I don’t think that’s quite how creativity works for me — sometimes, when I’m stuck on the writing, I’ll go play with yarns or colored pens or something for a while, and just the act of being free with it helps me with the writing. So being creative in other areas *increases* my creativity in writing, I think. It’s a positive-feedback loop.

I like the idea of “headline” items. Sadly, although my work isn’t always something I love, because family is, I have to do the work, even when the stuff I’m working on isn’t thrilling me or even keeping me awake in the afternoon. I’ll admit that I would dearly love to have full-time writer be my only paying job. However, I’m not there yet. So I take what pleasure I can in my work — and some weeks, it’s quite a lot — and keep going.

Great job on moving toward balance. I think realizing that you’re after dynamic balance, not static balance, is a big step.