Category: The Creative Tool Kit

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The Creative Tool Kit

3 Ways to {Creatively} Fall in Love with Writing All Over Again

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“Falling in love in a Christian way is to say, ‘I am excited about your future and I want to be part of getting you there. I’m signing up for the journey with you. Would you sign up for the journey to my true self with me? It’s going to be hard but I want to get there.” -Timothy J. Keller

I can’t tell you the exact day I fell in love with writing. I can tell you, however, that in 2009, journaling in the morning hours began to fall flat in writing satisfaction. Over the years, my love has waned at times but I’ve held tight to the notion that I’m on this journey for the long haul because deep down, I’d be lost without it.

Are you experiencing a season where your love for writing could use a little reshuffling of the kindle fires?

Love writing

3 Ways to Fall in Love with Writing All Over Again:

  1. Write purely for fun. Sounds simple but for diehard purpose-driven people like myself, it’s anything but.  Obviously, there are deadlines to be met but spending a few minutes every day (or week) writing simply for the enjoyment can breathe life into your writing experience.
  2. Implement a date night…with your WIP. What’s your work-in-progress? Invite it to join you for a meal somewhere other than its normal spot. New scenery will heighten your senses and give you a fresh perspective on your project. Your WIP will thank you!
  3. Remember why you fell in love with writing in the first place. Like relationships, there are times when we need to step back, observe, and recall the many reasons we first fell in love with our spouses or significant others. Did we initially pick up the pen to fulfill a calling? To heal emotional wounds? To earn money? To share expertise on a subject? Sometimes simply recalling those early days is enough to woo us back to our first love. And if you need a little more coaxing? Why not write a love letter to your gift of writing? Pour out your heart, your struggles, your desire to move closer to a reconciliation.

Have you signed up for the writing journey? Are you excited about your future and are you willing to be your true self as you pen your story? It’s going to be hard but if you want to get there – wherever “there” is for you – being published, writing stories about your family history, journaling, etc., you will have to re-invest yourself, your time and energy…but it’s worth the effort. Wouldn’t you agree?

What’s one way you’ve fallen in love with writing all over again? Please share in the comment section!

 

 

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The Creative Tool Kit

5 Habits To Spark Your Creativity in 2017

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Spark Your Creativity

“Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is the result of good work habits.” Twyla Tharp

Every break of daylight offers new and fresh opportunities to start again, to improve, to overcome. Celebrating the start of a new year is the proverbial cherry on top.

Because practicing good habits is a springboard to increasing our creativity, what better way to start the new year than to review our current habits and priorities in order to make our 2017 the most creative ever?

In today’s post, let’s look at five specific habits that are sure to spark creative energy into your daily endeavors.
  1. Join Instagram. Give your followers an idea of what goes on behind the scene of your creative work. Where does your creative energy take flight? Snap and share! Spiff up your camera skills and share your work (and others, as well.) Follow people or businesses that you might not normally follow to gain a deeper perspective of the world around you.
  2. Learn to Maximize your Minutes. E.B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web gets right to the heart in his popular quote: “A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.” Ouch. There’s plenty of detailed information on the Web as to how you can make this happen. The point is, it needs to happen.
  3. Define Your Peak Time and Stick to It. Most creative types are early risers. This fact has been documented numerous times but there are others, like Carl Sandburg, who worked late into the evening after everyone had gone to bed, writing till early morning. If you’re not sure when your energy level is at its peak, jot down how you’re feeling throughout the day – and do this for a week. By the end of the week, you should be able to tell where your peaks and plummets of energy occur most days. Define it, then do your best to do your most creative work during those hours if possible. If you hold a day job during that time, see #2 above. Arrange your break around that time. Get creative!
  4. Slow Down. Henry James nailed it with his quote, “A writer is someone on whom nothing is lost.” Our pace may be frantic for a season but even in the busiest of times we can shift our sensory panel into low gear by choosing to breath deeper, stare longer, listen more carefully. Take notes…a lot of them. No detail is too minute.
  5. Exercise. A little goes a long way in helping our bodies to stay fit as well as our minds.

 

Which of the above habits do you plan to begin in 2017? If you have a different one, please share!

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The Creative Tool Kit

12 Days of Christmas for Creative Minds

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12 days of ChristmasHey, creative peeps, here are twelve gift ideas (either for yourself or for others!) in honor of the 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy!

