Tuesday;s inspiration -- Creativity and courage

Still looking at The Courage To Create by Rollo May.

Creativity is the process of bringing something new into being. This statement started me thinking. As writers we hear there are only so many plots. So is what we do being creative. Yes. Though there are only so many situations or plots if one looks at matters in this light, each of us brings a unique vision into the story. The words we choose, the actions and reactions of the characters are usually different. There are some writers who may not be creative. Each story they tells follows a pattern and one can tell when the story begins what will happen on page after page. They have found a formula and stick to it. What happens if they step out of the formula and try something new. Readers often turn their backs on them

But back to creativity and what the process involves. One thing is involvement. When writing slipping into the skin of the character, bringing bits of yourself into the story, sometimes when you don't even realize this has happened. Another factor is talent. Putting the words on paper can be taught and the stories that result can be interesting and good but there's always that spark that's missing. Think of the books on your shelf that you read and re-read. The spark between talent and involvement is what makes them special.

So when writing, one has to encounter their demons and their passions and allow parts of this to flavor the characters and spice the words.