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
17 comments:
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!
Hi 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!!
I 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. :-)
Great 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
I used to cross-stitch all the time. Recently, I've been thinking of it again. Maybe it's time to pick it back up.
I 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.
I 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!
Blessings,
Karen
Knowing our target audience is oh-so-important, isn't it, Susan? I love your comparison between crocheting and writing.
I tried to learn to knit but I could't get my gauge right.
Yes,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. :)
Hi 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.
Hi 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.
Blessings
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.
Hi Linda - I've seen some of your creativity on your blog. :)
Hi 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:
I 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 :)
Hi Jaime,
Ah, if you were close by, I'd help you out.
Blessings,
Susan :)
(With the crocheting part...I'm not all that funny.)
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