Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Creativity

Creativity is something that has always fascinated me. It's intangible (although the results are often very concrete), hard to define, see, or measure. It can also be very difficult to tap into at will or channel it, and it often has a mind of its own. Yet it drives all our creative endeavors and affects many aspects of our lives. Over the years, my creativity has run "hot and cold", but I'm convinced of two things:

1) *All* human beings are creative in one way or another. Our creativity might be expressed in different ways (art, music, writing, acting, gardening, decorating, raising children, politics, architecture, medicine, science, sports, etc.-the list is endless), *but* we each have a well of creativity inside us. I believe this creativity is the part of us, along with the soul, that most mirrors God/ Goddess/ Creator/ Supreme Being (pick your own label), just as I personally believe we are all co-creators with our God/ Goddess/ Creator/ Supreme Being, to some extent.

2) We never lose that creativity. It might atrophy and become dormant, but it's always there inside us, and it can be awakened at any time in our lives.

Good thing, too. I've found my own creativity waning over the years. The publishing business is tough (make that *grueling*) and often discouraging (tell you something new, right?). So many aspects of the business are out of our control. Add life in general to the mix, and the creativity can be driven back into the dark recesses of the psyche, seemingly lost in the mad rush of living and surviving. I've got some thoughts about that, too (hey, I'm a writer!). Next blog, hopefully in the near future, I'll discuss creativity some more.

Have a great Wednesday! ~ Catherine

4 comments:

Kristen Painter said...

I have a hard time believing your creativity is waning - I have read your stuff after all. But okay, I'll go along with you...lol

Great post!

Michele said...

Hello,
I can only comment from a reader's perspective, but I think your creativity is still vibrant and enthralling. I've enjoyed the world building that you've done and the characters work within it effectively. As far as I'm concerned, you ARE one of the "big girls". You were one of the first paranormal/sci-fi/romance/fantasy (kind of combines them all) author I ever read. It was your talent that got me interested in reading authors who world-build. Robin D. Owens has you to thank for that. I enjoy her stories too.
With all that said, When may I look forward to your next creative project???
Warm Regards, Michele

CATHERINE SPANGLER said...

Hey Kristen and Michele, thanks so much for posting. Kristen, you are one of the most creative people I know! I can't wait to read your books. Michele, thank you for you kind words about my books and world building, and for considering me one of the BG's (sounds like the singing group). I think my point was that life can erode creativity, and it has to be nutured. I really do hope to write more on that in the near future. As for my next creative endeavor, I have some exciting news! I'll post it separately. Thanks ladies! ~ Catherine

Michele said...

Aaah, now I understand. Sorry I missed the point but thanks for
taking the time to explain.
I also agree, between kids, school, homework, housework, family relationships and yadda,yadda ...it's easy to see how creative focus can be diluted.
However, according to your blog entry above this one ...You're Baaack!!! Awesome!!!!! You've made my day. All the best!,M