Creativity Is Not A Solitary Invention!
Creativity is not a solitary invention but a collaborative creation. http://t.co/HY1pW38Tvk pic.twitter.com/LLFFygHFkC
— Jeff Goins (@JeffGoins) September 7, 2015
The first ever post I wrote on this blog, started off like this:
βThis is my first blog post. And I think, the best way to start off my blog post would be to get one thing cleared and that is the fact that β I am not a professional Writer!β
For some strange reason as soon as I sat down to write that post, I felt the urgent need to announce to those reading that I am not a professional writer. As though declaring that was going to protect me from the judgmental comments that I was possibly expecting! Funny that I felt the need toΒ start with an alibi like that! DidΒ it make me feel safer to make such a statement or was I simply afraid to accept the fact that I write?
What was I thinking, βIf I say that I am not a writer, then people may not compare my work to Paulo Coelho!?!β Like, seriously?
If I were to point out a reason, I could say that maybe it was the fear of being judged on my capabilities as a writer, maybe it was for the approval from the more βestablishedβ writers or maybe it was just plain stupidity!
Whatever it was, it had me working harder to hone my writing skills. I was determined that taking creative writing classes was the only way I could help myself! A few weeks of research and a couple of posts later I signed up forΒ Blogging Universityβs ‘Blogging 101’ course to begin with. For some unknown reason, I did not get the first couple of emails from B101 and I was late to start. On the 3rd day of the course when I finally got the email, I clicked on the link to βThe Commonsβ community. My only intention at that point was to take a look at what the whole thing was about and then make a quick exit. I did not even take the course seriously until I visited the community.
When I entered the community, I was stumped by the interaction I saw. It was not just some community, here was a group of writers who were at it together! They taught each other, they learned from each other, they gave feedback to each other and above all they encouraged each other to keep writing!
I was so inspired by what I saw, that I joined inΒ the discussions, I started taking the course seriously and completed all of my daily assignments. I enjoyed the interaction with each and every one of the community members. Needless to say, I made some great friends along the way. The kind of friends who encourage you to write more, the kind of friends who honestly point out when your writing needs improvement, the kind of friends who read every post you publish and encourage you with constructive feedback. The kind of friends who will push you out of your comfort zone and implant into your heart and soul that you have it in you to be called a βWriterβ
It is only with friends like these do you realize the true meaning of the word ‘comrade’. And it is only when you experience such comraderieΒ do you realize that βCreativity is not a solitary invention but a collaborative creation.βΒ
Now, every time I think of that moment I sat down to write my first post and the fearΒ that engulfed me while writing it, a smile of conviction plays across my lips. Because for the first time in my life, I think I am ready to accept thatΒ βI am a Writer!β
24 Comments
Vibrant
Hello Ms. Menon π
This is such a positive post in the spirit of camaraderie π
Like you, so many of us gained so much from this course and now we are all better off, as writers and as human beings. Our lives have become more enriched, more fulfilled, even if it’s just ‘wee’ bit.
This article is so true to what we all feel and full of positivity. I am sure it will encourage many budding bloggers and writers in days to come. π
Love and light <3
Anand
MindandLifeMatters
That is true Anand. We have all learned so much from this community. It has taught us to become better writers as well as better human beings! All the wonderful posts that we read everyday gives us new perspective! π
Vibrant
Indeed, I have learned in 1 month what I didn’t learn in last 4 years of blogging and it’s amazing!
Thanks, Rashmi π
MindandLifeMatters
That I can absolutely relate to! Thanks, Anand
Vibrant
Welcos amigos π
Lynz Real Cooking
wow so true it is all a collaborative effort! Thanks
MindandLifeMatters
Absolutely! Thank you for the feedback, Lynz! π
Lynz Real Cooking
I really like what you said! I also say oh not a writer, well I am not ha ha! But I loved it!
Catherine
You actually have collaborated in giving me an epiphany! A “duh” moment for me–and something I never realized…but back atcha–you ARE a professional writer. You are creating beautiful thoughts with words and we enjoy them–that is incredibly professional! XOXOXO!!
MindandLifeMatters
Well, I am glad to be the cause of the epiphany! And thank you for the very encouraging words! It keeps me going!
xoxoxo π
mariaholm
Its so true what you say. The fellowship around the blogging and writing courses is wonderful and you learn and get new friends at the same time.
MindandLifeMatters
Absolutely! What we learn from this community lasts a lifetime! Even the friendship! π
janebasilblog
Your words prove it – you are a writer. Another great post!
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you so much, Jane! π
Dr Meg Sorick
Yes! I like this quote from Sylvia Plath: “I write only because there is a voice within me that will not be still.” When that voice gets loud enough, or insistent enough, you must write. I’d say you’ve found your voice. How fortunate we are to have joined the chorus of voices that is our blogging community!
MindandLifeMatters
Very well said, Meg! The quote really strikes a chord!
We are indeed fortunate to have joined this community! π
Sonya
Great post! You nailed the reason why these WordPress courses are so great. And yes, you are a writer π
MindandLifeMatters
Thank you, Sonya! Glad you like my reasoning. π
Janice Wald
HI,
I know Michael, Koolaid Mom, and Danny Ray. I met you at his Meet and Greet.
In response to your post, I am a teacher and try to encourage collaboration. Students end up thanking me. It’s actually the trend in education today.
I am familiar with Jeff Goins. He is quite a respected blogger.
Nice to meet you.
Janice
MindandLifeMatters
Hi Janice,
It is so nice to meet you.
I did not know that collaboration is a trend followed in Education too! It makes sense to encourage collaboration amongst students, that way students who are stronger in one area can help the ones who needs improvement. That’s great!
Jeff Goins is an amazing writer, I read his e-book and got the inspiration for this post!
Heading over to your blog now! π
Best, Rashmi
Wandering Soul
You hit the nail on the head! Very well written and put across. I am going to keep coming back and reading this when I find myself in the land of self-doubt. π
MindandLifeMatters
You do that if it will help….but remember it’s all in your head…the moment you learn to accept your capabilities as a writer, you are already working towards getting better with your writing skills!
Wandering Soul
And that makes even more sense! Thanks for the wonderful advice.
MindandLifeMatters
Anytime! π