We Create

Creativity is key for a writer. For anyone, really, artist or not, who has vision, long-term goals, who desires purpose and beauty.

But what begets creativity? It's different for everyone.

I've been thinking about what makes me feel creative. Here's what I've come up with:

(1) Being understood. It's a powerful thing when someone listens and identifies with and validates. It makes me feel justified, and capable.

(2) Quiet. When there is time and space to be still and alone with my thoughts, I reap creative benefits. I am able to explore those parts of me that thrive through words and expression, and, what's more, I'm able to act on them.

(3) New ideas. No matter their extent or durability, new ideas spark excitement and good intention, with some sort of direction. That's key, I think.

What makes you feel creative?

Look out, 2011!

My motivation for the new year is ready to go, and so why wait? My focus starts today.
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While in years past I've "resolved" to change just one or two things, I want this year to be big. I want to be proactive in life, in making it what it should be. My goals include taking care of my body, learning how to let go of my preconceived notions and having fun, and writing significantly.`

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Last July, on a friend's birthday, I declared that I'd be agented by the time her next birthday comes along. It's bold. (At that point, I was editing my second novel.) That's what, seven months away? I'm going to shoot for it. My current WIP isn't far yet, but I want to tackle it ferociously, and finish it in record time. If I tell myself I can, then I should prove it. I want to prove to myself that I can do anything. It's part of my big 2011.

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Have you put any thought into your New Year yet?

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Photo from lifeslittlemysteries.com.

This Christmas is shaken. The carols don't reach me, decorations don't excite me, there is no happy nostalgia to be mine.
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If you've been a reader for a while, you can guess that this is because my dad died in May, and this is the first stretch of holidays without him. It defines difficult.
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That said, I'm trying. We're going through the motions, and I've baked, bought, wrapped, decorated, sung, sat at the school program and helped with the church one. I'm trying to shake up the happiness.
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This is the only song that fills me for Christmas. It reminds me there is a Spirit to behold, and love to spread.
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Wishing you the best of blessings.
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Love,
Janna

RQ #16

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Santa's in my living room,

sneakin' 'round the tree.

His velvet sack is heavy with

Something for you, something for me.

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What do you wish, hope, pray is (or could be, as long as we're dreamin') in Santa's sack?

I Could Be Your Writer

I'm not sure what the etiquette is for this thing I'm going to do, or even if there is one. But I'm going to do it anyway, because, you know, I've got this blog here at my fingertips, it's sort of decently established, and so why not tell you what I'm thinking?

I'm thinking you know me. You know people. People know people. We have all these great connections, and supportive friends, and folks who just happen to stop by our internet places.

What's to say my blog won't be visited by the person(s) who holds the key to my literary future?

Elizabeth Berg was a freelance writer when someone contacted her, an agent, I think it was, or maybe an editor, and said, "I've this proposal for a book, and I want you to be its writer." Someone contacted her, just sort of slid the folder of opportunity across her desk. She took the job, wrote the non-fiction book, which springboarded her into the fiction career she wanted. Now, two-dozen highly-successful novels later...

So I'm thinking maybe there's someone out there looking for a writer. Maybe they're looking for me, because I could be the one plucked from obscurity. Why not?

I'm a good fiction writer. I can do narrative non-fiction, too. Short stuff, long stuff, articles, books. I do have experience. I relate well to people, understand a variety of topics. And I'm confident in my skills. I'm also fortunate to have people in my life who would vouch for me on this stuff. I consider you all, my readers, among them.

You know what? Some might think this is me begging a lucky break, but it's not. It's me acknowledging my place, my potential, and admitting that I've worked hard for close to ten years. It's me agreeing to work harder yet, because I'm here, and I'm ready.

I could be your writer. Are you looking for me? Do you know someone who could be?

To Write It

"My partner listened quietly, as he always does when I tell him all the details of the things I've seen. He knows I have a need to tell stories. But whenever I say them out loud, there is something missing for me. To really tell a story, I need to write it. It's then that I understand what it is that I'm really trying to say. I find the deeper meaning--and the deeper satisfaction.

The same is true of many others..."

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Elizabeth Berg, a preface to encouragement

in Escaping Into the Open:

the Art of Writing True

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I am one of those others.

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It's why I write. And why I dream of sharing my writing with others, aim for publication, so that I may understand myself, and thus be truly understood by you.

MIA, just for a while

Last week was the holiday; this week my family is on vacation. I've been on the computer so little--I miss connecting with so many fine people and I miss my work-in-progress--but sometimes the distance is a good thing.

I thought to come and explain my absence, since Colorado has my attention right now.

Next week I'll be back and in full swing! Hope all is well.

What news have I missed?