Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Location: Books & Such Main Office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
So far this week, we’ve examined:
- Deep Travel as a stimulating way to employ our senses;
- using shortcomings or setbacks as a way to step back and see anew;
- not viewing ideas or ways of expressing ourselves as right or wrong;
- taking an “old” idea and adding an element to make it new.
Let’s now consider ways to unleash these creative thoughts. Here are a few of my mind-jarring tricks:
- Why not drive home not by rote but by taking a new route? And rather than dashing home as fast as you can, while you’re on that new route, pull over and look around. Maybe even literally smell the roses. Take in the ways your senses are stimulated.
- Read a type of book you’ve decided isn’t for you. Maybe read a political commentary that you know is a perspective you disagree with.
- Find places where your brain relaxes and goes into daydreaming mode. For me, I dream when I swim laps. I feel as if I’ve entered into an underworld place where the typical sounds of everyday life disappear. I’m left with my thoughts adrift. Who knows where they might slip off to?
Now it’s your turn.
What tricks do you use to find your creative zone?
What might you try that you haven’t before?
Swimming just might work for me since a shower always leaves me wishing I had a pen in hand.
Often in the early–just waking up–moments new thoughts come to me.
I’m about to try something new today–a trip to London and Paris with my daughter! I hope the new sights, sounds, and tastes will spark creativity for my new work in progress.
I have really enjoyed all the fascinating posts this week!
I like to wander through antique stores and wonder how the items got there. Grandpa’s framed award certificate, a painting of grandma, faded photos of lovers or children–how did they come to be sold to strangers? Steamer trunks–where were they going? Old quilt tops–why were they never finished? A Victorian photographer’s chair–what conversations surrounded that? Even an old sock darner opens my mind to lifestyles that were once so common they weren’t worth noticing.
I remember asking my grandmother to tell me about “the old days.” She said there was nothing to tell, but later I heard others relate some of the fascinating things she did. It really is all a matter of perspective, isn’t it?
Thank you for an inspiring week!
I read blogs to step into someone else’s head. I go to a coffee shop to shamelessly eavesdrop on conversations and subtly watch people interact with one another. I watch a movie in my genre.
Great question, Janet. Some of my tricks:
1. Ask people what is on their bookshelf. Follow up by asking what they like or don’t like about the book, and how it has made them think differently.
2. Ask the same question about movies.
3. Have a debate with a friend over a current issue in the news. Then switch sides and debate again.
4. Listen to conversations in coffee shops and imagine what you would say if they asked you to join in.
Jim
Interesting that coffee shops popped up as a response for two of you. Airports also hold a fascinating cast of characters. I’ve listened in to the most amazing phone conversations while people have negotiated obviously sensitive deals; fought with spouses; and balled out kids.
I like to take walks in as natural a setting as possible. I also have a lot of ideas just before I fall asleep at night. I think peace and quiet is the common denominator for me… and with three young kids running around, it’s no small wonder why! 😉
Oh I love this question.
I paint. It unleashes a deluge of creative thoughts. I can’t say why, but it works every time. Found an old wicker chair to paint white today and I’m giddy about it. Exercise always stirs me, too.
Something new? I think studying maps could trigger something. Or let’s see, watching a nature show. Trying a new recipe.
Man, I love this question.
~ Wendy
Great post! I love a trip to the park to burst my creative bubble. People watching, nature watching… I’ll bring a notebook and write at the picnic tables. Ahhh, so happy it’s fall.
Going for a walk and playing the piano jumpstart my creativity. Visiting the town (10 min. from home) where my novel is set sparks ideas.
Airports?? Goodness, I missed my chance. I should have taken more notes at SFO last Monday. 🙂