Comments on: The Truth About Harnessing Creativity

By: Alexander Limberg

Alexander Limberg — Fri, 09 Jun 2017 12:36:23 +0000

In reply to Valeria Black. When you recognize this seesaw for what it is, you already win, Valeria. Happy writing!

By: Valeria Black

Valeria Black — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 17:43:52 +0000

Awesome article, Alex! You never fail to deliver. 🙂

I have been facing this issue with balance.

When I give my creativity free reign, I tend to get too attached to the ideas (even the horrible ones that lead nowhere), and usually end up with first draft stories that only get shelved. But the other side of the story isn’t that cool either. I just end up analyzing my story to hell and back again, which leaves my creative tank high and dry.

Thanks for explaining this concept of balance in such an in-depth way. I am taking away a very important message today. And I am going to start using it immediately. 🙂

By: Alexander Limberg

Alexander Limberg — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 14:44:51 +0000

In reply to Will Bontrager. Have fun swimming!

By: Will Bontrager

Will Bontrager — Thu, 01 Jun 2017 16:10:59 +0000

Ah, yes, balance.

After nearly 20 years of writing non-fiction and website software, recently I stuck my big toe into the waters of fiction. Writing fiction is freeing, I realized, so I waded in knee deep. I could write anything! Or, so I thought in the beginning.

Then I find out even fiction needs structure – provided I’m writing for the enjoyment of anyone other than myself.

So now I’m regrouping.

This article helped.

Will

By: The Power of a Single Detail - Almost An Author

The Power of a Single Detail - Almost An Author — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 10:04:18 +0000

[…] For more on the balance of rational and creative thoughts, check out this post from Kristen Lamb. […]

By: Links To Blog Posts on Writing – January 2016 | Anna Butler

Links To Blog Posts on Writing – January 2016 | Anna Butler — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 06:06:30 +0000

[…] The Truth About Harnessing Creativity – Alex Limburg gets about a bit (see link below on body language and dialogue. Here he guests at Kristen Lamb’s blog. […]

By: Author Kristen Lamb

Author Kristen Lamb — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 01:19:53 +0000

In reply to Another Take. I think writers should do that more. I find if I slow down and over think I wreck my story.

By: Another Take

Another Take — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 22:53:16 +0000

I hope I’m not repeating what someone’s already said, but while working on the first draft of my novels, I just write. My goal: get the story down. I’m not too worried about plausibility or does my description of Dupont Circle (in D.C.) match reality. That’ll come later while revising. I suppose that defines the two sides Alex is referring to.

By: Writing Links in the 3s and 5…1/20/16 | Traci Krites

Writing Links in the 3s and 5…1/20/16 | Traci Krites — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 06:31:37 +0000

[…] https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/01/12/the-truth-about-harnessing-creativity/ […]

By: thewriteedge

thewriteedge — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 14:33:25 +0000

I used to weep like a baby when I killed my darlings (okay, so maybe I didn’t actually weep, but I did walk around all sad and lost and confused when someone offered constructive criticism.) Then I started editing other people’s work. And writing book reviews. Now, when I edit my own stories, I just wince, delete, and move on if something isn’t right. Because I know that while following that story on a gut check allows me to explore spaces I’ve never visited before, when the little alarm in my head goes off to warn me that the story isn’t working I need to listen.

Editing and reviewing allowed me to hone my objectivity. So I continue to do all three — write, review, and edit — all to become a better writer. Rationally and creatively. When I find that fine balance, it turns into a beautiful thing.