
How writing creatively helped Jen Jackson and how you can start
Never fear writers' block
For if you free your mind
We can see your soul
This is part of a series of blogs by guest hosts exploring how creativity has improved their wellbeing.
I’ve always been a writer; it’s in my blood. My dad writes poetry and his grandad used to perform his work.
But I didn’t always write. I did an English Degree and then an MA in Film and TV Production and my focus was scriptwriting. I found myself working in TV developing scripts and narrative. Then a wake-up call that I needed a more stable job led me into the world of marketing communications. I was in my element writing press releases, ad and web copy.
But it had been so many years since I’d done anything creative. So in 2014 when I was agonising over whether to have a baby (due to having bipolar) I sat down and wrote a poem. ‘Maybe baby’ it took me through all of my emotions and as soon as I’d written it I knew I wanted to be a mum.
So now I have a beautiful daughter thanks to the power of writing. I literally don’t know where I’d be without her. She is now starting school so I have time to devote to my creative writing.
Writing really helps my wellbeing. I’ve always written a diary and it’s so cathartic getting it all out on paper. If you’re angry with someone, my mum used to say write a letter, say what you want to and then throw it away. I struggle with my mental health and I have written a letter to myself to help me in my dark days.
I firmly believe that we are all born creative and slowly we lose confidence and doubt our abilities.
So I challenge you to put pen to paper and give it a go!
Here are my tips to start writing:
I hope this has inspired you to have a go; there’s no right or wrong! Just write!!! I would be really interested to hear what you have created.
For if you free your mind
We can see your soul
This is part of a series of blogs by guest hosts exploring how creativity has improved their wellbeing.
I’ve always been a writer; it’s in my blood. My dad writes poetry and his grandad used to perform his work.
But I didn’t always write. I did an English Degree and then an MA in Film and TV Production and my focus was scriptwriting. I found myself working in TV developing scripts and narrative. Then a wake-up call that I needed a more stable job led me into the world of marketing communications. I was in my element writing press releases, ad and web copy.
But it had been so many years since I’d done anything creative. So in 2014 when I was agonising over whether to have a baby (due to having bipolar) I sat down and wrote a poem. ‘Maybe baby’ it took me through all of my emotions and as soon as I’d written it I knew I wanted to be a mum.
So now I have a beautiful daughter thanks to the power of writing. I literally don’t know where I’d be without her. She is now starting school so I have time to devote to my creative writing.
Writing really helps my wellbeing. I’ve always written a diary and it’s so cathartic getting it all out on paper. If you’re angry with someone, my mum used to say write a letter, say what you want to and then throw it away. I struggle with my mental health and I have written a letter to myself to help me in my dark days.
I firmly believe that we are all born creative and slowly we lose confidence and doubt our abilities.
So I challenge you to put pen to paper and give it a go!
Here are my tips to start writing:
- Write each day and start with free-flowing thoughts, whatever comes to mind, just write.
- Go back and pick elements from this stream of consciousness that could become poems or narrative.
- Start to shape these concepts into writing ideas, be it poetry, stories and flash fiction.
- Pick words that fit together and you’ll have a jigsaw of ideas!
- Then edit and edit some more
- If you are feeling brave share it with others for review.
I hope this has inspired you to have a go; there’s no right or wrong! Just write!!! I would be really interested to hear what you have created.