On the FIRST day of Christmas // The gift of aloneness

We know there’s a difference between being alone and being lonely. Embracing time away from people, phones, and laptops can boost our brain power, especially during this bustling season.

On the SECOND day of Christmas // The gift of learning

Try taking a class or an online course in an unfamiliar field to broaden your creative horizons.

On the THIRD day of Christmas // The gift of momentum

Feeling off your game lately? Try priming the pump with these writing prompts by ThinkWritten.

“If the road behind me is not growing ever longer, then it is likely that the feet underneath me are not moving any longer. And if my feet are not moving, I have somehow, somewhere traded this most glorious journey for lesser endeavors.” ― Craig D. Lounsbrough, An Intimate Collision: Encounters with Life and Jesus

On the FOURTH day of Christmas // The gift of a fresh perspective

Allen Arnold’s The Story of With: A Better Way to Live, Love, & Create offers a fresh perspective on the subject of creativity, squashing pre-conceived notions that only certain privileged folks can attain it.

“Science has shown that, in many ways, we are all wired to create. The key is recognizing that creativity is multifaceted—on the level of the brain, personality, and the creative process—and can be displayed in many different ways, from the deeply personal experience of uncovering a new idea or experience to expressing ourselves through words, photos, fashion, and other everyday creations, to the work of renowned artists that transcends the ages.” -Scott Barry Kaufman, Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative Mind.

On the FIFTH day of Christmas // The gift of acceptance

Embrace your quirks. Enough said.

On the SIXTH day of Christmas // The gift of prayer

Pray for a heightened sense to your surroundings. Engaging all our sensories helps to improve every aspect of life and who better to help than the Creator Himself?

On the SEVENTH day of Christmas // The gift of rest

This is different than the first day. True rest involves shutting down the very senses we just prayed to heighten. It’s resting the body both emotionally and physically. This kind of rest allows our minds to breathe, possibly birthing some of our most creative ideas.

On the EIGHTH day of Christmas // The gift of keen observance

Immerse yourself in nearby crowds. (What better time of year?) Take note of those who pass by. What do you notice about them? Eavesdrop on those eating at the next table. Is there a particular word or phrase you could use in your WIP? The list goes on. Another idea is to pack your camera and head to your downtown area. Capture all things Christmas!

On the NINTH day of Christmas // The gift of a notebook

“A writer is someone on whom ‘nothing is lost'”. -Henry James

On the TENTH day of Christmas // The gift of music

Buy a pack of 3 I-tunes gift cards. Give two away, keep one for yourself. There’s power in music!

“When sailors have to move a heavy load or raise an anchor, they all sing together to keep them up and give them vim. That’s just what artists lack.” -Vincent van Gogh

On the ELEVENTH day of Christmas // The gift of good health and energy

Who needs candy canes stuffed in their stocking? Stock your fridge with blueberries, green tea, leafy vegetables, fatty fish, water, dark chocolate, flaxseeds and nuts.

On the TWELFTH day of Christmas // The gift of a mini-trip

Enjoy all or some of the above gift ideas on a mini-getaway following the holidays. Use this time to restore and re-energize for 2017!


Do you plan to give yourself or someone else any or all of the above gifts? If so, please share your favorite in the comment section. Or, if you have another idea to add, I’d love for you to share it.

Thank you!

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The Creative Tool Kit

15 Inspiring + Unique Settings to Write

One particular corner in our home will be missed once we move to the country. That would be my beloved upstairs writing nook. A well-loved writing spot is nice but there’s something to be said for venturing out to discover fresh and inspiring places to write. Not only does it awaken the senses, it also infuses the mind with new plots twists and settings for our stories. So pack your common sense (be careful), laptop, and/or writing pad/pen, along with a fold-up chair.

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Now, let’s get started!

  • A construction site (in this case you may want to also pack a hard hat).
  • A vacant old house or home place where only the chimney still stands.
  • A local walking bridge.
  • Beside a local river.
  • In the mall.
  • In your local airport. Either go inside or park where you can watch the planes land.
  • On a dock overlooking a quiet lake.
  • Hop on a local bus and make a round trip.
  • Find a beautiful local garden and ask permission to write there for awhile.
  • Your local cemetery. (This isn’t as creepy as it sounds.)
  • Go to your favorite hotel, order a cup of coffee, and observe your surroundings.
  • Forget the cafe — go to your favorite restaurant, sit in the corner, order your favorite meal, and savor the moment.
  • A room or area in your home you’ve never written in – the kitchen, back porch, front porch, backyard, etc.?
  • Tour a local museum, drink it in, and then find a shady tree not far away, park and write down every detail you remember.
  • A high school stadium.

