GETTING "UNSTUCK" - SPARKING CREATIVITY By Eileen Meyer

 

Have you felt your creativity sapped at some point during the past year with the pandemic? What can you do to help ignite a creative spark for writing or illustrating work? How can you think differently when you need to solve a difficult plot problem, address writer's block, or come up with a fresh idea?

Let’s first consider how the brain works. Neurons are the brain’s building blocks—those nerve cells send and receive signals along the brain’s pathways. When you feel stuck in a rut, your brain might actually be stuck on a neural pathway that you keep following over and over again.  What can you do? Create a new neural pathway to make new connections. Harvard Professor of Psychiatry John Ratey notes, “A person who forcibly changes his behavior can break the deadlock by requiring neurons to change connections to enact the new behavior.” (see A User’s Guide to the Brain) Your brain will greatly benefit from experiencing new sounds, sights, smells and even tastes—and as a result, be energized!

 

So how can you boost your creativity? I posed this question to fellow creatives online to discover what they did to help them become “unstuck.” Their responses were wide-ranging and intriguing.

 

GET MOVING!

Patricia Hruby Powell doing "The Charleston"  

Many writers and artists noted that physical activity was key for them. Former professional dancer and author Patricia Hruby Powell finds that any form of dancing (tap, tango, you name it) will help her to break through an impasse. “Nowadays, I do a zoom tap class on a sheet of plywood in a wide spot of my hallway. Tap develops my brain to work in a certain way. To learn steps. . . . I try to get into the body-mind-soul of the people I write about. I can become them by moving like they move, I think. At least I try to.”  

Artist Laurie Barrows shared that when she is out hiking, she always takes a sketchbook with her to jot down notes, draw or play with ideas. Being in different and beautiful surroundings helps spark a new thought process. Many people noted that simply walking outdoors was key for them to let their mind relax and wander, forming new connections to help solve a problem. Others mentioned that cycling, swimming, and working out helped them jump start new ideas. So if you’re stuck—get your body moving!

  

ENGAGE IN OTHER CREATIVE PURSUITS

Nancy Sanders with one of her lovely quilts!

Author Nancy Sanders uses quilting as a way to break through writer’s block. “Before I sit down to sew, I jot down my writing goals for this creative break. For example, if I’m writing a segment of rhyming text and am stuck on a rhyme, my goal is to write the next stanza. Then as I pick up my fabric and get to work on my current quilt project, I allow my brain to relax and play with the problem I was struggling with. Many, many times, within minutes my writing task is accomplished and back I head to my writing desk. Something about the creative process let’s my brain relax, not feel the pressure I was demanding of it a minute ago, and I can break through that dreaded writer’s block.” Here’s Nancy with one of the quilts she loves making.

 

Author Katey Howes also likes working with textiles and finds weaving on a small loom helps spark new ideas. Writer Jaimie Franchi likes planning the creative use of plants. She finds caring for them in her home garden is the perfect answer for her.

 

Jessica Henderson, Maria Marshall and Sherry Roberts all use photography to stimulate their creativity and writing. Middle school teacher and author Sherry said, “Sometimes I just need to think and I find that going on a walk and taking photos helps. This creative outlet has led to a new contract where I am the author / photographer for a non-fiction series!”  Congratulations to Sherry—her solution for getting unstuck actually created a brand-new opportunity!

 

Inspiration photo - Julie Phend 

Author Julie Phend  takes photography one step further as she finds inspiration from nature and then creates her own art in a watercolor journal she started this year. “When I take my daily walks, I snap a photo of something that captures my attention, and I try to recreate it in a painting. I often find myself creating a poem or quoting a

Watercolor Jrnl. Entry - Julie Phend

snippet of poetry inspired by the painting. This opens my mind to new possibilities and inspires me to notice things in a different way.” Fabulous point, we are seeking to stimulate our brain and look at things in new ways!

TRY A SURPRISING SUGGESTION

A few writers swore by this solution—which totally took me by surprise! What is it? VACUUMING! Elaine Kiely Kearns, Joan Slone, and Tara O’Dowd love to problem-solve while running their vacuum cleaner. This physical, yet rote activity frees up their brains and the noise actually blocks out other distractions. Tara noted, “I’ve had enough epiphanies while vacuuming that expectation may play a role. I also assume I will solve any problems in my life as soon as the vacuum starts.” Bonus for these writers– a clean house PLUS a new idea!

 

So try something different or new to help your brain get unstuck—and have fun doing it! Get out there - dance, quilt, weave, take photos, sketch, try chalk art on your front sidewalk or even run your vacuum cleaner to solve a difficult plot problem, address writer’s block, or come up with a fresh idea.

 

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS . . .

I’ll leave you with one final option.

Author Natalie Rompella finds great insights in an unlikely place—in the shower! So much so that she even has a handy-dandy waterproof notepad her husband found for her. (YES, these do exist and Natalie is a big fan!  Search for “waterproof notepad” to find great options from your favorite online retailer.) Engaging in an activity like taking a shower doesn’t require a lot of effort, so our mind is free to wander. And creativity and relaxation have a strong link, so it’s worth a try. Who knew you could simply lather up and come unstuck! Just be sure to jot down your great idea . . . Happy creating!