Structure and the Pursuit of Creative Flow: How Passion, Purpose, and Community Guide Our Creative Life
If you’re new here, I’m so glad you’ve found your way to my little creative corner! Maybe you discovered my newsletter on your own, downloaded my guide to help you make real writing progress, or we connected in person at an event. However you got here—welcome! This space is all about encouragement, practical tools, and faith-filled inspiration to help you embrace your creative calling with confidence. I’m excited to journey alongside you! 😊
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the balance between structure and creativity—how we need both to thrive in our writing and creative work.
Embracing Creativity: From Structure to Flow
Have you ever found yourself clinging tightly to structure, afraid to step outside the lines? Whether in writing, painting, or any creative endeavor, it’s easy to rely on formulas and guidelines—especially when trying something new. But what if true creative freedom lies in knowing when to let go?
Just like following a recipe, we often start by adhering to every step precisely. But over time, as we gain confidence, we begin experimenting—adding our own flavors, adjusting ingredients, or trusting our instincts rather than measuring everything perfectly. This is the essence of creative growth.
Finding Freedom in Storytelling
Right now, I’m in that space with my middle grade fantasy novel. I’ve studied story structure, plotted arcs, and tried to craft the “perfect” narrative. But I’ve realized that true creativity isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about knowing when to step beyond it.
Yes, structure is valuable. As an editor, I firmly believe that constraints can enhance creativity. But if we cling too tightly to rigid outlines, we can stifle the very flow we seek. Whether in fiction or nonfiction, having a clear framework—a “fence”—gives our creativity a place to thrive.
Setting Up Fences for Creativity
In my recent workshop at the Hope*story Conference, I shared how creativity flourishes within security. When we create intentional boundaries, we allow for deeper creative expression.
Define Your Focus – Knowing your topic, genre, or message eliminates distractions and fosters clarity.
Set Writing Rhythms – A consistent routine nurtures creative flow.
Embrace Constraints – Limiting options (format, word count, storytelling structure) forces intentional thinking.
Clarify Your Why – Understanding your purpose and audience keeps your creative energy directed.
When we set up these fences, creativity stops feeling scattered and instead grows with purpose and direction. Where do you need to build a fence in your writing life?
Creativity Beyond Writing
Last year, I participated in the #100DayProject1, painting a watercolor each day alongside a verse. This year, I’m bringing it back—but with a new approach. Instead of painting something new every day, I’ll be focusing on key scenes, symbols, or elements from my fantasy novel.
By allowing myself to sit with a painting for a few days, I hope to deepen my connection with my characters and story. It’s a visual form of storytelling that I’m excited to explore!
A Note on Creative Rest
Rest was my word of the year last year, so when I came across a YouTube series featuring Erin and Rachel discussing God’s goodness, timing, and provision from their year focused on creative rest — I was all in.
If you struggle with performance, perfectionism, or even procrastination as a creative, I highly recommend watching or listening to this series.
"Why do you want what’s not meant for you?"
Oof. This question came to mind after watching this episode in particular, and it was a heart check for me. I pray it encourages you, too, especially if you find yourself stuck in comparison.
Passion Projects vs. Purpose Projects
One of my biggest takeaways from the Hope*Story Conference (aside from "just eat the grass🌿"—IYKYK 🤣) came to me during my morning pages after the conference.
“We pursue passion projects, but purpose projects pursue us.”
For years, I’ve been pursuing my passion project—my book for faith-filled writers, to help them anchor their spiritual identity to their creativity so they can live out their creative calling. After a long season of querying agents and publishers with rejection after rejection, I felt weary and put it on pause towards the end of last year.
But speaking at the conference reignited my passion. Seeing so many writers wrestling with fear and resistance reminded me why I started. It’s no coincidence that one of my messages at the event was “Starting Over or Starting Again: Reset and Reignite Your Writing.” God always knows what He’s doing.
Then, there’s my purpose project—my middle grade fantasy novel. This story pursued me. And while I want to write it well, selling thousands of copies isn’t my goal. If the only people who ever read it are my children, and it helps them understand their purpose and calling, then it will have done exactly what it was meant to do.
Writing and sharing our stories isn’t for our glory, but for His.
The Power of Community
One of the greatest gifts of the Hope*story Conference was the reminder that we are not meant to do this alone. Writing is often a solitary journey, but community is what strengthens and sustains us.
Surrounding yourself with like-minded creatives who encourage, challenge, and uplift you can make all the difference. I was reminded of this in conversations over coffee, during late-night brainstorming sessions, and through the simple joy of sharing our stories.
I’m including a few pictures from the conference below because I want you to see the faces behind this journey—real friends, real connections, and real encouragement. If you’re feeling alone in your writing journey, I encourage you to seek out a writing community. We are better together. There is no competition in the Kingdom of God.
This week, I had the privilege of sharing a personal story about how art changed my mind over on my friend Merideth’s Substack. It’s been nearly a year since I co-led that silent retreat. I’m not exaggerating when I say that my time with God during the retreat changed my life.
📖 Books That Are Shaping My Perspective:
Lately, I’ve been reading books that challenge and inspire my creative journey:2
Hinds’ Feet on High Places – Hannah Hurnard (Listening to this during my drive to and from the conference confirmed my desire to write my own allegory.)
Sacred Rest – Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith (Since rest was my word for last year, I figured I would see what she had to say, and it didn’t disappoint. She also has a new book coming out about joy—my word for this year, so I went ahead and signed up to be part of her launch team!)3
Guilt to Grace – Dawn Ward (There are many more layers to addiction that what we see, and Dawn does a great job discussing this from all angles. It’s a powerful, hope-filled read for anyone impacted by addiction.)
📖 Books I’m Currently Reading:
The Anxious Generation – Jonathan Haidt (A deep dive into technology’s impact on kids. I’d be lying if I said I’m not nervous about what I’m going to find out!)
Being Fully Known – Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith (I’m excited to dive into this one. The subtitle is “the joyful satisfaction of beholding, becoming and belonging” … love the alliteration!)
Moving Forward with Purpose
Creativity is a journey—one that shifts between structured learning and free-flowing expression. Whether you’re refining your writing, exploring new artistic outlets, or navigating the balance between passion and purpose, I hope this encourages you to embrace where you are.
Reflection Questions:4
What does creative flow look like for you? How can you structure your day or surroundings to support it?
How do passion and purpose intertwine in your creative process?
In what ways can your community inspire or support your creativity?
What boundaries can you set to protect your creative energy and focus?
How do you currently balance structure and freedom in your creative life?
Where do you see God guiding your creative work? I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to reply and share!
Blessings,
Stephanie
Here are the details for #the100dayproject. If you want to build some creative momentum in your art and work, considering joining this challenge starting! (Starting February 23rd)
Note: These are Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my writing and allows me to continue creating content—thank you for your support!
If you are interested in joining her launch team, visit this page for more info!
Several of you told me that you really like these reflection questions, so they’re here to stay!