Day 152: Handwriting

Do you think you can tell a lot about a person from their handwriting? Today I wrote in a leaving card at work and I thought it was so interesting that every person who wrote in it had different handwriting. Surely every single person in the whole world has different handwriting! Wow, that makes my brain hurt just thinking about it.

Do you think you can tell if someone is creative by their handwriting? My writing is pretty swirly and whenever anyone sees it they say, 'Oh, look at your handwriting. You can tell your creative.'

Are they saying that because they know I am? Are they just being nice? Maybe what they really mean is, it's messy!

Maybe 'arty' people have swirly handwriting, but people who do fashion or music...surely they don't have swirly writing and I'd call them creative.

I am getting myself in a muddle now! It's something interesting to think about thought...Perhaps more interesting is the way computers force us all to write the same and take away our identities one bit at a time...
(I know, I know. I'm getting over excited now.)

What does your handwriting say about you...?

Day 151: Home sweet home...?

As you can see, I have put up a picture of a tea pot. I think it's pretty cool, but what do they people that own it think?

Who is it? When do they use it? Do they use it? What's their house like? How many people live there? Do they like the tea pot? Where do they live...?

Isn't it great how you can create a character, a life, a story out of just one picture, an object.

Try it yourself. If you don't like the tea pot, find your own object. Search 'front door' or 'duvet cover'. Why not try 'toilet seats'! Anything can get your imagination going and create ideas.

Don't you just love creative thinking...?

Day 150: Story makers

Yesterday I got the bus up to uni. Normally I get the uni bus (makes sense) but I decided to get the 'public' bus and walk up from where it drops you off.

I have a confession. I have always been quite fond of eaves dropping. Usually when I'm on the uni bus I don't bother 'cause all the conversations are the same, about uni work, going out, getting drunk etc. Bit boring really. I've been doing less of the eaves dropping because of this.

In fact yesterday, when I got on the 'public' bus, I wasn't even planning on eaves dropping, but as I was reading this women behind me was talking on the phone and I just couldn't ignore her.

Now, the interesting thing was, I didn't know what she looked like. I didn't notice her when I got on and I couldn't very well turn round and stare at her. She'd think I was weird. So, obviously I invented her face in my mind. As she talked in her incredibly posh British accent, I couldn't help but try and piece her life together.

This is what I got. I presumed the person she was talking to was her sister, who is the only person she can confide in (on a public bus for all to hear). Her father is impossible (perhaps in a home with early signs of dementia). She can't talk to her mother about anything because she'll tell it all to her father (so maybe he hasn't got dementia in a home, but he's just impossible.) Oh and she's a teacher, but hates her job, especially a student called Louise apparently. Daniel is okay though. But maybe they are her own children...

Who knows, eh!

The thing that fascinated me about this conversation was my own need to piece her story together, to create a story, a character...I totally had a picture in my mind of what this women was like and what she was going through, all from half a conversation heard on a bus!

So, today, I encourage you to do a bit of eaves dropping in a public place and see what stories you hear (or is it create?) I'll let you decide that one.

Happy creating...

Day 149: Ben Wilson, the chewing gum man...

I was SO excited when I saw this that I HAD to share it with you. It turns out there's a guy in London called Ben Wilson who goes along the street, finds an old piece of forgotten chewing gum and paints on it! Check out his masterpieces below:

What an incredible idea. It really gives a different slant to painting. I think it would be lovely to walk down the street and see a painted bit of gum on the street. Watch this video if you like what you see. Ben Wilson talks about how his art allows him to work outside and interact with his community, as well as work with what others throw away.

I don't know about you guys, but it makes me think about my own creative work and how I can make it new, fresh and reach out into my community. What could you do with your creativity? Where could you take you ideas?

Because of Ben Wilson, creativity is literally changing the streets of London. Now that's what I call creative thinking!

Day 148: Say what...?

Ok guys. I need your expert creative minds working on this one.

I invite you to fill in the speech bubbles for the picture below. What's going on? Be as creative as you like! What have YOU got to say?

Make up your own stories with pictures and have some fun doing it. See what pictures you can find?

Day 147: Barack Obama

Tomorrow I have to do a presentation. I've always hated presentations. It's not that I'm really bad at them, it's just that I get so nervous before hand. I shake and can't breath properly and my concentration slips...

I'm pretty sure you know what I mean. No one really likes presentations, do they? My teacher told us to look at Barack Obama's talks 'cause he's real good at public speaking. Do you recon he gets nervous?

