I remembered how much pleasure these activities gave me, and how I gave everything up when I started writing, because writing seemed so IMPORTANT. I could only pour my creative energy into one channel, surely? Funny that... considering that I tried all these other crafts while raising four children and teaching. I wonder what it is about writing that seems to be all consuming. And I'm thinking about all those lovely scarves and shawls and capes that are so fashionable now and how much fun they'd be to knit in the cooler months. (Not now -- summer has arrived in a series of dust storms that have covered the entire east coast -- yes, even all the way up here). One of my writing mates is making beautiful bead necklaces, and still writing gorgeous books, so perhaps my theory about one craft at a time, is rubbish. Or maybe I'll just make my characters good at other crafty things.
I can see I have a new thing to ponder on...
Last week, my daughters and I brainstormed a new story idea and it was so much fun having their input. Daughter Vicki (another crafty type) even made a collage of our ideas using picasa... 
I am so in love with this idea. I do hope it gets the nod from my editor.
4 comments:
You have hidden talents, your quilt is beautiful and I know it will be a family heirloom!!!
With many arty/crafty pursuits, you can put them down and then pick them up again later very easily. Perhaps the writing craft is one where you need to concentrate and maintain a continuity.
Love the look of your collage, now I am guessing what might happen!!!!
No dust here but we are having awful wind and rain storms. They were down south yesterday and are moving their way north today. We may have to batten down the hatches!!!
Barbara, that quilt is beautiful.
I did much the same as you — thinking I should pour everything into the writing. But all that does is drain you. Now I firmly believe that once writing becomes your job, you need another creative craft for fun, and for filling up the creative well. With some crafts you get a visible result pretty much instantly, so you get immediate satisfaction and pleasure, which is not like writing a book.
I think your collages are beautiful, too. As you know, I've been inspired by you in that area.
Gorgeous quilt and collage! Art is a little out of my league so I'm always fascinated by those that are crafy ;)
Remember - creating a garden is a craft. Marg
Post a Comment