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Over the years, I've thought and studied the creative process, reading widely from a variety of sources. (I never can fathom why for some corporate media projects a creative concept springs readily to mind while on others inspiration flagged. What gives here?) I've packaged my creative process readings into half-day workshops I present primarily to corporate media writers. So, I'm a firm believer that a good understanding of the creative process is helpful to writers.
With that in mind, here are four characteristics of the creative mind...
Play: adult creativity is an extension of childhood play. After all, the word "play" is contained in "screenplay". Actors "play" roles. A pianist "plays" the piano. And a "playwright" is a dramatist for the stage. So tap into the creative energy we all enjoyed as children-making mud pies for imaginary friends.
Risk: Without assumption of risk, there is no growth as a writer. By pushing beyond our "comfort zone," we develop stronger writing muscles. Stretch the benefits of risk-taking over many years and your technique becomes ever greater.
Failure: By definition, risk implies potential to fail. While no one enjoys failure, it is essential for growth as a craftsperson and artist. Failure teaches much. And failure is not synonymous with futility. Properly understood, failure can inform progress and ultimately lead to success.
Persistence: Creative individuals have something of the "bulldog" within them. Think of it this way, if you're going to take risks, you're going to meet with occasional failure. If you give up the first time you fail-you're not going to be in the game very long. As we all know, rejection comes with the territory, making persistence the writer's stock-in-trade.
Perhaps I'll delve into the topic of creativity in future ramblings, but these four ideas represent a useful point of departure.
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