by
Bev Walton-Porter
As writers, you've probably read a million articles, books, and columns on plot, characterization, internal conflict, manuscript format, query letters, proposals, and other general do's and don'ts. But what about the spark that drives you to create? The seductive part of your writer persona, the part where you allow your imagination to weave story lines and build characters from blank page to a person who lives through your readers' minds? Who taught you to be creative and urged you to write? And
if you don't consider yourself creative (which is false!), why not?
In this column, "Creativity and the Writer", I hope to answer these questions and more. Through your input and questions, I hope we can journey together toward the goal of being more creative daily. It doesn't matter if you write fiction or non-fiction, you must be creative to write, PERIOD. In your mind you must dig deep into the mire of confusion and fish out pieces of the story, book, or article you're about to write. You must
decide how to get your reader's attention and hold it. You must learn to manipulate words and hold the reader hostage until the last line stops on the page. To do this, and more, you must tap into your creative right side of your brain and marry its images and ideas to the more editorial and organizational left-side of the brain. Not an easy task, indeed!
Let me share a bold secret with you: I'm not an expert on being human, being a writer, or being 100% creative. I'm not, and neither is anyone else. We are all in a continual learning process which never ends, and if anyone tells you otherwise, they're suffering from delusions of grandeur. But one thing I do know is that it's a struggle to be a writer, and especially one who desires publication. It's even more difficult to exist
in this rational, left-brained world every day and suddenly sit down and tap into the more right-brained, creative side in order to write. It's like shutting off one faucet and turning on another. Unfortunately, the reason why most people suffer writer's block is because they face writing the same way they do the other things in their lives: from a rational, linear point of view.
In this column, we'll share information and exchange ideas. I'm a regular writer like you are, and we're all in this together. If you have any ideas you want to discuss, suggestions for creative exercises, or questions you'd like answered,
please feel free to email me at Scrybr8@prodigy.net. I will try to get back with you as soon as possible, and your note might be the lucky one chosen to be highlighted in the next issue's column! You don't win a trip or a car, but you get to have your name, email address, and 2-cents' worth plastered all over the World Wide Web and plopped into email boxes! Aren't you excited? I knew you would be . . . .
The point is this: although this column will tackle discussions about creativity and share information on tools for writers to aid in taming the elusive beast, I want your participation. I want this to be an interactive forum where you can feel comfortable expressing yourself. So drop that left-brained "editor" at the doorstep, come inside, and sit a spell. You're among friends here, and we aim to bring you to a higher level in
your writing by freeing you from the constraints of archaic rules. There's still a hut outside for your Editor side, but there's an even bigger place inside for your Muse. And everything BEGINS with Her.
Before I close, I guess it would be nice to formally introduce myself, huh? My name (as referenced above) is Bev Walton-Porter, and I am a full-time freelance writer. My work has appeared in many publications, such as
Although you may be thinking I'm strictly a romance writer, you would be totally and unforgivably wrong. I write in nearly all genres, and my favorite authors are Dean Koontz, Stephen King, and R.A. Forster (who writes legal mysteries). The reason why I'm sharing this is because I'm simply showing you that you must not limit yourself when it comes to writing! If you are a novice, you must experiment with various types of writing in order to learn and grow. Don't ever put yourself in a box, or you'll
likely never write your way out of it! This is the first rule of
creativity: Don't limit yourself!!
Before the next issue, make an effort to relax your limits and explore new genres of writing. Pick up a book from a genre you've never read, or, if you're a non-fiction writer, discover some new fiction. Feel the fresh rhythms of the prose or poetry, and explore a new world through the eyes of an author you've never met before. Then think of some ways to expand your creative horizons so your writing is affected in a positive, meaningful
way. Drop me a line and let me know what's on your mind.
Until next time, keep those literary fires burning!
All the best,
Bev :)
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