We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tory Keit a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tory, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
I’m thrilled to share my experiences and insights on overcoming creativity blocks, something I believe is an integral part of any creative journey. Firstly, it’s important to remember that these blocks are completely regular and temporary. I’ve learned to embrace them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
One of my key strategies is seeking inspiration from a myriad of sources. Whether it’s delving into genres I typically don’t explore, visiting new places, or having deep conversations with people from various walks of life, these experiences often spark new ideas and perspectives in surprising ways.
Maintaining a routine has also been crucial for me. It might sound counterintuitive, but having a disciplined approach to work, even during less inspired periods, often paves the way for unexpected creative breakthroughs. It’s all about keeping the momentum going!
I can’t stress enough the importance of physical activity and mindfulness practices in clearing the mind. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or meditation, these activities provide a mental reset that can lead to profound creative insights.
Also, I always appreciate the power of play and experimentation. Allowing yourself to explore ideas without judgment can lead to innovative and creative solutions. It’s all about letting your imagination run wild!
Sometimes, the simplest yet most effective strategy is to take a break. Stepping away from your work can provide a fresh perspective and renewed energy when you return to it. It’s incredible how often the answer comes to you when you’re not actively searching for it.
I also find immense value in learning from others. Exploring how different creatives tackle similar challenges can offer new strategies and perspectives. It’s a beautiful way to stay connected and inspired within the creative community.
Lastly, personal reflection has been a cornerstone of my creative process. Understanding my rhythms and creativity patterns helps me navigate the blocks more effectively. It’s a journey of self-discovery that every creative individual can benefit from.
Remember, every creative block is an opportunity to grow and evolve your craft. Embrace them, learn from them, and soon you’ll find these challenges are stepping stones to greater creativity. Best of luck on your creative journey!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Tory Keit, an American author and a voice that echoes through the corridors of creativity and community. My journey, marked by the successful novel ‘Letters Back Home,’ is a kaleidoscope of stories that touch on the universal themes of love, life, and the ties that bind us.
In my multifaceted role as a father, nonprofit advocate, public speaker, and mentor, I’m deeply committed to enriching underserved communities and empowering the next generation through financial literacy. My work extends beyond the written word, impacting lives and inspiring change. You’ll often find me at local events, sharing a laugh and making new friends—because, for me, every stranger is a friend I haven’t met yet!
My literary collection, including favorites like ‘Conversations of Infatuation’ and ‘Insider’s Guide to Self-Publishing,’ speaks to my diverse interests and explorations in writing. My poetry compilation, ‘Journal of a Man Before His Time,’ is in The Tory Keit Collection. When not crafting narratives or engaging in community work, I’m pursuing my passions for photography and art and spending quality time with my family, all while living in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia.
Now, let’s talk about something thrilling—my latest novel, ‘The Parker Coin.’ This mystery is set in the heart of Atlanta, a city rich in history and mystery. Detective James Holden enters an intriguing world with the estate of the late H.E. Parker, a collector whose legacy is as enigmatic as the artifacts he left behind. Among these treasures, a mysterious coin sets off a series of events that pull back the curtain on a hidden world of history and secrets.
Detective Holden embarks on an extraordinary journey by joining forces with Dr. Denisha Smith, Amir Ahmad, and TK, each a guardian of different facets of Atlanta’s story. They navigate the city’s historical landmarks and less-trodden paths, uncovering a web of power, influence, and hidden societies that have silently shaped the city’s destiny.
‘The Parker Coin’ is more than a mystery; it’s an invitation to explore the unseen layers of history woven into the fabric of our cities. With a blend of historical accuracy and imaginative storytelling, I aim to create a world where every corner holds a secret, and every story leads to a discovery. This book is for anyone who loves a good mystery, appreciates history, and enjoys unraveling the layers of our collective past.
Available now on Amazon and at your favorite book retailers, ‘The Parker Coin’ awaits you on an unforgettable journey. Dive into the pages and discover the hidden secrets of Atlanta, and you’ll start seeing your city in a new light!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my adventure as a writer, I’ve discovered that three key ingredients – receiving criticism, embracing ongoing learning, and cultivating meaningful networking – have been the secret spices in my recipe for growth and success.
Embracing Criticism with Open Arms: Initially, criticism felt like navigating through a storm, but I soon realized it was the wind helping me set sail in the right direction. Remembering criticism, especially the constructive kind, is like a lighthouse guiding us to better shores is essential. My advice to new writers: when criticism comes your way, welcome it with open arms. It’s an opportunity to see your work through a different lens and polish it into something even more brilliant.
The Never-Ending Journey of Learning: The knowledge landscape is vast and ever-changing, and staying curious and committed to learning has been a game-changer for me. As a writer, keeping my mind open to new ideas, trends, and techniques has been immensely rewarding. To those just starting: make learning a daily habit. Dive into books, engage with online resources, and participate in workshops – every bit of knowledge is a piece that completes your puzzle.
Networking & Building Your Community: Networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about weaving your tapestry of relationships. In the writing world, these connections are more than just contacts – they are your cheerleaders, mentors, and sometimes, the gateway to new opportunities. If you’re at the start of your journey, begin by joining local or online writing groups, attend literary events, and don’t hesitate to reach out to authors and professionals you admire. Remember, networking is about growing together – as you build your network, you also build your support system.
To all budding writers, these skills are your tools to carve out your unique path. Treat criticism as your compass, let learning be your map, and use networking to find fellow travelers on this journey. Embrace these skills enthusiastically, and watch as they transform your writing and your entire creative voyage!”
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! Collaboration is the heartbeat of creativity, and I am always looking for fellow authors and budding writers passionate about their craft. There’s something genuinely magical about bringing diverse perspectives and ideas together to create something remarkable.
I am particularly keen on collaborating with authors with similar storytelling zest, regardless of genre. Whether you’re a seasoned writer with several titles or just starting to pen your first work, we can learn from and inspire each other. Collaboration is not just about co-authoring; it’s about sharing insights and experiences and perhaps even co-creating workshops or seminars that can benefit the wider writing community.
If you love to play with words, have a story to tell, or are in the midst of your writing journey and looking for a collaborator, I’d be thrilled to connect with you. I’m particularly interested in individuals who bring a unique voice and perspective to their work, as this diversity enriches the collaborative process.
To get in touch, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Let’s discuss your ideas and projects and how we can work together. Whether it’s brainstorming over a new story idea, providing feedback on each other’s work, or just discussing the intricacies of the writing process, I’m all ears and ready to collaborate. Let’s create something extraordinary together!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/thetorykeit
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordsmithspen
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/PoeticIq
Image Credits
Milynne Media
