In December, I read with interest Ann Patchett’s article in The Washington Post about her New Year’s resolution. A friend told her if she worked on a novel (or any other creative project) for at least an hour each day for the first 32 days of the year and that would set the course for the entire year.
It has stuck with me for a number of reasons–the first is the title of the article is: “Resolved: Writing is a job.” And it seems because she now makes a living writing it has become a job. However, if it becomes a job, does that imply it is a chore? Can your creativity flow without it becoming stuck in the wheels of naming it a job and “having” to do it for an hour each day?
For me, creativity would seem to be the antithesis of a job, but I can understand how if we are in a rut of having to be creative, it would carry the weight of work. Would I be as able to create if it were being demanded or required of me?Reading Dan Pink’s book “Drive,” which delves into what motivates us, brings me to the same conclusion. According to a study Pink mentions in “Drive,” commissioned pieces of art were deemed “less creative” than their counterparts–pieces done from the well of an artist’s creativity.
Are you more creative when it is something required and a “job” or are you more creative when it is not being requested from you–it springs from your inner self?
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Creativity as a job, do you lose motivation?
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This is an interesting question because as a writer, I want CREATIVE writing to become my full-time job (I write non-fiction and edit as my job now.) However, I can see where if you have a book contract looming whether or not you’re feeling creative doesn’t matter. You’ve got to create. I imagine it’s like any job, some days will be better than others. But no matter what, you have to get something down on paper. Maybe the true artistry of being a writer comes during the revision process anyway.
Love your blog! I’ll be back.
It was a pleasure to meet you this week at BlissDom10!
Susan
Margo,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I appreciate.
That’s an interesting idea about the true artistry coming during the revision process. I hadn’t thought about that. That would make it so much easier to just throw some words on the page…get it down!…and then return to craft, sculpt, mold.
Are there ways to bring some of your creative passion to your non-fiction work?
Elizabeth
Thank you, Susan!
Yes, please visit and let’s continue the beauty, passion and community of BlissDom.
And watch this space for a few tweaks and changes. I became inspired (again!) at BlissDom and have come away with some neat ideas I’ll be rolling out soon. (Let me get through traveling home today!)
Elizabeth
When something becomes a job for me, it instantly becomes harder. Same with reading. I *love* to read. I’ll read anything. But back in school when I *had* to read, I just wouldn’t do it.
The same is true for me within the blog-o-sphere. I’m a contributor for a couple of sites, and when I feel pressure for not writing anything recently, I sit at the keyboard and watch the cursor blink.
I applaud those who can write for their job. I just know I can’t do it.
(Aside: So nice meeting you at Blissdom. Look forward to getting to know you more!)
Bridget,
I feel the same way — when I was getting my graduate degree in creative writing, I read the books I *had* to, but it seemed like drudgery…and we’re talking CLASSICS and NOVELS! Stuff that I read if it is not assigned. Now if I *have* to read something, I juggle what needs to be read first and bribe myself like: You can read this hot bestseller AFTER you read this dry, boring book about paint drying.
How do you get past the blinking cursor? What works for you?
Thanks for commenting! I enjoyed meeting you at BlissDom and seeing your smiling face each time I ran into you!
Elizabeth
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