Friday, January 7, 2011

Give Your Creative Process a Boost

Do other creative endeavors help you with your writing process? Most writers are creative people, not only in their writing but in other facets of their lives as well.  For instance, I like to paint. I have done it for years now. I’m not really good at it and I’m sure with the exception of my mother, no one would pay for one of my paintings. Being creative always makes me feel better, and somehow it also helps with my writing.


Self-portrait I painted in college


I think it can be good for writers to explore other creative avenues. For fiction writers it can take the edge off. Focusing your creative energy on something else may help move you past that nasty chapter that won’t come together. A non-fiction writer may happen upon a new idea for a story, or a new twist on an old one.  You don’t have to depart from writing completely to give your creative process a boost- maybe you don’t like to paint, draw, take pictures, play music, etc. Try writing something different; try a new genre, a short story, a news article, keep a journal.  It never hurts to try something new, you may find something you really like, or at least have fun doing it. Kind of like writing. It doesn't have to be great, but you have to do it.

Like I said, it doesn't have to be great...I painted this one with my dad some years back.
 What kinds of things do you do to get the creative juices flowing?

7 comments:

  1. First of all, your paintings are great! I dabble with painting for fun on occasion as well, but mine really are just blobs of paint on a canvas.

    Regarding finding creative juice, I agree - working on other projects can help me feel motivated and inspired to write. Especially when I make a gift for someone or turn in something creative for work and get positive feedback. It reminds me of my genius. ;)

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  2. I really enjoyed your post and your art. I also needed this reminder. I have neglected my artwork lately to spend more time writing. Yet, I miss the relaxation and refreshment I glean from sketching, sculpting, floral designing etc. My creativity blog reminds me to return to my other forms of creativity http://refrainfromtheidentical.com. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  3. I love, love both of these paintings. You are very, very talented.

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  4. @Lauren-Thank you! I bet your paintings are great! I know what you mean, focusing on something else seems to help me get inspired to write. :)
    @JoDee- Thanks! I really enjoyed checking out your creativity blog-very nice!!
    @Eve:Thank you so much!

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  5. I'm a fan of the impressionists, so naturally I love the painting!

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  6. I love the paintings as well!!!

    What do I do to get my creative juices flowing? I go to the gym and do the treadmill. It also gets my mojo flowing.

    Love, love, love the paintings

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  7. @E.J.-Thank you!
    @Rob-Thanks! hmmm. maybe I should use my elliptical more often...

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