David Meigs is a novelist with a background in youth outreach, specializing in ministry to at-risk youth and their families. Though his writing is enjoyed by all ages, his novels provide a unique, life-changing quality, critical for the youth of today. David and his family lives in Seabeck, Washington, where he serves his church as youth pastor.

Find the right writing environment.

When I first started writing, I used to go to the park, the beach, or even hike to some majestic mountaintop in hopes of finding the inspiration I needed to write. Unfortunately, the beauty of the setting or the sounds and smells overwhelmed my senses would usually distract me. Before long I would find myself skipping rocks across the water, feeding the wild animals, or even taking a nice nap in the sun; but I did little, if any, writing.

At home, I positioned my desk near to the window with the best view, with the same hope of finding that illusive inspiration; but again, I was easily distracted. Fortunately, I finally figured out that I accomplished a lot more writing with my desk tucked back in some out of the way corner, where I could shut out the world. In the solitude of my cramped little cubbyhole, my mind is finally free to transport to the fictional worlds of my own making. Writing became as easy as recording the movies that played across the screen of my imagination.

I use earplugs or headphones to help me achieve the quiet I need, but other writers listen to music of one type or other. Do whatever works best for you; it’s all about closing out the world around you. Over the years, I’ve learned to adapt to writing in public, such as libraries, coffee shops, or even at the park. However, given the choice, I am, by far, the most productive when writing at home in my cramped little cubbyhole.

Restore your creative storehouse.

The many different ways that writers recharge their creative batteries always fascinates me. Some writers I know find their muse while going on walks, knitting, or playing music. I remember reading about one famous novelist who went kayaking between projects. Regardless of what that specific activity might be for any of us, nearly all of us share this same basic need—we must recharge.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to benefit from the wisdom of some wonderful men and women who have mentored me. I remember complaining to one of these mentors how I badly needed a vacation. The stresses of building a ministry were burning me out fast. I was sure that I needed two or three weeks relaxing and having fun. Fortunately for me, this wise man taught me that the secret to recharging my batteries was as simple as taking a break and doing something else

completely different in nature. For instance, if your work is sedentary, go for a walk. Conversely, if your work involves heavy labor, find some way to exercise your mind.

I am not saying that vacations are a bad thing—far from it. If a periodic escape to exotic places is what works for you, then go for it. In fact, if you are going to any one of the Greek Islands or to the Highlands of Scotland, then please pack me inside your suitcase. But the best way for me to recharge is by going on a walk, or even doing mundane household chores. Washing dishes helps me think through upcoming scenes or simply enjoy a brief diversion from my writing. As a matter of fact, I consider these breaks from my writing to be the most important part of my creative process. If my writing hits a dead end, I go outside and cut some firewood. It hasn’t failed me yet.

Feed the intellect a diverse diet.

I am a firm believer in reading a broad spectrum of genres. Even if you write only one story type, you will find that your stories will benefit from incorporating some of the elements of other genres. Moreover, it will help to keep your own writing style evolving. I personally read everything from the Bible to thrillers and the classics plus historical, westerns, chick-lit, and everything in between. I love how it keeps me fresh.

Above all, nurture your walk with God.

If our spiritual lives are dead, how can we expect our novels to inspire others? I have to be careful here or the pastor side of me will start preaching. But don’t worry. I promise to spare you any sermons today. I’ll let you off with a recommendation to spend lots of time in the Word, prayer, devotionals, Bible studies, and let’s not forget to worship.

Do you have anything to add?

If I have forgotten anything, or if you want to share with me what works best for you, please drop me a line at david@davidmeigs.com.

Blessings!