (It might be a hill.) 

The standing stone at the top can be seen from our place, looking like a toothpick. I wonder how I can find out what the ancient Ogham script on the stone means... maybe "watch your step". 

The ocean is the colour of the goddamn Caribbean today. WTF?
It's been a time, friends. I've written about it It's been a time, friends. 

I've written about it in an essay that will be sent to all my Wild Inventures subscribers tomorrow. The piece is called "A Radical Heart."

You can sign up for my newsletter by following the link in my bio to the Substack newsletter community.
Words fail me. So I go back to the source. Words fail me. So I go back to the source.
For Throwback Thursday, I’m off down memory lane For Throwback Thursday, I’m off down memory lane for the writing of my first draft of Goat Street seven years ago. I took myself (and my mum!) on an intensive writing retreat and finished the draft in 30 days. (The rewrites took *just* a little longer.)⁠
⁠
Every night after finishing writing, I published a short post about the day’s happenings. These ended up becoming a fun record of the process. ⁠
👇 👇 👇 👇 👇 
Day 4
2794 words.
Thanks for your encouragement to continue this! You may live to regret it.
Today was: 
- baking brown bread (my first loaf!)
- islands of sunlight on the sea
- new four-legged friends
- trying to write about the magic and mayhem of a trad session at an Irish pub

follow me on twitter!

Tweets by rowanmangan

Copyright © 2020 Rowan Mangan · Site by Lilt Creative