Pictures coming soon of all my crafty projects -- I made a doily and a flower and part of a bookmark last night (I need smaller thread and needle to do a real bookmark, though). I've got more projects to try as well -- a crocheted scrunchie, button covers (for when I sew bags), maybe a shawl...
I'm reading The Idiot's Guide to Crochet (lots of lovely pictures, some fun projects) and for writing exercise, I'm reading (and writing) through "Writing Magic" by Gail Carson Levine (Ella Enchanted, Fairest -- if you haven't read these re-tellings, you should. They're brilliant!). It feels good to be exercising my brain. I don't know if I actually exercise it all that much.
Another book on writing I'm perusing says that you must collect things both internally (thoughts, impressions, feelings, senses) and externally (places, people, words, descriptions, etc.) and then try to lay down at the end of the day and let your brain connect these and write things down. I have been paying more attention lately to how things feel, how things look (coming up with names for colors of cars is one of my new exercises -- Metallic Sky, Bronzed Pumpkin), etc. It's a fabulous way to while away the time while I'm in the car, or taking a walk, or even sitting at home and looking out the window.
I also got a book on poetry because I read somewhere else (everything is feeding into everything else!) that if you are stumped with a longer piece of writing, a great way to get over the hump is to focus on little things -- greeting cards, limericks, one-liners, poetry...these are great ways to focus on how to put words together in a small space (which comes in handy when revising, especially).
I'm also trying to identify themes from my life and things around me that mean a lot to me (which means I'll probably incorporate them into my writing). One of the things I noticed is that almost all my ideas and novels revolve around the idea of "Identity". Figuring out who you are at the core of your being and learning to be that instead of what others want to see is a fascinating journey into the depths of the human psyche. I'm still figuring out how to even do that for myself.
(I think that's why I find high school stories and shows like Dollhouse so mesmerizing)
I am starting, just barely starting to scratch the surface of the reasons I write the things that I do. I hope it will make me a stronger writer to recognize these patterns and to use them well (when appropriate).
What are some themes in your life? Are there seasons of themes? Recurring themes? Do you measure them in years? Songs? Movies? Books? Food?
What are your favorite themes to see unfold in literature/media?
Identity is big in my stories too. So is revenge, gaining and/or losing trust, finding your power, and sexuality. One new theme that is cropping up is honesty in the face of everyone telling you you're a liar...except, in one of my stories, the only honest character is evil. I'm really enjoying exploring that twist with my characters.
ReplyDeleteI love how you're always exploring ways to grow creatively. It's very inspiring.
That's fascinating! :D I love a good revenge story. (One of my favorite movies for when I'm angry is J. Lo's ENOUGH. Another one is RED EYE with Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that the villain in your story is the only honest one. I tend to study villains more than heroes because they are the interesting ones -- a good villain is complex and you end up almost sympathizing (or really sympathizing) and they do often speak the truth (I just read a book where the villain brought out a hero's undisclosed desires to tempt them into joining them. It was REALLY powerful).
I hope by writing about creativity I can inspire others as well as myself. :) I think everybody's creative and once we find that outlet we grow a little more sane. I definitely need it to relax.
Some people say that your brain waves while crocheting are similar to those when you meditate, and it makes sense because you're "in the zone" and relaxed. I think people don't get enough of that.
I'd love to chat writing/inspiration/creativity with you sometime!! :)