Day 47: Pick a picture

When we are being creative, I think it would be fair to say that most of us have a picture in our mind to work from; where we want it to go, how it will look post creation...

Writers (of all kinds), do you know what your characters, settings look like before you start? How do you know...? What about designers (fashion or otherwise)? Where do you get your ideas from?

Well, I am suggesting a 'tool' today to help you visually create your masterpieces.

Check out Flickr.com. Its' a sight where lots of people put their photos up and you can search through them all to find exactly what you're looking for.

For example, if you were writing a story where a character finds an old book, you could type book into the search and find it. You never know what picture's you'll see and how it will inspire your stories.

Or, type in your character's name and see what comes up...

This sight is GREAT for all you photographers too. It's a place where you can share your work with the world and get feedback. Who knows where that might lead...You can even set up a photo blog! It doesn't have to stop with photographers. Artists, sculptors put your work up too.

So, all of those needing a visual boost, you know where to go. Try it. What will you be inspired by...?

Day 46: Mind the gap

Today is one of those days when there isn't much going on in my brain, creative or otherwise. I'm not really sure why. I just got up this morning and nothing really functions properly.

I've looked at 'this' and nothing inspired me, I've looked at 'that' and again, no spark.

What does one do on such an occasion when they have committed themselves to writing a creatively inspiring blog every single day...?

Well, to be frank (rather than Emma), we all have days like these. So this is what I am proposing,















Simply a space. A gap. What do gaps need? Filling. Do with it what you wish. Own it, use it, create with it, in it, on it...You never know what it might inspire...

Day 45: The Tate movie project

As always, I have found something really exciting for you all to get involved in! The Tate (big art gallery) is making a movie and they need your help. It's for 5-13 year olds. Perhaps a little young for some of you, but have a peek anyhow.

I've been on the website and it looks like there's LOADS going on. Basically they are going to make a movie in Summer 2011, but right now they need YOUR ideas/designs/storyboards to make it happen. They are calling writers, artists, sound techies, editors...to get involved in their production. If your work is chosen you get your name in the credits and everything!

This is there 3 stages on their site:
1) Design a character and make new friends
2) Get new skills and be creative
3)Your work could be in the movie!

Perfect for creative thinkers like yourselves, I think!

So check it out here and see if stardom could be on the cards for you!

Creativity really is everywhere...woop woop!

Day 44: What's in a name?

I think William has really posed an interesting question here. What is in a name?

Do you think names are important?

There are definitely names I like and names I don't. For me my taste in names is usually defined by other people I know. In my primary school there was a nasty little boy called Nathan and he is the only person I've ever known called Nathan. So, understandably, I don't really like it (sorry if you are/know someone called Nathan). But the name Jenna, I've never met anyone I didn't like called Jenna.

I'm pretty sure that you have similar stories.

So it would seem that there is something to names. I think it's definitely something to consider when it comes to giving our characters names in plays, stories, poems, dramas, scripts...

I am 'drawing up' two new characters at the moment and I know one of them is called Holly. It was just the name she wanted, but the other character (who is also a girl) is more tricky. I don't know what her name is yet...this is what brought all this name stuff up!

Are names important? I wouldn't say 'Emma' really defines me, but I can't imagine being called anything else.

Something to think about...

Day 43: Street performers

This morning I took a little stroll into town, as you do, and was inspired to write today's entry about street performers.

Living in Bath, we get performers all year round, but the summer is the best time. The sun is shining, tourists are everywhere and everyone has a bit more time to enjoy the smaller things in life. Before I moved here I'd only really seen them in Covent Garden, London when I was a kid. It's kind of weird living in a place where people come on holiday!

Anyway, back to the point! Usually, street performers become invisible to me as I go about my business, but this morning I found myself stopping to watch a women twiddling, throwing and curling hoola hoops. We was mesmerising and I thought, what an amazing talent to have where you can stand in the street and get money for it!

So, now I turn to you and ask, 'what could YOU bring to the streets of Britain?'

There is such a lot of different performances all the way from human statues to fire breathing jugglers! There are lots of arty types at my uni who busk on the streets of Bath, lots of them being guitar playing singers. Now that's what I call affective creativity. You reach out to the community and you get a few bob on the side! Ideal.

So, what are you good at? Do you have a talent that could be calling you to the streets (to perform, I mean)? If you've got it, use it! Give it a go and see where it takes you and/or what it makes you!

There are a few technical things to consider of course, like the fact that you need a licence in some places (ring up the council and check in your area). But after that's all done you're ready to go...

How will you perform to the masses this summer...?

Day 42: Time to boogie!

Ok, so today I wanted to find something that wasn't anything to do with writing and I found it.

To inspire all you dancers out there (and everyone else for that matter) I found this video. It's actually a T-mobile advert with the slogan, 'life's for sharing.' Just watch it and be inspired. It really is surprising how random people who blatantly are NOT involved join in and get their groove on.

Creativity is infectious! This video proves that!




So, how will YOU share YOUR creativity with the world...?

Day 41: Words

"People around here didn't waste words; language was a tool, not a treat. You didn't roll it around on your tongue, revel in it."

'What I Was' by Meg Rosoff

If you are anything like me, then you probably use words way too much! I talk ALL the time, the more words the better. Chat, chat, chat.

Do you use more words when you're around people who don't talk very much, or do you tend to be the quiet one? Should we revel in words, or should we see them as a treat?

I guess the real question is, how do we use it in our creative work? Do you use words wisely?

If you write plays, scripts, poems, stories, articles, dialogue, comedy...then words are really important. It's vital to get the balance right. That good old saying sums it up pretty well, 'it's quality, not quantity.'

Think about the way you use words. Do you need to edit a bit more? Do you need to use a few more? How about the words you are using, is there one that would work better?

Think about it. How will you use your words...?