Last updated on June 26, 2025
Based on Ken Kuhlken’s Book, Writing and the Spirit
I have discovered the greatest killer of creative writing is a lack of sleep. The second most significant obstacle is worry about the future, my family, my career, or not being in control.
In recent years, I have made sleep a priority, but I haven’t conquered this dragon. On some days, he roars out, and I’m beat. I tell myself, this, too, shall pass. Tonight I will get a good night’s rest, and tomorrow I will begin again. The first step, however, is recognizing the need and then pursuing it with commitment. I have found that commitment is attainable, though not without sacrifice. Sometimes other things don’t get done. But to be creative, I must get sufficient sleep; no ifs, ands, or buts.
The second obstacle presents a more slippery slope. I call this the battle of emotions. My human nature is to worry; my spiritual nature is to trust God. As pointed out in the chapter, I must begin with the “spirit” to even have a chance of winning this battle. Without God, I can’t do anything. My writing is stale, and I no longer have the desire to write. All my energy is consumed with whatever I am besieged with, and the result is depression.
I have come to realize there is something circuitous about this; I write not to become depressed, but I can’t write if I am depressed. So it begins with the Bible, focusing on God and prayer. These tenets of the faith help me to be in the right mindset to overcome evil, and I believe it is naked evil that prevents me from writing. It is a battle of the mind for control—worry versus trust, belief versus unbelief. These battles, however, can be woven into wonderful stories with a sense of redemption. That is why I write.
To learn more about Ken Kuhlken’s book, Writing and the Spirit, click here.
To read more creative writing blog posts by Lorilyn, click here.
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