Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christine Blystone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Christine, 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’ve found that creativity needs space to flow.
The thing that has helped me the most in overcoming creativity blocks is a daily meditation practice. Most days, I fit in a 15-minute session, and if I’m lucky, I can fit two into my day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Taking that time to slow down, close my eyes, breathe deep and reconnect with myself creates space within me to connect more with life—and the creative muses!
When I’m experiencing a creativity block, my first move is to take the pressure off. I’ll take a break from the project and do something completely different. I won’t think about an audience or the outcome. I’ll create something just for me. That usually shakes off the cobwebs and lets creativity start flowing again.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the creator and founder of Velvetback, where my work as a writer, artist, designer, and maker helps people connect with plants and make meaning with their magic. My product line includes plant poetry oracle cards, my debut novel, Magic Flowers, and natural incense cones.
My work has a loyal fan base and has even reached luxury fashion designer Gabriela Hearst and Adventure Nannies founder Brandy Schultz. Velvetback products have been featured in Astral Box, Witchcraft Way, and Writual Planner subscription boxes, received over 550 glowing 5-star reviews on Etsy, and are sold in brick-and-mortar shops worldwide.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Portland State University, have studied Intuitive Plant Medicine with Asia Suler of One Willow Apothecaries, and continually hone my writing in Literary Kitchen workshops with Lambda Literary and Alternative Press award–winning author Ariel Gore.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Have fun experimenting. Curiosity and self-compassion are key to keeping creativity flowing. Be open to new ideas and perspectives, seek experiences that feel like a resounding YES when you think about doing them, and don’t listen to your harsh inner skeptic and critic. This keeps the creative process enjoyable.
2. Build a daily ritual or routine. I mentioned my daily meditation, but any ritual or routine can help kick off the creative fire. Try a lot of things and see what resonates and sticks. I have friends who swear by morning pages, sketching daily, or setting aside a specific chunk of time each day to work on creative projects.
3. Rest. Seriously, rest when you need to. If I’m feeling tired or frustrated, I know I need to step away from a project and let it breathe for a while. When I take a break for a day or two, I can come back with fresh eyes and see things I didn’t see before. This is a game-changer!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Feel free to reach out if you have questions about my plant poetry oracle cards or book, want to explore wholesale opportunities, or are interested in having me on your podcast. I’m available to comment on topics such as plant wisdom and magic, writing, and the creative process, like:
• How plant wisdom can make your spiritual life sparkle
• How plant magic helped me find my voice as a writer
• How to start a fulfilling creative writing practice you love, even if you think you suck at it (spoiler alert: you don’t)
• How you can use writing as a powerful tool to process grief
• How EMDR and somatic therapy influence my writing, creativity, and spirituality
Contact Info:
- Website: https://velvetback.com
- Instagram: _velvetback_
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
