I also got to hang with current and former Word Whores - James Moore, Linda Robertson and Allison Pang.
But it's funny to contemplate at this moment, as I sit in the hotel lobby on Sunday morning, after being in the bar last night talking to people past 1:30 - and people are stopping by to chat and say goodbye - what else I do creatively besides write.
Because I'm pretty sure talking in the bar doesn't count.
Also, if I were at home, I would pull out my photograph album of various projects and scan them in to show you how I used to do things like make quilts. I made a king-sized wedding ring quilt in expanding shades of green. I also made a watercolor quilt and used to make custom baby quilts. That was just one kick among many hobbies, but quilting stands out in my mind because I very deliberately gave it up.
In order to write.
It seems like a silly thing, because obviously those activities aren't in direct opposition. Still, as I struggled to move myself into a creative habit of producing words regularly, I found that I'd practice various avoidance techniques by starting other projects. So I went cold turkey and put all of my quilting supplies away.
I can see that, one day, I'll sew again, just as I'll garden more and maybe get back into drawing and painting.
It was the right choice because it worked. As if I had to close off those other avenues to force my energy and creativity into the one path. Kind of like increasing the water pressure to clear and open those pipes.
But those are gorgeous quilts.
I hope you had fun at WFC!
ReplyDeleteAnd I also hope you will one day enjoy your quilting again without it taking away from your writing and vice versa.
SO fun! Would only have been better were you here. :-)
DeleteOkay, now you have to share pictures of your quilts (if you have them). I love looking at pretty quilts, but I have no clue how to make one. As for my own creativity, I used to draw, and I still break out the sketch pad from time to time - only now it's when I want to get a cover concept out of my head. The imagination is there, but the skill is lacking. I used to crochet blankets, too, but that was less a creative endeavor than utility. I only know how to do a single chain and a turn stitch. I just go back and forth until I get a strip the length I want, then I sew all the strips into blankets. It was great for thinking because it was such a thought-free process. But I don't have the time or the inclination to do that anymore. I guess all my creativity is channeled into my writing nowadays. And that's okay. =o)
ReplyDeleteI will do that, B.E. - since I teased you all! I'll have to see what topic I can fold them into... I really loved creating quilt patterns. Terrific way to combine art and math. And yes - channel that shiz! :-)
DeleteTestify! As recipients of one of the aforementioned custom baby quilts, we can attest to the high quality and artistic content.
ReplyDeleteBut the books and stuff are good, too, I guess.
LOL, Kev! Maybe one day the books will reach the same level of regard in your heart. :-)
DeleteTalking at the bar could be creative, depends on what you talk about after all, and the group you were with had to have had some interesting stimulating things to voice.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am with B.E. show us a pic!
The conversations WERE wonderful - educational, entertaining and rejuvenating. :-)
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