Creating in Times of Strife

I swear, 2020 is the gift that keeps on giving (swift kicks in the ass, that is).

I've been really grappling with focus recently. Thankfully, I have plenty of editing projects to keep me busy and feeling productive, but—I haven't touched A Dark Sky Opens in weeks. (Ever since finishing the last round of revisions, honestly.)

Everybody keeps talking about how it's more important than ever to be a creator—and yet, we're facing unprecedented times in terms of creating in an environment that feels so hostile and scary and distracting. How does one create art when the world is suffering? How does one begin to suppose that their creative work is even relevant in such heartbreaking times?

As far as I am concerned, it isn't really relevant. But we've got to keep creating anyway. If not for those around us, than for ourselves. I've been a creator for as long as I can remember and simply shutting that desire off or ignoring it doesn't work—so if I must create, hopefully I'm creating art that can help people. That can instill change. That can motivate and inspire and fulfill.

What kind of content are YOU looking for in times like these? Are you looking for a good book or a new song? Poetry? Whatever that may be, I encourage you to create it yourself, for yourself, and for anybody else who may be looking for that, too.

Art unites us.