I’m thinking about the amount of work that has to go into creative success, no matter how you define “success” for yourself. And across the board, in my opinion, quality work means extended deep focus. Such dedication requires a removal of feigned personalities. Pretending to be someone you’re not is utterly exhausting. If you’re metContinue reading “Werk Authentically”
Tag Archives: creativity
Naïve Discoveries
I can only hope I’m always this naïve. Isn’t life so much better for those of us who lean in to our ignorance? No one can know everything. To pretend otherwise is to dig yourself an inescapable hole and miss out on all the fun. Projecting an image of unwavering confidence means turning a blindContinue reading “Naïve Discoveries”
Delight in Just the Thought
I’m noticing a trend in my circles that makes me feel icky. Artists do not need to be “productive” to be good artists. We don’t need to be churning out viral videos, TV pilots, or reams of great poetry to be deemed worthy. I’m seeing a number of people (including myself) feeling uninspired or overwhelmedContinue reading “Delight in Just the Thought”
Open with Questions
Well, this was a failure. Not in its entirety, I suppose… While I didn’t write every day this year, I did write some, and the pressure I applied to myself to form better writing habits did prove to be somewhat useful. But the project continues, and I thank you all for coming along for theContinue reading “Open with Questions”
This Too is True
A common theme in my creative efforts these days is granting myself permission. For example, I grant myself permission to hold two opposing concepts as true. Yes, I’ve been easily distracted lately. But I’ve also been writing interesting material. I may not be dedicating a lot of time to perfecting what I make, but IContinue reading “This Too is True”
Dumpster
I couldn’t begin to tell you how much junk I’ve accumulated. I don’t mean physical stuff, though maybe I should examine that as well. I mean the overflow of words that didn’t make it to their intended projects. Many notes are piled on top of each other, virtual and otherwise, each containing thoughts and ideasContinue reading “Dumpster”
Tell Me More
I can’t possibly know everything. Yet I catch myself pretending I do all the time. One thing I’ve never quite understood is people’s (read: my own) lack of curiosity when they encounter contradictory information. We tend to get a bit too set in our ways, don’t you think? Of course it’s one thing to argueContinue reading “Tell Me More”
Rigid Needs
I’m learning to be easier on myself for having particular needs during the creative process. I find I write best on Saturday nights, usually after 10pm. I love this quote from President Barack Obama, pulled from a recent New York Times interview. He’s also a fan of late-night writing: “I find that the world narrows,Continue reading “Rigid Needs”
luke brown 