Thursday, November 29, 2018

Craft Talk: Creative Cross-Training

Happy Poetry Friday. Enjoy the Round-up over at Carol's Corner today.




Recently, I met with my critique group. I love my crit group. Each of us brings something special that makes our work shinier than when we started. And, I like to talk process and craft.

I talked about a long term project I've been plugging away at. I believe in the project. I've spent  resources to move the project forward. Alas, as happens each school year, the project stalled and is now at a near standstill as my full-time jobs require more and more of me.

Argh!

I found myself wanting to allow the writing life to guide my project rather than let my project to drive my writing life.

What does that mean?

I think -- I hope -- it means it's OK to take a step back for creative cross training.

I've never considered myself especially artistic. Yet, I enjoy making -- being crafty.

Give me  earbuds, an audiobook, or Netflix documentary and I and start stenciling, snipping, and mod-podging old book pages (thank goodness for the weeded books from libraries). I never thought of this as part of my writing life until I made PLAY my olw for 2018.



Creative Cross-Training--greeting cards

Creative cross-training is something that has been a fascination for me. If there is a better name for it, I'd love to know. Writers I admire sometimes share that they knit or bake, garden, quilt or photograph things. Is this part of their secret? Can I make it part of mine?












Some audio books I've enjoyed about creativity are: 

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (Gilbert, Elizabeth. “Big Magic.” Audible.com, Penguin Audio, 2015, www.audible.com/pd/Big-Magic-Audiobook)

Creative Quest by Questlove (Questlove. “Creative Quest.” Audible.com, Harper Collins, 2018, www.audible.com/pd/Creative-Quest-Audiobook) 


I looked for a poem to capture what I mean by this creative cross-training. I didn't find one...but I'd like to. I think I need to write one.

Poetry Friday Friends what poem can you find or write to show creative cross-training? Do you creatively cross train? How so?

9 comments:

  1. I love this! I have been eyeing a set of special watercolor markers on Amazon for the last week or so. Maybe I will take the plunge!

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  2. We need a poem about this process, and I agree that is part of the writing process. It's the last day of November, and I haven't done my November section of my art journal. Maybe this weekend (if Rocket doesn't come). You've inspired me and helped me to see this is not wasted time.

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  3. Dear Linda, please write that poem! Playing cello is such an important part of my creative writing process these days... one feeds the other! xo

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  4. I can't think of a poem about it off the top of my head...I hope you do write one! Earlier this week, I posted about making gifts, such as some lip balm I made last weekend. I think all these things we do feed each other.

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  5. Yes to creative cross training. Anything that feeds the muse and gets those juices flowing is a good thing. Good luck with your poem!

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  6. Creative cross training is the perfect term! I love your cards-so clever! I can't think of a poem off the top of my head, but agree with others that you should write one. I think its seeds are hidden right in this post. Enjoy the conference!

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  7. Hmm...now you've got me thinking. I guess I have always considered writing (especially poetry) to be creative cross-training for teaching writing!

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  8. I agree: "creative cross-training" IS the perfect term. Hmmm: Cooking(what interesting and delicious meal can I make with the limited ingredients in my kitchen?) Playing with my clothes (what interesting and delicious outfit that is especially appropriate for today's weather and activities can I make with the limited items in my closet?) Poetry (what interesting and delicious poem can I make within the limits of so many lines, this topic, this emotion?) Great post, Linda. I feel shinier than I did 10 minutes ago!

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  9. This is great! Thanks for the inspiration!

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Friendly, positive comments and feedback are always welcome here. Please let me know I'm not just whistling in the dark!