Imagination is key to creative writing. Of course, that goes without saying. You can’t write a short story, poem, or novel without creative inspiration. But, is there more to it; do creative writers fit an archetype? I’m going to generalise here and say, yes. Here’s what I think:
Introverts
The majority of writers that I have met in real life, either as literary friends, or authors I have talked to at book signings, tend to be introverts. That’s not to say that every writer is an introvert; but I would venture as far as to say that being an introvert seems to suit the job. Introverts spend a good deal of time by themselves and often wrapped up in their own imagination. Creative thoughts = plenty of ideas for books.
Young at heart
I think writers are inherently playful types. Let’s face it: we play with words all the time, and the same can be said of physical reality. How many times have you tinkered about with an object to see how it works, all in the name of writing research? Or, I’ll bet you’re a doodler, scribbling drawings in the corners of pages while at a boring day-job conference.
Ha ha, am I right? As for me, I’m definitely the type to tinker with things, and I’m most definitely physically playful. I love any opportunity to get involved in silly games. At the play park I enjoy going down the slide, playing on the swings, or climbing the rope frame, much to the enjoyment of my child. I adore bouncy castles. Before having a kid of my own, I would have looked odd jumping around on one by myself. Now I can look like I’m 40 going on 4 with an excuse, as I can join my son, ha ha.
At the end of last month, my hubby and I attended our little dude’s sports day. The weather was warm, our mini sporty one won a gold medal, and I promised myself I wouldn’t get competitive in the mums’ race. As if that would ever happen, lol.
At least I didn’t embarrass myself by falling like last year.
I really think that being playful and staying young at heart is key to keeping the fire of one’s imagination going. On a related note, here’s my next point:
An enquiring mind
As the mother of a young child, I have to say I love the honesty and lack of embarrassment that small children have when asking questions about things they want to know. They haven’t yet learned, or don’t care, about the social etiquette of how this makes them look in front of their peers.
Adults will often refrain from asking questions, or admitting when they don’t know something. The need to look erudite in front of others often overrides the need for knowledge.
I may be speaking for myself here, but I’m not afraid to admit when I don’t know something, or ask about a topic I want to know more about – usually for writing research purposes these days – and I don’t care what people think about that. A curious mind is an important asset for a creative writer. My own stories are often born of ‘what if’s.
Messy!
Okay, so hands up: how many of you have a messy writing space? Please tell me I’m not alone, lol.
Apparently being messy is a sign of both intelligence and creativity. Don’t take my word for it; check out this article here about having a messy desk and a creative mind.
What do you think?
Any other observations that you think might fit the character of a creative writer? Feel free to add to all of the above!
Leilanie Stewart 