Friday, December 31, 2010

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?

20 comments:

Deb Shucka said...

Just a couple of days ago a friend heard Jon Stewart say creativity needs structure and limitation and does not flourish in total freedom. Sort of like pressure creating diamonds, I think.

Paula Dooley said...

I need time and space and quiet. My hubby delivers them regularly.

Have a wonderful 2011, Janna!

Sage Ravenwood said...

Nature, the great outdoors, mountains, woods...all conductive to my creative nature.

My dog Pickles, she's gets me in a thankfully un-human way.

Strange to say, I came into my creativity (my writing) fully when I went deaf. Suddenly I saw life in ways I never did before.

I guess at the end of the day, life is what fuels my creativity.

Happy New Year sweet friend!(Hugs)Indigo

Travis Erwin said...

For me it is water. When I get near water or in the shower my mind seems to open up and think of story ideas.

myletterstoemily said...

i like all your ideas on creativity and
would add that reading a lot and noticing
what's going on around me, spurs my
creativity.

sometimes, i make my bridge group
stop, so that i can write down a hilarious
thing someone says. they're happy to
accomodate me, as long as i don't say
WHO says it.

happy new year!

Unknown said...

Although I rarely get some quiet time does really help me get creative. I also feel it when inspired by others creativity. Seeing others creations gets me going on my own idea.

debseveryday said...

When everything is quiet, the house is empty and I practice a little bit of discipline (getting off Facebook, etc) Have a blessed New Year!

Beth said...

Definitely quiet. I don't have enough quiet space in my time. Or, I don't make enough.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janna -

I need solitude and quality time with the Lord to nurture creativity.

Happy New Year,
Susan :)

Jessica Nelson said...

Hmm, not sure. I know I have some of my most vivid imaginings when my body is engaged in mindless tasks. lol

Capri K @ No Whining Allowed said...

I would say the TIME to do it!!!!

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Being inspired, beautiful words, moving, laughter, depth of feeling, empathy, desire to make contact with the world around me.

Happy New Year!
~ Wendy

T. Powell Coltrin said...

I am inspired by clever words and sentences, beautiful images and people who are creative indiviuals.

Happy New Year, Janna!

Teresa

Anonymous said...

Weird things trigger me. Weather, music, movies... Many times being outdoors does it for me. Something in a sound or a smell on the wind, feeling the sun...something about that has spurred me on ever since I was a kid. Makes me have to go make something, draw something, paint something, or write something!

by the way, I've been awol for awhile, and haven't been by, and I like your new background!

Kathryn Magendie said...

When I don't let all the outside inside . . .

Stephanie Faris said...

Oddly for me, I seem to get more ideas while reading than any other time. It just seems like it gets my brain moving on my own WIP.

Jemi Fraser said...

Those are good!

For me it's kids - they tend to spark my brain. And art.

Carrie Wilson Link said...

I never thought about feeling understood contributing to creativity, that's interesting. I think I aspire to be understood through my creativity, if that makes sense.

Anonymous said...

Your list makes me creative and I must add new environments, new experiences make me creative too.

Melanie Hooyenga said...

As a designer I deal with this a lot. The best way to find my own creativity is to be inspired by others' work. I peruse design sites & blogs, or even just look at cool photos, to rejuvenate my own work.

With writing, reading a great book often does more to restore my passion than anything else.