I agree that creativity tends to increase with age. I can barely keep up with my thoughts and ideas! This morning, I read two chapters in two books, read several essays on Substack, and scanned a couple of articles in The Guardian. I created five new docs for future writing topics/ideas, wrote some initial reflections, pasted links, and called it a work session. After breakfast, I returned to one of the docs and wrote more on a specific topic.
I was still in my PJs when I realized I had chores to do.
This afternoon, Guy and I changed the sheets and washed the comforter. We joked about who was responsible for tearing out the hospital corners, who had snored more the night before, and who had stolen covers more frequently. Making a bed is a rich topic, so I created a new document titled "Bed Making" and quickly typed some notes about our back-and-forth discussion.
And I agree that the pressure to make income can alter our creative thinking.
But our worlds are rich with creative opportunities...we just have to take time to listen and see.
So many great suggestions. And no, that well does not dry. Although I consider myself creative, I still have to chase creativity. One way I stay creative is to doggedly look for connections in everything. How is this leaf like a holiday? How is this horseback ride like an ocean? There's no end goal there, just gymnastics for the brain. On this note, I did an "In Conversation With" event not long ago that turned into an hour and a half long creative-therapy session. Folks need to talk about this, need encouragement, and need reminding of how important it is to tend to your own desire for creativity. Thanks for another great newsletter, Janisse!
I wanted to share that your last piece inspired me to make zines with my teenage students in creative writing club. We looked at the banned book zine as an example. It was so easy. I’m thinking of making these for our little free library.
I love it all! And it baffles me, this belief that creativity decreases with age— especially if that corresponds with decreased care giving demands (if I could ever allow myself to consider such a thing!).
Going to sign up for the memoir course too (although I’ll only be with you in spirit live, I’ll join in the recordings! The time for me is something like 3am, which tends not to be my creative peak 😆🫣).
Thanks for the inspiration today. I’m back in Montana for the summer and camping in many beautiful spots. I have lots of creative ideas as I approach 70 and even accomplish many of them. Each month I am producing my podcast/radio show and we are actually getting sponsors.
I should ask you to be a guest someday. You still amaze me after aloft he years I’ve known you.
I agree that creativity tends to increase with age. I can barely keep up with my thoughts and ideas! This morning, I read two chapters in two books, read several essays on Substack, and scanned a couple of articles in The Guardian. I created five new docs for future writing topics/ideas, wrote some initial reflections, pasted links, and called it a work session. After breakfast, I returned to one of the docs and wrote more on a specific topic.
I was still in my PJs when I realized I had chores to do.
This afternoon, Guy and I changed the sheets and washed the comforter. We joked about who was responsible for tearing out the hospital corners, who had snored more the night before, and who had stolen covers more frequently. Making a bed is a rich topic, so I created a new document titled "Bed Making" and quickly typed some notes about our back-and-forth discussion.
And I agree that the pressure to make income can alter our creative thinking.
But our worlds are rich with creative opportunities...we just have to take time to listen and see.
This is so good, Sue. I'm loving how you outlined the ideas as they came to you. Thank you for sharing this process.
So many great suggestions. And no, that well does not dry. Although I consider myself creative, I still have to chase creativity. One way I stay creative is to doggedly look for connections in everything. How is this leaf like a holiday? How is this horseback ride like an ocean? There's no end goal there, just gymnastics for the brain. On this note, I did an "In Conversation With" event not long ago that turned into an hour and a half long creative-therapy session. Folks need to talk about this, need encouragement, and need reminding of how important it is to tend to your own desire for creativity. Thanks for another great newsletter, Janisse!
So important, Mary. Thank you for the tip. I love this idea of doggedly looking for connections in everything.
Great zine, Janisse! Great video, Mary! Thanks to both of you fine women. 💜
I wanted to share that your last piece inspired me to make zines with my teenage students in creative writing club. We looked at the banned book zine as an example. It was so easy. I’m thinking of making these for our little free library.
That's a sweet idea.
I love it all! And it baffles me, this belief that creativity decreases with age— especially if that corresponds with decreased care giving demands (if I could ever allow myself to consider such a thing!).
Going to sign up for the memoir course too (although I’ll only be with you in spirit live, I’ll join in the recordings! The time for me is something like 3am, which tends not to be my creative peak 😆🫣).
Janisse!
Thanks for the inspiration today. I’m back in Montana for the summer and camping in many beautiful spots. I have lots of creative ideas as I approach 70 and even accomplish many of them. Each month I am producing my podcast/radio show and we are actually getting sponsors.
I should ask you to be a guest someday. You still amaze me after aloft he years I’ve known you.
Leslie
I would love to be on your podcast.
I’d like to help you with some copy editing for your Place book. Are you working against a deadline?
Julie, thank you. Yes to a deadline but I keep pushing it back. Waaaaaa.