~ The Poet's Place Cafe~

by Jay O'Toole

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A place for discussion on poetry, reviews, contests, etc.

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Aug 19, 2024 at 3:14pm

#3672863

DISCUSSION: Creative Instincts

by Dave

Creativity shows itself in many forms--from writing, painting and singing to gardening, woodworking and computer programming. In all these ways and many more, people find their own unique way to express themselves. They transform visions created in their minds into creative art. The urge to imagine and invent affects all of us. Indulging that impulse is a natural instinct that turns labor into pleasure. As writers, we convert those images into words on the page.

Another affliction we all suffer from is doubt. While we may readily doodle the craziest thoughts on scraps of paper spurred on by our free-wheeling imaginations in the privacy of our inner sanctums, we dread exposing those musings to the outside world. Uncertainty about our abilities, fear of failure, doubts about the value of our words, and many other demons

plague us and bind our free expression. We are here to cast those demons aside and celebrate your innate creativity.

Creativity thrives on experimentation and exploration. It lives on discovery, and readers read to discover. As creative writers, we must let our imaginations lead us through their mysterious wanderings to that point of unveiling, like a special gift

being examined, shaken to see if it rattles, and finally unwrapped. We must develop a sense of wonder and curiosity that can be attained only through practice. Practice does not always mean tedious work; in this case, it’s more like play. In my reviewing, I frequently use the term “tinker,” because working with the arrangement of words reminds me of the Tinker Toys I played with as a child. If you don’t have a similar attraction, perhaps it’s time for you to pick up a paint brush or musical instrument--something you truly enjoy playing with.

Creative writers are constantly asking two questions: “What if?” and “What then?” Then they let their imaginations guide them on an adventurous journey into the unknown. They are ready for surprises and embrace whatever emerges. While they try to maintain emotional honesty about their subjects, they freely skew the facts. If readers want true facts, they can read a newspaper.

Practice Exercise: Now it’s time to light the fuse and let your imagination explode into a cataclysm of color. Write a poem about some color that impresses you, either favorably or unfavorably. Since this is a creativity workshop, give your imagination free rein to interpret “color” either literally (red, blue, hot pink) or figuratively (the color of pain, joy, anger). Whatever strikes your spark.

Then relax and join in the celebration of colorful fireworks around the room. (Hopefully, we won’t burn the place down.