Synchronicity

The universe is prodigal in its support. We are miserly in what we accept.
~~Julia Cameron, THE ARTIST'S WAY

I'm finding this quote to be literally true to such an extent that I'm almost embarrassed to share--almost. ; ) Synchronicity is the gifts of inspiration that the Creator of the universe puts in our path all the time. I have to admit to many years of doubting them and ignoring them. I've overlooked so many ways in which God has aided my creativity. As of now, I'm opening up to all the gifts--big and small--that come my way.

Here's a few examples:

• My mother and sister insisted that I read Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series. Not only did I find hours of excellent reading and thrilling stories, I was introduced to one of the most generous writers in the world who kept mentioning the Books and Writers Forum. Once I took the time to check the Forum out, I found not only many amazing writers, but also a source of craft skills and exercises that help me hone my writing.
• On a day trip to Cartersville for the fun of it, I found the perfect vision for Cherry Hill, my WIP's setting.
• While "wasting time" on Facebook, I remembered one of my former students is a Marine and now I have a source of info for the background of Mack Singer, my retired Marine.
• During a lunch at Captain D's, I saw little children who sparked a great scene for Book 3 about Laura Grace and her grandchildren. Let's just say, it isn't smooth sailing. ; )
• Thinking about my Marine, I realized he just might have a tattoo or two. Then I realized that not only does he have a tattoo of the Marine anchor and globe, he has one that pays homage to his lost love, also a Marine. Laura Grace will have something to say about that!
• And the biggest gift of all: Six months ago, while we were organizing the church's Angel Tree charity, I met the adult daughter of a foster/adoptive mother. She gave me her mother's email. I'm ashamed to say that I've waited this long to try and get in touch with her. The middle of my plot depends on this information. At least I'm started on this source of info now.

How many times to we allow a fleeting thought, inspiration, or plot idea slip by?

What about you? Do you have a few gifts that you've been amazed by?

Creative Ways

I've read King's On Writing, Lamott's bird by bird, and Pressfield's The War of Art, and all of them have inspired and spurred me on to greater understanding of creativity and writing. But Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way is making much more impact on me.

Cameron's subtitle, A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity, speaks to the source of all creativity. Here are some of the basic principles she shares:

• Creativity is the natural order of life.
• Creativity is God's gift to us. Using our creativity is our gift back to God.
• The refusal to be creative is self-will and is counter to our true nature.
• It is safe to open ourselves to greater and greater creativity.

I have always understood creativity this way--God created us to be creators in his image. That's probably why The Artist's Way is clicking for me. The book outlines a twelve-week course of discovery and I'm only in week 2, but I see more joy and productivity in my writing already. ; )

Have you read The Artist's Way? What do you think about it?
What's your favorite book for inspiring creativity?



Seasons

If you've followed In the Shade of the Cherry Tree for any length of time, you know I can't let well enough alone. I'm always hunting for another background, another color scheme, another focus image. The newest is in honor of the coming summer. Besides it's been hot enough to be summer around here. All our flowers have bloomed or are setting buds to bloom a full month early this spring. By the way, I've already picked out the background image for fall. ; )

The latest background is perfect depiction of deep Georgia woods. The focus image is to herald the coming season of ripe cherries in our grocery stores. I can't get enough of the tasty little fruit--it's my favorite.

I've wondered if I change the look too often, but I know the visual expression of my creative side needs an outlet, too. So, for now, you can look forward to my changing images. Hopefully they will all fit the image of a comfortable place to visit. Come on into the Shade and sit for a spell. Maybe it will take your mind off the heat. ; )

What about you? Do you change up your look from time to time. Or do you think writers should strive for a recognizable look that is part of our set image and brand?

On Friday, check out Deniz's The Gridle of Melian--I'm the guest writer/blogger. She asks good questions. ; )

The Importance of Frustration

How frustrating can writing be? Enough to make you quit? Sometimes. But according to Jonah Lehrer, frustration is what makes creativity work. Think about it. How many times have you been told that it's the hard work that makes the job valuable?

In "The Talent Myth" Barbara Baig (The Writer April 2012) says it in a slightly different way. Baig says that talent really is the result of deliberate practice, not a gift. Without hard work, the constant reaching for objectives just out of reach, we can't become better. Writing well requires a constant striving for improved craft skills and not accepting "good enough."

But do we really want to be frustrated? Looking back to Lehrer, I think we have to accept the frustration to get to our goals. His equation is:

                                          problem = frustration=creative breakthrough

So, we should be thrilled when we're frustrated with the problems we face--when the book's plot sticks, a character refuses to behave, or a sentence baulks. Frustration is good for us. Really! ; ) Don't believe me? Check out the following video illustrating Lehrer's point.



What do you do when you're frustrated--give up or buckle down? Here's to persistence and deliberate practice!