15 Minute Writer

Creative Writing: Learn How to Write by Watching Kids Play

November 29th, 2011 Posted in Misc

Would you like some new ideas on how to nurture your creative writing? Ask around and see what other people do to nurture their creativity. Watch kids when they play and observe what they do.

“What do you do to nurture your creative self?” I asked a friend of mine who I know has a creative bent.

We stood outside the building waiting for her husband to bring the car. “Hmmm, let me think about that.” She looked down at the pavement for a moment. “I go to a craft store, and look around. I might buy some new paints and take them home to play with them.

I work with kids so I watch them and the way they play. They don’t start out intentionally to create something. They just start playing. I find inspiration in that so I’ll start out just playing with the paints and see where it goes. If it develops into something I go with it. If not I simply enjoy the play and creative wandering.”

She wrinkled her nose, put her hands out and wiggled her fingers, “I like to get messy when I paint, and when I do crafts. I like the feel of the paint on my hands. I like paper mache and getting the glue all over me. Not everyone is like that but I enjoy the mess.” She grinned.

“I like to write too and sometimes rather than have a plan, I will tune into that creative stream of writing and let it take me where it wants to go. Sometimes it turns out to be something and sometimes not, but I enjoy that process of letting the writing flow.”

She paused and thought for a moment, “You know I’ve been doing a lot of administrative stuff lately, things that are not fun but have to be done.  I’m missing that creative connection. I think this week, I will actually go to the craft store, get some paints and do what I just said.” She smiled at me, “Thanks for asking!”

As you learn how to write, here are some tips for exploring creative writing.

7 Tips to unleash your creative writing:

1. Plan a time where you will not be interrupted.
2. Create the environment. Get some tools you enjoy using, maybe a new journal or pen or open a fresh page on your computer. Brew your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
3. Start writing about something that is going on in your life, a recent fun activity or a sad time, a special gift that someone gave you. Look at a photo and write about it.
4. Use your imagination. Let your mind wander like Sarah did with the paints and like kids do when they play.
5. Enjoy the journey. Let your inner child out to play. Allow yourself to be childlike without knowing where you are going with this activity.
6. Relax and let it be what it is. If it turns into something, go with it. If not, set it down like kids do with toys and pick up another idea.
7. Have fun with it. Don’t judge yourself. Kids don’t get dissatisfied with the results of their play. Let yourself be a child and explore.

How about you? Have you ever done anything like this? How do you stimulate and nurture your creativity?

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net