Granny Squares, ripples, pillows, sweaters, baby clothes all grew from my crochet needle. Easter chicks, toys, and even a doll were added to the long list. As each took shape, I'd think about the next gift and the one who would receive it. What colors did they like? Would a cozy afghan be their preference or a hat and scarf?
As I craft my stories, I think of the readers. How much tension can they handle? What themes will be meaningful to their lives? Will the ending satisfy them?
Before I used yarn to create something tangible and valued. Now, I use words.
Writers: What are some of the things you do other than writing that reflect your creativity? How has it impacted your storytelling?
Readers: What gives you a profound sense of accomplishment?
Photo credit: twasa
Haha, great post Susan. You know why? Because I have picked up crocheting again (after years), so I can clear my mind, think and most of all... listen!
ReplyDeleteHi Susan .. we used to have to knit granny squares at school and then move onto a jumper - emerald green mine was ... I hate wool, I'm allergic to it - you can't be at 14 or so .. the squares I coped with .. the jumper sat on its needles unfinished til we moved!!
ReplyDeleteI have no sense of accomplishment with knitting!!!!
Would love to enjoy the therapeutic side of crocheting or knitting .. but not me ...
Cheers Hilary
I used to draw and play music when I could, but now I daydream a lot. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat analogy! Wendy has something similar on her blog.
Just stopping by to say hello. I like to dream things up and then figure out how to embellish. Have a good day. Sandie
ReplyDeleteI used to cross-stitch all the time. Recently, I've been thinking of it again. Maybe it's time to pick it back up.
ReplyDeleteI talk with my children and my husband all the time, as well as whoever the Lord brings across my path. We laugh--a lot--and I know I express my creativity through my words.
Happy Monday, Susan.
I also crochet sometimes. I do love to have an easy pattern so I can just work and think - sort of like pulling weeds.
ReplyDeleteI also make birthday cards and do some collages. Finishing one of these makes me feel fabulous.
I always tell my teen writing students to think of the reader. I think it helps us write with a different perspective - a good one!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
Knowing our target audience is oh-so-important, isn't it, Susan? I love your comparison between crocheting and writing.
ReplyDeleteI tried to learn to knit but I could't get my gauge right.
ReplyDeleteYes,it is important to think about those who will read our writing. This could be true in any form of writing: sermons, dramas,non-fiction, or fiction.
Hi Marja - Crocheting is definitely my favorite craft. Knitting was too slow for me. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary - LOL! I had a similar experience with sewing. I'm an awful seamstress.
Hi Jess - I'll have to pop over to Wendy's blog and check it out. I wrote this post quite awhile ago.
Hi Chatty - You sound like a natural story teller. :)
Hi Rhonda - I did my share of cross stitch, needlepoint, and embroidery. I didn't try the counted cross stitch - just the stamped pieces.
Hi Nancy - I've seen some of your work on your blog. Beautiful!
Hi Karen - Good advice. Otherwise we run the risk of writing only what interests us.
Hi Sarah - Thanks! It's fun when we can draw analogies from our experiences.
Hi Quiet Spirit - Getting the sizing right is a challenge. I tended to crochet tight, so I adjusted the hook size.
Blessings,
Susan :)
My husband says I am the only person he knows who will take one thing and destroy it to make another. I call it recycling or crafting, repurposing. Have a wonderful day Susan and thank you for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan, great question! I think my 'other' creative side finds an outlet in the garden. There's so much scope to shape it and flow with the seasons as the pass us by. I do love my garden.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Dotti :)
Susan, I'm a musician. I am so grateful to my mother that she made me practice each day, and took to me to my weekly voice lessons. Not only has it provided a source of income for our family, but my skills have brought me immeasurable fulfillment.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda - I've seen some of your creativity on your blog. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Dotti - I enjoy gardening as well even though I'm not very good at it.
Hi Dena - Music is a wonderful gift. I love to do sign language specials in combination with singing.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi, Susan:
ReplyDeleteI use a few techniques to bolster my creativity and help me think a little more quickly on my feet. I've learned to come up with a craft for my kids to do on a rainy day in five minutes flat. I couldn't do that so quickly a few years ago. I also volunteer at my daughter's school, where I get asked to pitch in and help engage 15 five year olds with minimal advance notice. That exercise in picking a direction and jumping in has helped me to jot down my ideas more quickly and confidently.
Great analogy! Blessings...
I'm TRYING to learn to crochet. OTher than writing, I don't have too much of an outlet for creativity. Maybe my humorous speaking at youth group. They laugh--so I must be a little bit funny :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jaime,
ReplyDeleteAh, if you were close by, I'd help you out.
Blessings,
Susan :)
(With the crocheting part...I'm not all that funny.)