Do you have an inspiring or unique place where you write?  Please share, if so.

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The Creative Tool Kit

5 Places to Stir Your Creative Senses, Part 2

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{If you missed last month’s first installment on 5 Places to Stir Your Creative Senses, you may want to begin there.}

This month we’ll explore five places that I’ve not yet tried, but plan to visit in the coming months.

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Five More Places to Stir Your Creativity:

  1. In the kitchen. I don’t profess to be a great cook but I do plan to become more intentional in our new home. (Which I hope to be in by the time this is posted.) Consider the sensory opportunities as you shop, prepare, and serve a meal. Could this play into your current work-in-progress (WIP)?
  2. Music. I often play George Winston’s melodic sounds in the background when writing but let’s add a level of depth to this “place”. If writing a melancholy piece, place music that reflects as such. A children’s book? Perhaps a more playful tune will suffice. Match the music to the mood and see what happens.
  3. A museum. How can beautiful artwork not stir our own creativity within? Don’t rush the experience. Meander through the halls, taking in everything it has to offer. Marvel at the minute details, the mood, the skill, of the artist’s hand.
  4. Exercise. Ideas have sparked during times of exercising but I dare wonder what ideas would come if this was more routine. Routine exercise generates a healthy body and a healthy body generates healthy ideas. Also, once it becomes routine, we think less of the pain and technique, leaving more creative space in our minds for fresh ideas.
  5. A scene in your current WIP. Are you working on a scene in a park? In a coffee cafe? In a rural area? A police department? Find a location nearby that mirrors your scene to heighten your senses and knowledge.

If you have a go-to place, would you consider sharing it in the comment section?

 

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The Creative Tool Kit

5 Places To Stir Your Creative Senses, Part 1

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hands-600497_640Where do you go to have your creative senses stirred?

No doubt there is value in following a routine. It builds structure into our days. Routines also help us to be more efficient because less time is required to carry out tasks. But there is something to be said for finding creative spaces that spark inspiration where routine lacks.

Below are five places I’ve found to be brimming with inspiration, regardless of the preferred genre:

  1. The mind. This complex sensory powerhouse is constantly gathering information which slip into our subconscious, surfacing when we least expect it. Menial tasks like sweeping or taking a shower are often catalysts for unexpected ideas. (This is when Aqua Notes come in handy!)
  2. The library or local bookstore. Browsing titles (or those missing!) and magazines can create new and fresh titles for our own work as we use mix and mingle words.
  3. The garden. Be it a flower or vegetable (or both, if you’re fortunate) garden, you will find inspiration coming to fruition at every turn. Slow down, take note of the subtle marks of nature. Inhale deeply, noticing the surrounding scents. Does it stir any past memories? The first line of a poem?
  4. On vacation. A simple change of scenery is sometimes all that’s necessary to gain a fresh perspective on our current project. The beach offers a plethora of sensory opportunities but regardless of your destination, allow your senses to soak in all there is to observe and then use it.
  5. The mall. Talk about characters for your next novel! Because I currently spend more time on non-fiction and poetry, I tend to focus more on expressions, reactions, and yes, sometimes conversations. Eat lunch while you’re there. This will offer the perfect opportunity to glean from those around you.

Do you have a favorite place to escape to for inspiration? If so, please share in the comment section.

Next month, I’ll share five places I have yet to explore but look forward to visiting.

 

 

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The Creative Tool Kit

6 Must-Have Books On Creativity

Elizabeth Gilbert Creativity
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The subject of creativity has always fascinated me. Where does it originate? How can I access more of it? Am I born creative or can I develop into a creative person? It’s because of these questions (and many more) that I’ve collected quite a few books on the subject and look forward to purchasing more in the future.

Three Top Picks Currently on My Shelves:

  • Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear, Elizabeth Gilbert. It’s no surprise this was an instant #1 New York Bestseller. One thing I’m most enjoying about Big Magic is Liz’s intentional focus on incorporating creativity into our daily lives.
  • Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, Austin Kleon. This is a fun, clever, and dare I say, creative, book. From cover to cover, you’ll be exposed to fresh ideas on the subject of creativity. Nothing boring here, folks!
  • The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron. This book was originally published in 2002 but the audience and appreciation for it has only increased with time. I will forever be grateful to Julia for introducing me to the concept of Morning Pages.

a3creativityThree Top Picks on My Wish List:

I hope these six selections will stir up your creativity as it has mine.

