Thoughts on Creativity
By Linda Bennett Pennell
In another life, I have reason to be very interested in theories pertaining to and research in the areas of learning and cognition. Understanding how the human brain works, how we think what we think, how we know what we know is a fascinating subject that deserves as many research dollars as can be mustered. Unlocking those mysteries will have untold benefits for all mankind. Until recently, however, how we create was not something upon which I focused. I was more concerned with how we got something into our brains, rather than how something emerged. Now I’m all about getting the written word out and the faster, the better.
While living with the creative process, I’ve noticed a couple of things, neither of which is backed up by scientific research. These are purely anecdotal comments on a personal journey.
Becoming an author of commercial fiction is very freeing. The strictures of standard grammar and usage, at least to some extent, simply don’t matter as much. What was once verboten in the world of formal writing is now acceptable, even encouraged. Here’s an example of what I mean. Which sentence would you rather read in a novel? 1) Ian slid his hand along the wall. He wasn’t sure what he was looking for. Or, 2) Ian slid his hand along the wall. He was uncertain for what he searched. Yes, I thought you might feel that way. So, how does this relate to creativity? By focusing on how a point of view character would actually think and speak in real life, the author is allowed to break free and create a character to whom readers can relate. It is important to know the rules, but it is equally important to know when to break them. And breaking rules can be so darned freeing.
Creativity is a form of freedom and the most important thing I have learned on this journey is that creativity is almost a living entity. It is like a shy child. It needs to be cherished and nurtured. It must be encouraged to come out and play. Creativity wilts in the face of an onslaught of negativity, whether from an outside source or from self-talk.
Parting words? Be kind to yourself. It will nurture your creativity!
So what have you discovered about creativity in yourself or others? Any thoughts or wisdom to share?
I love how you compare creativity to a shy child. I hadn’t thought of it that way before, but you’re absolutely right!
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Thank you, Becky! I have seen creativity killed by unkind or poorly worded comments. Glad to say that our group doesn’t do that.
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Great topic! I think it took me a few years of writing fiction to finally stop letting my left brain chide me.
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Hi Carol. Yep, that pesky left brain is great for a lot of things, but it can really mess with one’ creative side!
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I have made my living for many years by writing in plain English – short sentences, simple words, key message first, cut out all the descriptions and follderoles and cut to the chase.
When I came back to fiction writing, I was worried that my commercial writing habits would infect my fiction writing. And they did. For the first four months, progress was slow as I had to keep giving my brain permission to use adjectives and conditional phrases.
I’d write a section and then go back and rewrite it, and rewrite it, adding in flavour and detail. But I got over it. For one thing, I became more relaxed about not getting it right the first time, and for another I managed to find a way to move into a creative writing space when I put down my commercial writing work.
To give you an idea of what the change meant, in the first four months, I wrote 31,000 words, and in the next two months I’ve written 30,000 a month.
I keep telling myself Shannon Hale’s comment about the first draft being a piling of sand from which I can later make sand castles.
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I love the first draft reference as a pile of sand from which you can later make sand castles. Great imagery!
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Jude, you understand my point perfectly! Thank you for sharing your experience. Others will benefit from seeing that they are not alone on this journey.
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Loved the article and Jude’s comment. I went to a writing class at UCLA many years ago where the head of The Groundlings came and taught an improvisation session. Very freeing. Thank you,
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Thanks for dropping by, Susan! Improv must be lots of fun and, as you said, very freeing! 🙂
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Great post, Linda!
A high school teacher once told my class: When you know the rules, you can break them.
Born rebellious, like literally rear end-first into the world, I have always danced to my own drumbeat. But I was shy and treaded lightly. When I became a teacher I shared my wise teacher’s advice, adding “Be sure to consider the consequences, then proceed with caution.”
Being a fiction writer is very freeing indeed! Plus, if I say anything wrong–even grammar-wise–I will forever blame the character whose mouth released the words or whose brain thought them. After all, who thinks in complete, perfectly organized sentences?
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Exactly, my rebellious friend! Loving the pictures you are sending of your new surroundings. Such a lovely place!
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