The one I have to do tomorrow becomes all the more scary because I have read my own creative work out! Scary stuff. Being a writer is cool and all, but I didn't sign up for reading it out...in front of people!

Oh, and I HATE reading aloud.

Just writing this all down fills me with dread, but I wanted to tell you because, well, you've helped me out.

To make it a bit more bearable I have decided to read out one of my daily blog entries (Day 105 in fact). Putting my writing out into the world through my blog has become less scary as time's gone on, so I figure, why not share that with my class?

Basically, I want to say thank you. Thanks all of you who read my blog and leave comments and get inspired by what I write. It's ones of those creative things where I think, 'yep this is worth it.' And, I love it! I'm pretty sure that's what Obama thinks about his work anyway. Here's to hoping my presentation will go as well as his!

I hope you feel encouraged by this entry and enthused to go out there with your creative work. You never know who you might help, and who might help you in return.

Thanks again guys, you are ALL great!

Day 146: Plot vs. Character

Grr! Don't you just hate it when your creative work isn't going the way you want it too? Yesterday I spent an hour and a half working on a really important scene in my latest story and I missed out a REALLY important detail which affects the whole plot and I'm SO annoyed about it! I basically have to rewrite the whole section and I'm running out of time...aarrr!

Rant over, I promise.

What I really want to talk to you about is plot. Is it more important than character development or should the characters tell us (the writers) what should happen...?

My main character Holly has just stolen a laptop right, but the main point is that she accidentally steals a diary too, which is in the bag she uses to get the laptop out without people noticing. The diary will end up being really important to the rest of the story. So what did Holly do? Well, as I was writing it, I kinda forgot all that and she just put it up her hoody, NOT in a bag!

In some ways I think, well, that's the way Holly would have done it, but then where does that leave my story? Either way I have to work the diary into the story somehow.

Some people would tell me, 'stop being so stupid. Holly's not real, you created her, so tell her what to do.' But others would say, 'No, Holly has her own personality that you created and if that's the way she stole it, then that's what's true to her character.'

Tricky. That's what I would say.

What do you think? Do you think I should change it or keep it the same?  It's interesting to think about these things. The deeper you get into your creative process, the more intriguing it becomes. Don't you just love it!

Are you up for the challenge? Get into YOUR creative work and feel it taking over...

Day 145: Alice Kuipers

Last night I did something I have only done once before in my life...I read an entire book cover to cover. The weight of my achievement kind of comes crumbling down when I tell you some (most) of the pages only have 50 words max. But, needless to say, I did it and I am pretty pleased with myself.

'Well, what is this book, Emma? For goodness sake tell us!'

Alright, calm down. Jeez!

It's called Life on the refrigerator door by Alice Kuipers. A girl called Claire and her Mum live together, but both lead very different, busy lives. Most of their communication is done through notes on the fridge and this is what we, as the reader, see of their relationship. It's very cleverly done and so touching. Everyone should read it!

I did a bit of research into Alice Kuipers and it turns out she too has a blog. It's really great if you want to get into writing so make sure you check it out. Life on the refrigerator door is her first novel. I often find the first ones are the best, so good news for all new writers, eh! Here's to hoping. One day, i'll share my writing with you all, but for now take a look at Alice Kuiper's work. It really is inspiring stuff!

Day 144: Natural Gas Advertising

Check out this super cool video:



Doesn't it just make you feel warm and cosy? I don't know about you guys, but it make me want to get out the knitting needles right now. The coolest bit is the trainers. Can you imagine wearing knitted trainers. Comfort!

If you could knit anything, what would it be...? (this questions applies to all, not just knitters.)

Or, if you could make an advert out of anything, what would it be?

Don't you just love doing a bit of creative thinking...? It's everywhere!

Day 143: Creativity after death

I have spent the last few days preparing to saying goodbye to my Grandma. She died suddenly a few weeks ago now and the whole family gathered together for her funeral yesterday. Isn't it funny that there's people in your family you don't speak to in years, but as soon as a funeral comes along, the whole family are brought back together again. I'm pretty sure my Grandma would like that.

So why am I chatting away about a funeral on a creative blog?

 When I started this blog I had a strong sense that creativity made people happy, gave self worth and was a path to self expression. I still think it does all these things, but the last few weeks have shown me that, actually, creativity is for all occasions.

When I found out Grandma had died I wanted to make sure I would remember the day, so in my own creative way, I bought a novel and wrote in the front so I would remember her. That book will help my own writing and in turn inspire creativity. I'll keep it forever.

