Writing an article about writer’s block, while struggling with (you guessed it) writer’s block was deliciously ironic.
I actually took some of my own advice: I delved into G.K. Chesterton, C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, and the book of Ecclesiastes. I prayed. I showed up and began typing.
But one of the best things I did never even made it into my article: I asked friends to brainstorm with me.
I wanted to know: What practical things do you do and what lifestyle do you lead in order to write/draw/compose/paint and otherwise be creative?
Marie has a passion for outcasts and orphans, whether in Russia, Thailand, and or New York City. She also has a passion to create: earrings, hats, t-shirts, photography, and paintings all find their way her Etsy shop. Here’s part of what she had to say:
I know God is a creator. And that is part of Himself that He has placed in me, a way that I was made in his image. We are His workmanship in Christ Jesus, created for good works… He made me this way. It is part of who I am. And I glorify God by creating and doing what He made me to do.
One of my creative outlets I don’t delve into as much is the fine art, painting, drawing side. It’s a bit more overwhelming. There’s actually a bit of fear that I feel before starting a piece… I’m not sure why. Maybe fearful that I won’t get it right… that it will be too hard.
One thing I learned in my drawing classes is that there is a point where your brain switches over to your more artistic, emotional side…where you see spatially and more clearly as an artist. Where your critic, the more “logical” side is shut up… and you just flow. When you are at this point you lose track of time (which is more logical) and you see more clearly to create… Putting on music and warming up will help an artist more quickly get to that point.
Kendra says her “personal creativity probably has more to do with idea-generating than with painting, drawing, or even writing.” Whether it’s designing curriculum, planning conventions, or creating magazine layout, she’s one of the most creative thinkers I know. Here’s how she nurtures the creative life:
*Walking is good for me because it creates space for my mind to ponder and imagine and brainstorm.
*Working with my hands (gardening, etc.), which somehow frees my mind to fly
*Taking time to take a class or do a seminar or conference or whatever. (Some of my best ideas have been generated while sitting through another long conference session or class. I got the best of both worlds: absorbing the good teaching and creating at the same time. But I wouldn’t have been free to create if I hadn’t been forced to sit still.)
*Keeping Sabbath (being diligent to enter that rest–it takes work to create truly quiet space. Heb. 4:11)
*Reading–great for the imagination! And not just fiction–my favorite magazine to read is “Entrepreneur,” which is chock-full of interesting business ideas!
*Praying–yes, really. God has given so many ideas when I talk to Him about puzzles or problems.
Peter delights in proclaiming God’s work in his life, whether with spoken or written word. Contrary to the right/left brain stereotypes, he is also involved in designing advanced math curriculum. Here’s what he recommends:
*Have conversations with the Creator
*Accept the presence of the Creator within
*Remove “static” which stifles creativity… this could be anything that dilutes our relationship with God
*Allow the Creator to use our bodies and lives on a daily basis to express HIMSELF
*For writing specifically, I am engaging in a form of communication. To be most effective, I find that I cannot be carrying on a monologue. Talking to others, especially others who reflect HIS creativity, helps me to find mine.
Elisabeth Adams 