Writing and Creativity

 

By Raven Wi ’

 

there I am—heart throbbing, lips trembling, eyes sparkling in anticipation.

As a writer, creativity is everything. When inspiration isn’t flowing for me, it’s like hitting my head on a rock. No matter how hard I hit the rock, all I’m going to get is a headache. I cannot force the rock to give. It’s almost depressing, especially when all I want to do is write. But once I surrender and let go, the creative juices begin. It’s an elixir to my veins, impassioning every part of my heart and mind. At that moment, nothing else matters; not food, not sleep, nor time. It’s like a lover calling me out of my castle on a moonlit night to dance barefoot in the dewy grass: there I am—heart throbbing, lips trembling, eyes sparkling in anticipation.

That’s what it feels like as the words tumble from my brain, down to my fingers and onto the keyboard. Time stands still. Just my thoughts, the words, the keyboard. It is a perfect union where ego falls away like an old, worn-out cloak that is no longer in style.

I’ve been on this creative/non-creative see-saw with my writing since I lived in my old trapper’s cabin in Ferry, Alaska . Except then, I didn’t have a computer—or lights, or running water. Just the Nenana River singing its ancient song and my dog for company as I wrote notes of my wilderness experiences by the light of kerosene lamps.

Today, I am much more fortunate to live in a modern house. I no longer have to melt snow for bathing, chop wood for the stove, or strain my eyes while writing in the near-darkness. As a result, I’ve penned eight books in the Inky the Raven series for children. I’ve also written two non-fiction books based on my Alaskan adventures, several poems and articles that have been published, and two other books based on theories or fact.

 

The first book of Inky was published in November of 2005. Inky is an Alaskan tale based on a crow that my mother rescued when she was a little girl. She told me stories about Inky, about how smart he was and, of course, his endless curiosity, which got him into all kinds of trouble. Because Inky is able to bridge the world of humans and ravens, his journeys are amazing. In following books, Inky learns gratitude and to respect the property of others. He makes friends with the family dog, who protects him from the cat, who would love to eat him. Once he grows up, Inky is set free, discovers his ‘ravenhood’ and learns about the Secret Tree where the ravens go to roost at night. He befriends a sled dog team and becomes a hero by saving the team’s musher when they are lost in a snowstorm. He later falls in love and has his own little Inkys. In the last book, he becomes Inky the Wise and tells the stories of all the raven myths. Each book is a little longer than the last, and his audience matures as he matures. (The second book in the Inky series will be available sometime in October 2006.)

 

Because I didn’t want to wait for Inky’s release by going through a regular publishing house, I opted to self-publish with a local business. I had heard about Publishing Consultants in Anchorage and decided to give them a try. They were wonderful, but expensive. As a compromise, I chose a subsidy contract with them, which means they paid for half of Inky’s printing and I paid the other half. The way they put things together and worked with me—down to the very last detail, including cover design, page layout and excellent binding—made it worth every penny I spent.

What do I want to accomplish through my writing? Many things! Primarily, I want to inspire others with my words, give readers something to think about, bring a smile to their eyes and uplift their hearts for just a moment. Mostly, if I have helped or touched just one person, I’ve done what I came to do during my lifetime.

 

Book Excerpt …from Inky The Raven: an Alaska Tale based on a True Story by Raven Wi ’ … All of a sudden, strange noises were coming from the forest and Inky became very frightened when his parents flew away cawing in alarm. Something was coming toward Inky and he tried to hop away…   “There, there, little raven. Do not be afraid, for I will take care of you.” Inky had never heard such a sound in his life. He blinked and looked up to see where the sound was coming from. He was startled to see two huge eyes looking down at him—and the sound was coming out of a BIG round beak!   Although Inky was scared, the sound from the strange thing was soothing. “Little raven, you will be fine. First, you must learn to listen to me so you will be safe.”

 

Raven Wi ’ has lived in Alaska since 1989. She is married to the love of her life, has one son and a granddaughter. E-mail: raven@pobox.mtaonline.net or visit www.ravenscreations.net to purchase a book.