My sisters, cousins and I were asked to choose the flowers that went on Grandma's wicker coffin. We chose autumnal colours which she would have loved. The way they were arranged was beautiful. Floristry really is an art that creates real meaning for many special days.

One of my sisters, Becca, spent a whole day baking cakes and snacks for the wake after the funeral, which everyone enjoyed (of course). I know my Grandma would have been proud of her.

These are just little things, but I think it's significant that they are creative in some way. So, today I wanted to share this with you and encourage you that creativity, even in the smallest forms are everywhere, even after death.

Day 142: Paris and Centre Pompidou

Ok, Ok, I can't keep it in any longer. I spent the last weekend in Paris with my lovely boyfriend and it was amazing! There, I said it. Now you all know. Cleverly, I managed to keep my blog going daily, but that's another story.

As you would expect from a creative person such as myself, I did in fact do some creative things whilst I was there (as well as climb the Eiffel tower and stuff that's not so creative!). It's hard to chose a favourite, but if I had to recommend somewhere I would choose The Pompidou Centre. It's a contemporary art gallery with loads of stuff attached (like cinemas), but the cool thing about it is, there is other things exhibited like furniture and architectural structures, so there really is something for everyone.

Perhaps the coolest thing about it is the glass escalator that goes all the way up the side of the building so you can see the whole of beautiful Paris. As Sam quite rightfully pointed out, it kinda looks like something out of a science fiction movie!

It was incredible, so if you've got a share afternoon in Paris, make sure you check it out! If not, then check out the website to see what cool things are going on...

Be inspired wherever you are, whatever you're doing...

Day 141: Express Yourself: Charles Wright

I was in class today and a wise classmate said, 'Creativity is how we express ourselves.' True words I think.

So, how do you express yourself? ...art, dance, music, writing...How do you want to express yourself?...singing, drama, fashion...

Just pick one and start showing the world the real you! If you've already found you thing, then get it out there and enjoy what you're doing.

I was trying to find something visual to inspire you all and I found this video. It makes me real happy, so I hope you share in this happiness!



Enjoy creativity and share the love! Go on, express yourself...

Day 140: Innocent smoothies' Big Knit!

You know those yummy fruit drinks which are ALL fruit and count in your 5-a-day thingy?

Well, they've got a creative challenge for you! They are asking people to knit tiny little hats for the bottles. It gets pretty chilly in the fridge!

It's all to raise money to make winter warmers for elderly people across the country. What a nice thing to do for those in need, eh.

'How do I get involved,' I hear you cry. Well, to play your creative part, check out their website. There are patterns, info, instructions and you can even win stuff. So, I won't here any excuses! All can join in the fun. Me and my housemates are on the case and I need you to join me.

Now go, be creative and help make the world a warmer place!

Day 139: Audrey Niffenegger's graphic novel

The other night I was lucky enough to see Audrey Niffenegger, who wrote The Time Traveler’s Wife. It’s one of my favourite books and she even signed it for me (so cool!)

One of the things I love about her is how imaginative her stories are. Her newest book is actually a graphic novel called, The Night Book Mobile.

It’s about a women who goes onto a book mobile (which is a mobile library) in the middle of the night. The thing about this book mobile is all the books are ones she’s read. Even books she never finished are in there, accept they’re not complete. Only the pages she actually read are in the book. The rest of the book is blank pages.

This (of course) got me thinking...what would my book mobile be like? I’ve read loads of books, magazines, newspapers, plays, kids books...and not finished some of them. They’ll be books in there I don’t even remember reading, books I'm ashamed to have read, books I'm proud to have read...but my collection wouldn’t be very big. I’m pretty new to all this writing, reading stuff, but its growing all the time, which is exciting.

What would yours be like...?

What if there was one for all the music you listened to, or the art you’d seen...?

Audrey Niffenegger is a practising artist too. She said, ‘Writing is just a hobby. A side project.’ Isn’t that amazing? She’s one of my favourite writers and it’s her hobby! It’s great to think what we could achieve with our hobbies and interests outside what we have to do. Maybe you have to go to school, college or work, but is that it? Well, if Audrey Niffenegger is anything to go by, then no way!

What’s your thing, your hobby, the creative activity you love? Whatever it is, stick at it and maybe one day (after a lot of hard work) you can be as successful as Audrey Niffenegger.

Here’s to hopin’!