anchorandrope

[anchorandrope]

4-9-25 Louis liked Zara's post about her new documentary

[anchorandrope]

[anchorandrope]

I want to talk about the ritual of creating.

As some of you may know, I recently went through an entire mental overload. I was going through some personal things and my desire to create, to write, to do anything was just completely depleted. It got so bad that even making food felt like a chore, the thought of having to create a meal was just so uninspiring (thank goodness for premade protein shakes).

But throughout, I still wanted to do something. I missed who I was when I could sit down and bang out a fic or make a craft or even do a coloring book. I know I'm not alone in that feeling either. Today, in the world we all live, it can be so daunting and frustrating to try and do anything other than worry and fear. And I'm not encouraging you to forget the struggles of the every day, not entirely, but I am saying that one way I was able to get back into art and creating was to make it feel like something sacred.

The first thing I do is prep my space.

For those of you in the United States, you probably live near a Dollar Tree or a Five and Below (I affectionately call this the GenZ store). I went to both and I found myself a cute incense holder and a few candles. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, even using something you already have can feel good if you put intention behind it. And the rule for these items is they're used exclusively when I'm trying to do art. So I light my $1.25 "Creative" incense and I put it in my eggs on toast holder and that's what I use when I really want to write. The scent puts me in the mood, the act of lighting something and focusing on it draws my attention to the task at hand, and I'm able to just sit and focus (mostly).

That is not to say I don't chaotically write a few lines here and there on the go. I sometimes fill my notes app on my phone with scenes, like a quick prayer between tasks, but I try to set aside dedicated time in my prepared 'altar' of sorts. It helps me center myself, to really set aside the time for this 'dedication' to my craft and my creativity.

The second thing I do is pick my tools.

I went through four years of creative writing school. I have a BFA in it (with a minor in philosophy!). And then I did another two years to get a masters degree in something else! So when I tell you, my wrists are fucking dead - I mean it. So I can't write in a notebook for long. It kills me. And all those tips online tell you to 'outline your story' 'plan your work' 'do a rough draft in your own hand' blah blah blah. It doesn't work for me and maybe it doesn't work for you.

You know what does? I choose to write in Notepad. Yep. Notepad on my laptop and then I transfer everything over to my Word and I cry because I can't spell but I fix it. That is the tool that works for me and since my craft is personal and I'm doing it - of course I'm going to choose what works for me. Don't feel pressured to buy into the idea that you're only a true creator if you use GoogleDocs or Adobe InDesign or some very expensive Moleskin notebook and felt tip pen that costs more than your coffee order (been there, done that). Even writing a few lines or sketching on the back of a pharmacy receipt is valid and sustainable and if it works for you - then fucking do it!

The third thing I do is let myself suffer.

It sounds counter intuitive, right? But Jenn you just said you were healing! Well yeah, but it's still a process and so is creating art! So sometimes, I do my prep work, I get out my instruments - my laptop, my favorite keyboard, a nice beverage, and then…nothing. Literally nothing. I type one word, erase it, do it again, and this can go for fifteen minutes before I give up and go do something else. And guess what - that's okay!

Allow yourself the space to just say "Fuck! Where is all my inspo?" and then take a break. What's important is not what you've accomplished during that time. It's what you do when you come back - and you have to come back! Take a walk, a shower, eat a snack, punch a pillow, do some yoga - and then come back to it. Don't give up. Even when it feels so daunting and pointless. The creativity is in you. You just have to force it out sometimes.

The last, and maybe the hardest one to do, is share.

Do you know how many poems and flash fics and little drabbles I have hidden away in my OneDrive? Things that have and will probably never see the light of day? And why? Why are we so afraid of sharing something we literally created with ours hands, our bodies?

Well, of course it's ridicule and shame and the trolls on the internet. But guess what? For every nasty opinion out there, there is a person who connects with your work. I always say I'm so flattered when people like my stuff, and you want to know why? Because for four years in college, I had professor after professor after classmate after published author tell me I was a shit writer. I would never do anything with it. My characters were over dramatic, my dialogue was flat, I was ass at world building etc. And you know what? I almost gave up. I literally almost just gave up. Because if someone is telling you that you suck - they must have some validity, right?

No! Art is subjective. It doesn't interpret itself, its up to the individual to understand and make sense of art and that's entirely based on opinion anyway. The very fact that you can make something - anything - is valid enough reason to do it! Put it out there! Show how unique and creative you are! People will find it. People will love it. And you are so amazing for even being able to do it in the first place.

To create art is to connect with the world around you, to show them a piece of your heart and your soul. And through that expression, you will reach people you never will know. You have made the world more beautiful, more rich, and far more interesting than if you had kept it all inside or locked away in some drawer.

But you have to be brave enough to start and keep with it. Your work is valid, is important, and only you can do it.

[anchorandrope]

[anchorandrope]

if anyone knows how to put a perimeter on LTHQ let me know!!!

[anchorandrope]

i long for the day when louis and harry release an album with this beauty on the cover

[anchorandrope]

[anchorandrope]

sep 04, 2025.

only comment i saw where the mods did something good. no one wants your racist and idiotic ass here 😂 so glad they banned you <3

[anchorandrope]

[anchorandrope]

do yall ever wonder what you’re best known for in the fandom ?

[anchorandrope]

[anchorandrope]

The only Z in Louis’ life is, and always will be, Zayn

[anchorandrope]

two bros ! chillin in a boyband ! 5 feet apart bc they Genuinely- the fans genuinely- like they genuinely Seriously think that they’re in a relationship. like they GENUIN-

[anchorandrope]

Remember that time Liam thanked modest in their acceptance speech and Louis resembled Caesar when he found out Brutus betrayed him

[anchorandrope]

[anchorandrope]

just tell us you lil shit. 28 and 369 are enough we can't be looking for question marks now 😭😭😭

[anchorandrope]

Today on liked by Hozier