Do you have a favorite book on creativity? If not, is there a book mentioned in this post that sparks your interest? Please share!

 

 

Graphic courtesy of Penguin.com

 

If you enjoy the subject of creativity, I’d love for you to stop by Cathy Baker…Cultivating Creativity. 

 

 

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The Creative Tool Kit

3 Time-Saving Strategies To Up Your Writing Game

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Three Time Saving Strategies to Up Your WritingYou may ask what the following three strategies have to do with creativity.

I think we can all agree that time is our greatest natural resource so when the minutes of our days can be saved, the hours will take care of themselves, freeing up our time and energy to put towards more creative endeavors.

Below are three practical but sometimes missed opportunities to make the most of our time.

  • Refuse to Cave to the Comparison Trap. Sylvia Path said, “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” When other writers are gaining traction that sticks like glue while we’re still spinning our wheels it’s tempting to start second guessing our skills, sometimes to the point of questioning our very calling to writing. Michele Cushatt recently published a post, Enough, that speaks to the beauty of dropping our competitive guard in order to embrace a bigger and more meaningful picture in the world of writing. Comparing ourselves to others depletes our confidence, time, and energy. And who has time for that?
  • Take Advantage of In-Between Moments. Many successful authors became so while working at least one full-time job, raising a family, volunteering at church, etc. One of my favorite contributor’s on this subject is Brian Hutcheson of The Positive Writer. His post How To Become A Prolific Writer While Holding Down A Day Job is superb. You’ll rarely find me without a pen and tiny moleskin notebook in the front pocket of my purse. I know, I know. I can also use Notes on my iPhone, and I do, but there’s something about the scratching sound of a pen on paper that lights my fire.

Your turn! What’s one time-saving tip you can share with the rest of us?

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Cathy Baker // Cultivating Creativity
http://www.cathybaker.org

 

 

 

 

 

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3 Simple Ways to Boost Creativity

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Creativity
Graphic courtesy of melibeeglobal.com

Welcome to The Creativity Kit!

Each month tips and tools to help boost your creativity skills will be found in The Creativity Kit. Sensory workouts, exercises, and dare I say, fun ideas await!

So, let’s get started by learning three easy ways to increase creativity in your writing endeavors.

One: De-Stress.

Art therapy studies show that patients suffering from cancer and other chronic illnesses find respite from their suffering by engaging in creative work. This could explain why sales from adult coloring books skyrocketed in 2015.

As expected, relaxed people tend to have an easier time being creative but interestingly enough, the opposite is also true. Creative activity is an effective way to combat stress.

Adult coloring books are fun but they also offer the mind an experience known as the “flow” which is a mental state in which a person is so immersed in an experience that nothing disrupts the moment.

One of my favorite Pinterest pages is Adult Coloring Books. Would you like to try adult coloring books at no charge? There are a lot of free online pages ready for printing, like this one.

Two: Take  a Shower.

Okay, hopefully this is already on your list of to-do’s but for an entirely different reason. Still, it’s one of those menial tasks that forces our conscious mind to to take a break. After all, it’s the conscious mind that’s on duty throughout the day. Decisions are made constantly and without the conscious mind, we’d be lost. Literally. So when we perform tasks like taking showers, exercising, or petting the dog the conscious mind takes an audible sigh and relinquishes control to the subconscious. And when the subconscious takes over, so does the creative part of our brain. Seriously, how often has an idea or solution to an ongoing problem come to you while rinsing out the shampoo? You may even want to try Aqua Notes, a waterproof writing pad. I picked up at our local Mast General Store but it can also be purchased online.

Three: Do the Opposite for One Day. bloga3seinfeld

Pretend your George Constanza. Do the opposite of what you would normally do for one day. Do you normally take the highway to work or school? Take the back way, as we refer to it here in the South. Eat breakfast food for dinner and drink tea instead of coffee. Change up as many things possible for one day. Who knows, you may begin declaring one day a month George Constanza day!

I hope these three ideas will get the creative juices flowing. But there’s one more thing I can’t help but ask…

If you were to try a George Constanza day, what would your favorite “opposite” thing be?

 

If you’re interested, there is a random drawing for an adult coloring book, In The Beginning, being given away on my site this month. Simply comment on my blog to add your name to the drawing!