Are you there, Goddess Kali?

I was lying in the yard, face down in the grass. The October sun was warm upon my back and the earth smelled like recent rain. Our rescue puppy, Cleo, bounded up, delighted to see me sprawled across her turf. She gazed into my face with curiosity, licked my cheek, and settled beside me. I was in creative slump mode, and she was here to ride it out.

Kali? It’s me, Anuradha. I need to rock this revision, but I’m beat. Thoughts?

Kali is a Hindu warrior goddess who symbolizes both the creative and destructive forces of nature—and she has woven her way into my next novel.

Known for being fierce but nurturing, she takes no garbage and gets things done. When feeling stuck creatively, I envision her and it helps.

Sometimes.

The truth is my life was undergoing immense change, and overwhelm was becoming my new best friend. Soon after the publication of my debut novel, my family and I moved to Evanston, my hometown, after 30 years away. Despite the challenges of a major move, exciting things were happening: My second novel was acquired on proposal, I was invited to contribute short stories to two anthologies, I secured a full-time job in academia, and we now lived close to family. Life was good. Exhausting, but good.

As I threw myself into the research for my second novel, a gothic thriller set in India, I stumbled upon Goddess Kali. With her indigo skin and wild black hair, she rides a tiger while defeating obstacles in her path with her scythe.

I found myself channeling this symbol of wild, feminine empowerment whenever I became creatively disconnected. Which, as it turned out, was often.

Kali? Halp!

I like to believe she heard me, because I learned some tricks—ones that have helped me reclaim my creative energy and writing joy. Here’s what worked:

Voice Memo Nature Walks

I set an intention: during my daily walks with Cleo, I record voice memos about my WIP (work in progress). I’m not going to lie: Walking Cleo as she hind-leg-lurch-hops at every living thing we pass while I juggle treats, poop bags, my thoughts, and my phone is a lot. But eventually, we hit our stride. These walks help me generate character motivations, plot twists, and new story ideas. Voice memos allow me to stay in close connection with my WIP while physically away from my computer. Plus, it invites Cleo into my process, which she values.

Building a Writing Community

Connecting with other writers and illustrators brings fresh energy to my creative life. Whether it’s meeting with my critique partners to discuss our WIPs or supporting new writers, meeting with other creators makes my heart happy. And tips I’ve gleaned and shared?

• A) Story Genius and Save the Cat Writes a Novel help sculpt strong pitches and outlines.

• B) A clear strategy is essential when querying agents (thanks, Manuscript Wishlist and Publishers Marketplace, for existing).

• And C) sometimes, cheerleading is everything (You wrote a beautiful book and you rock!). Participating in others’ artistic journeys is fulfilling—and inspires me to reengage with my own.

Living Bookmarks

When I feel stuck, I fold a piece of paper, grab a pen, flop down, and read, writing sentences I love on this “living bookmark.” After finishing the book, I have its highlights captured. I keep this bookmark close as I tinker with word choice or sentence structure in my own work. Just as musicians craft songs from samples, writers can use mentor texts in similar ways. Words are our first loves—and our tools. Studying how your favorite writers wield them will bring out the magic in your writing.

Grounding

In drafting a story for an environmental activism anthology edited by Nora Carpenter, I came across the concept of grounding (or earthing). The idea is based in Native American understanding of the natural world, its essence being this: when our bodies connect with the ground, we link with the Earth’s electrical energy. Syncing with the Earth’s natural frequencies positively impacts our bodies, health, and mood. When I became intentional about earthing—being barefoot outdoors, lying in the grass, and gardening with my bare hands—I began to gain a sense of balance and well-being. After all, Goddess Kali—divine Mother Earth—already knows and practices this.

Love Little You

A friend shared that she props at her desk a photo of herself as a girl as a reminder to treat her inner child with empathy and compassion. I discovered that it’s much harder to berate myself for a writing slump with little me staring back at me. Plus, centering my inner kid helps me write with young people in mind.

Art Immersion

On a recent trip to Miami, I saw an art installation featuring green geckos. It struck me like a bolt: lizards! The perfect metaphor to thread through my gothic—and the puzzle piece I was missing. When we view writing as an art form that’s linked to other art forms, we find inspiration everywhere: a street mural, a song lyric, a vintage dress, a stained-glass transom in a coffee shop. Even bingeing a television series allows us to examine plot, characterization, and pacing. So, take in art in all its forms. It might just be what’s needed to unlock your WIP.

Drawing Power from Your Ancestors

When calling on Kali wasn’t working, a friend offered this: “Maybe you’re too tired for warrior-ing. What if you envisioned being cheered on by your ancestors?” I thought of my late grandmother—the warmth of her hand on mine, her earthy chuckle. The pride in my late grandfather’s eyes when I told him I wanted to be a writer. Anu, you are a writer, and writers must write. Go on, now! New ideas flickered, fireflies in a velvet sky. The concept of my ancestors wanting for me what I want for myself motivates me to keep going.

Study Artists’ Obsessions

Reading about and hearing from artists about their work lend insight into the artistic process. This intentional practice reminds me that we are part of a creative collective, and that ebbs are normal—that there’s even beauty in the wrangling. So read the arts sections. Visit the local knitting shop. Attend concerts, absorbing the stories the musicians share behind their songs. Check out maker fairs, asking artists about their stories. It supports artists on their journeys and reconnects you with your own.

Becoming your Own Best Friend and Other Therapies

Setting small goals while speaking lovingly to my brain is a technique shared by a dear friend who is a life coach. Stuff like: Yes, this is tough, but I have faith in you. You can rest when you need to, and we’ll get this done. You got this! This technique settles the nervous system down enough that you can focus. And once you reach the goal, celebrate yourself. Other therapies that remap negative mind-patterns are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and emotional freedom technique (EFT), to name a few. Each help form healthier neural pathways. Your brain—and creative practice—will thank you.

Facing your Authentic Self

Often we torment ourselves over creating, like it’s a monster to control or vanquish. But at its heart, creating means connecting with your core self. In researching Goddess Kali, I learned she is known to release in you the truth that is uniquely yours—the stuff of great writing. Kali embraces duality: She is terrifying but loving. She destroys but eradicates evil in protection of children. This ultimate mother also symbolizes the force of time, death, rebirth. She is filled with paradox, as are we all. Honoring my inner Kali helps me write from a place of authenticity—a safe space to process honest queries, deep fears, high hopes. So, as you write, embrace your truth. Kali’s got your back.

A month later, I lay with Cleo in the grass in my puffy coat, staring at the bare ivy vines crosshatched along the side of the house. Their leaves have fallen, decomposing into the black earth as kickoff to an expansive winter. But in time, Kali will sweep through with her warmth, her green shoots, her leaves and her flowers. Destruction, fallow times, rebirth—nature’s cycle.

Goddess Kali reminds me that we, too, are nature. That our creative power rises after rest. After the destruction of old habits that no longer serve us. That to create, we must immerse ourselves with whatever it is that feeds the soul. Kali has helped me understand that only with the intentional care of your spirit can you then release the truth that is uniquely yours.

You are a writer, and writers must write.