Let's Get Creative

 by Charlotte Bennardo

Creativity is the theme for May. How do we find it? Use it? Share it? Lose it? Sharing is the easy part; we create something like a book, a poem, a picture, a garden, a dress, a building- and we show others, offer it for sale, read it aloud, give it away, invite animals and people in. Using it is simple too; we draw on our creativity to write the book, create the poem, paint the picture, plant the garden, sew the dress, construct the building. But what about when we lose or creativity? How do we find it again?  Don't despair, your creativity is still there.

Here's one place I go, my meditation garden. When my creativity seems frozen, I pull weeds, talk to the flowers, let my mind wander. 

Here's another way to rekindle my creativity, I visit with books. Either re-read old favorites or read a new author. See how others handle a situation, and mulling over if it will work for my novel. If not, what if I did the opposite? That usually gets my mind humming with different scenarios. 

Talk to people (although not necessarily the hubs, he's a science geek, not a literary lover). Sometimes people say things that will get the hamster wheels of your mind whirring. Along the same lines, sit in a coffee shop & listen to people talking (that's not eavesdropping because we're all in a public place. If you want your conversation to be private, don't go to a public place and yammer.). You'd be surprised how many ideas I've picked up from strangers talking.

Travel someplace new. Experience different customs, foods, language, daily life. It gives you a new perspective and expands not only your knowledge, but also gives you experiences which may be the impetus for a new story or the solution to the problem with your current one. 

Take in the arts; whether theater, movies, concerts, poetry readings, wine & painting, music classes, etc. The arts stimulate the brain and that kicks up creativity. Plus, you'll have a good time.

Just relax. Maybe you're trying too hard. Sometimes the brain, like other parts of your body, needs a small vacay. (Yes, that is a restaurant in a library in Sorrento. Highly recommend it.). Maybe just hang on the beach. Take a hike. Stare at the stars. Just. Chill. Creativity will come to you. 

Creativity is such a big part of our lives, whether we write novels, splice together two bacteria to find a cure for cancer, crunch numbers to solve a mystery of the universe, or plain dream of the impossible. Find your creativity, use it, share it, hold onto it, embrace it, cherish it. 

"The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." ~ Sylvia Plath

Charlotte writes MG, YA, NA, and adult novels in sci fi, fantasy, contemporary, paranormal and romance genres. Her latest YA fantasy novel, The Excalibur Vow, just released and her sweet holiday romance, Christmas Bells, Hanukkah Lights, will be released by The Wild Rose Press, hopefully in time for the holidays. She is the author of the award-winning middle grade Evolution Revolution trilogy, Simple Machines, Simple Plans, and Simple Lessons. She co-authored the YA novels Blonde OPS, Sirenz, and Sirenz Back in Fashion. She is working on several children's and adult novels, and other short stories. She lives in NJ with her family and floofy cat Mink, and a squirrel who insists on digging up her geraniums.