What Makes Someone Creative?

To be successful as a writer we must be creative.

Creativity is at the core of what makes writers able to conjure up worlds, to bring characters to life and to feed their reader's imaginations so that they immerse themselves in the story that the writer is telling them.

But what exactly is creativity? Is it something that people are born with? Do we all have it but some find it easier to tap into their creativity than others? Or can we learn how to be creative even if we are resolutely not?

Just what is it that makes a person creative? Here are some ideas:

Being able to use one's imagination

When it comes to writing there is a particular type of creativity that helps. What it really boils down to is imagination. If a writer is able to vividly imagine their characters and their worlds, as if they were real, it makes it so much easier for them to describe them to their readers.

Having the ability to think freely

Being able to let one's thoughts flow without restriction is incredibly helpful when it comes to creative thinking. Writers need to be able to think creatively, without interrupting themselves. They need to be allowed to come up with ideas without self-sabotaging or being overly critical of them. They need time to let these ideas develop, to grow, to build upon them and explore freely in their minds where their stories decide to take them.

Having the ability to observe details

It is the smallest details that make things come to life. The way a person arches their eyebrows, or moves awkwardly across a room, the way a plastic bag dances when it gets caught in the wind, or that exact shade of light at a certain time of day. A creative person notices these details, drinks them all in and uses them to build their characters and their worlds and make them vividly and wonderfully come to alive.

Finding beauty in every day things

Good writing doesn't always need to be dramatic or unusual. Sometimes simplicity is best. A creative person can observe an everyday situation and find something beautiful in it. They will pick that moment, that detail out and make their readers pay attention to it, so they see the beauty too.

Finding the words

A creative writer not only does all of the above, but also has the ability to find the exact words, the phrases, and the sentences to capture it all, to translate it for their readers so that their readers see, hear, feel and sense the very thing they want them to. That is a skill that takes a long time to master!

They aren't afraid to try something new

Every writer needs to take risks from time to time and being brave and allowing oneself to do so without criticism is a creative skill. Without experimenting or pushing the boundaries wrtiers can't expect their writing to develop or to learn new skills - so having the courage to do so is very important.

Creative people are expressive, eagle-eyed, experimental and courageous and being creative is essential if you want to write! Do you feel as though you could do more to nurture your creative self? Try to do more of the above and you'll see your creativity soar!

Bethany Cadman -author of 'Doctor Vanilla's Sunflowers'

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