Invention, strictly speaking, is little more than
a new combination of those images which
have been previously gathered and deposited
in the memory; nothing can come from nothing.
Sir Joshua Reynolds
Nothing can come from nothing. So true. We need to stoke our creativity with new thoughts, new images, new games, new ideas. If we keep putting out work, but we never “take in” the work of others, eventually our fire is going to burn out. Eventually, no new ideas will come forth.
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Adding Fuel to Your Creative Fires
You can listen to podcasts on any subject, not just creativity or your specialty. How about reading, watching movies, playing with children? And don’t just play with children, but listen to them. Their creativity is extraordinary as they create new worlds for you to play in. There’s always movement to fan the flames. So many people say that it was while walking or hiking or jogging that the solution they needed came about. The key is that you need to find what works for you. And it isn’t necessarily always going to be the same thing.
The key is that you need to find what works for you. And it isn’t necessarily always going to be the same thing each time. That’s why I try to diversify how I add fuel. Sometimes it’s listening to music, sometimes it’s reading. Other times, I like to listen to podcasts. And finally, there is always lying on my back and looking at the clouds.
What adds fuel to your creative fire?
My creativity comes from my head. Or some spirit channels them! Sometimes I think that happens because I read later and think, “wow, I wrote THAT?” LOL
I know that feeling too. Sometimes I sit down with a plan and everything goes as it should. Other times, I sit down and just start writing with no plan in mind and out comes something wonderful.
It is different for everyone, but it’s also different for me depending on the day. Some days, I get inspiration when with other people. Yet there are times, it comes when I’m alone….
XOXO
I always keep a Moleskine in my bag, because if it comes, I don’t want to lose it!
I think the combination of input and stillness is important…just as you mention with lying with the clouds. Every once in a while when I find the well particularly dry and dusty I realize I am reading and watching crap. When consume more valuable content (did I just sound like a douche?) it helps. A lot.
Not too douchey. LOL. I know what you mean though. Although I’m a firm believer that you still have to balance it out. So yes, read “more valuable content” but you still need to churn it around with a book about fart jokes or a bodice ripper. Helps to clear out the cobwebs.
So interesting. I find listening to music inspires me in ways nothing else can. Even though melody and harmonies are not my medium, they influence my writing tremendously. The brain is very mysterious.
Yes. The brain is mysterious.
I’m in the walking/jogging camp for creativity. My brain seems to open up and I think amazing things. Unfortunately I can’t always remember what they were when I get back home and try to write it all down. ?
That can be a problem sometimes. I have a voice recorder on my phone so I can capture thoughts when my notebook is not near.
Yes I sometimes have to resort to recording my thoughts as I go.
Yes, I can relate to what you are saying Deb, walking is definitely my thinking time, especially while walking a long a beach!! Then by the time I get home the thoughts are gone, some remembered and others were not so creative 🙂
I need to find something that works for inspiration, because I really do have nothing & nothing is coming from it!
I really suggest Morning Pages. Writing all the crap out not only gets you into a habit of writing but really does help with getting the actual “crap” out of the way. Plus, you’d be surprised what might come out of that writing….perhaps some ideas.