Good stories, works of art, songs, dances, and everything in between need this…
Comfort Zones: Potential Danger for Artists, Writers, Performers, and Everyone in Between
Comfort zones are those nice, cozy, warm, fuzzy parts in our mind that convince us to stay put. They have a purpose: respite. But like any spa, too much of a good thing can turn into a bad thing (and,…
Writing From Your Past
A frequent source of inspiration is our past. You may feel inspired when you think about your high school prom, your first kiss, or the first memory you hold about your life. Taking inspiration from your own history helps create…
6 Tips to Help You Get Some Creative Time With Kids in the House
If you’re a parent, chances are you have to watch your kids while trying to schedule in some creative time for yourself. Sure, you can get down and dirty with them, get yourself covered in paint or mud, and have…
7 Tips to Successful Journaling
Journaling can be healing, fun, exciting, or a drag (especially if you set up too many expectations for yourself). If you’re looking to journal, here are a few tips to keep in mind: You don’t need a ritual: write whenever…
30 Journals and Counting: Now What?
I have 30 journals covering almost three decades of my life. I travel down memory lane once in awhile, but other than that, they sit in my closet, waiting to be discovered by my kids when they’re old enough and…
The Role of Positive Thinking in Creativity
Positive thinking pops up once in awhile in my social media feeds. It seems a new trend is criticizing its usefulness, though I’ve also read other critics who say it’s empty, even harmful. (The New Yorker has a well-rounded article on the research of…
Passion vs. Real Life
There’s nothing more enjoyable about writing than finding out something new about yourself as you’re writing. In this case, I’m starting to question the validity behind the “follow your passion” philosophy of life. I enjoy reading Wayne Dyer, Cheryl Richardson, Jack…
Showing Your Kids What Work Is
The hardest thing about writing as a job is that it looks the same as Facebooking, emailing, surfing, and reading. To a child, at least. Of course, it would help if I didn’t get caught turning “I’ll get you another…
Inspiration isn’t What I Thought It Was
The inspired writer, the inspired dancer, the inspired artist. The only time I’ve witnessed any kind of artist being inspired is in Hollywood scenes. You know what I’m talking about, so I don’t need to describe them. But, as I’ve…