Wednesday, February 6, 2019

The Need for Creative Outlets #IWSG

Writers are creative creatures. Whether we are currently writing up a storm, editing, or doing something else entirely, we need that creative outlet. So often when asked why we write, the answer you'll get is, "Because I must." But honestly I don't think that it's so much about the expression through the written word in particular. I think it's more about expression--in any form.

Lately I've been writing up that storm I mentioned earlier. I've also been editing for another writer. In the past I've put my focus in traditional art which included mediums like oil painting, ink drawing, then less traditional mediums like 3D animation and digital art. As many of you know, I've also thrown myself into photography.

Over time, I'm sure I'll discover something else that takes my interest as well, something just as creative. For now, I'm loving my writing and photography most of all.

How about you? What creative outlets do you have?


This post was written for the IWSG. Every first Wednesday of the month the members of our group post on their blogs about their writing insecurities or offer some encouragement to others. If you are new to the IWSG or want to learn more, then please go HERE

70 comments:

Denise Covey said...

Only goes to show writers are a creative bunch, otherwise where would our stories go? I hope you get that second book in the series under control.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

If you're writing up a storm, let the winds blow!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Your photos on Instagram are beautiful. I miss having time to take pictures.

Liza said...

I scrolled down and saw your rose below. Stunning! You have so many talents!

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Did you take the photo at the top of this post? It's gorgeous!

CV Grehan said...

I'll look for you on Instagram. The photo in this post is amazing.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I really like your photography. You definitely have an eye for it!

Carol Kilgore said...

Your photos are beautiful.

Natalie Aguirre said...

Sounds like you have been very creative in lots of ways recently. Glad you are writing so much

cleemckenzie said...

You're into some beautiful creative endeavors, Lynda.

Patsy said...

I garden, bake and take photos.

Diane Burton said...

Gorgeous photos. Enjoy your creativity in whatever form it takes.

Nick Wilford said...

I think you make a good point. If I don't express myself somehow, I feel blocked up!

Anonymous said...

Creative people just like to try it all. I know I get distracted by plenty of new crafty ideas and I want to try. I usually have to reign myself in and say "ENOUGH!"

emaginette said...

The creative dam breaks and we can't help but try a few things to experiment. I love writing, but I craft and dabble with Photoshop too. :-)

Anna from elements of emaginette

Jemi Fraser said...

I've just started with photography - I'm not great yet, but I'm learning! It's fun learning something new

gilguy said...

Linda - fortunately at my age writing is about all I need to scratch my creative itch. When a long story bogs down there are always shorter blog ideas to be working on.

Melissa said...

Beautiful! You are talented with a lens.

Terri Tiffany said...

Photography too! I love the hobby and try to learn all I can while also writing up a storm!

Pat Hatt said...

Keep on writing that storm, and always finding new things is a win indeed.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, it's at that hair-pulling stage ;)
I'm still enjoying myself though

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Alex

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Liza

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I think that's why I'm mainly a macro photographer. Less time to go for a stroll to the local park than it does driving out yonder for some new landscape photos.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yes, I did. Thank you so much :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks. I mostly show my macro photography on Instagram.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks. Glad you like them.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Being creative makes me happy :)
Thanks, Natalie

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It keeps me out of trouble ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

All wonderfully creative endeavors.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Diane

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Creativity is freeing!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yeah, I get that occasionally too. I can dip my hands into MANY outlets at once.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Gotta love Photoshop!!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It's great you are focused on writing.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Melissa

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Yes!! Your photography is beautiful!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I will. Thanks, Pat.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I feel like I'm just a learner too. It's definitely fun!

Jacqui Murray--Writer-Teacher said...

That's a really good point--about expression period. If I dig into my writing roots, I think that's where they start.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

It makes sense.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Your photos are gorgeous!
And I agree with Alex, let the winds blow! Ride the storm!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Tyrean :)

Amy Keeley said...

Beautiful post. I agree. The important thing is the creativity, whether it's writing or digital art or some other thing. That gets forgotten, especially when the winds of the storm shift. Thank you.

Juneta key said...

You do post some beautiful photos. Happy IWSG!

Toi Thomas said...

I too enjoy photography, but it's purely amateur. You, however, seem to have quite a gift.

Botanist said...

I think you nailed it with the general need for expression. I write, but also cook, paint, and used to do a lot of DIY home improvements. The common theme is the need to design and build something tangible and creative.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

I do enjoy most things artistic. I'm not saying I do them well, but I do enjoy doing them.

Gina Gao said...

The picture is amazing, thank you for sharing!

www.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com

Michael Di Gesu said...

Hi Lynda,

Stunning photograph. I love picture taking as well, plus classic drawing and painting. But I'm a crafter, too... love different creative outlets.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

And those winds will always shift. Thanks, Amy.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Juneta

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'm purely amateur as well when it comes to photography. But I do love it.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

There's few things more satisfying than finishing something creative and seeing others enjoying the end result.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Doing them well is not part of the equation ;)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Glad you like it :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Michael. Some of us just need more than one creative outlet.

Mark said...

There's no better feeling that writing up that storm! May the storm be long and fruitful for you:)

Ronel Janse van Vuuren said...

As long as you do what you love :-)

Ronel visiting for Feb's IWSG Day Being an Insecure Writer -- And Happy About It

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Mark

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Absolutely!!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Lynda - it's great you're using your creative energies towards your book and thoughts in that direction. Good for you - enjoy ... cheers Hilary

Blue Grumpster said...

Hello Lynda! I edit videos, I make music, I draw, I remix songs and I write courses. Ir's all the same.

Hope you're doing fine. Say yes. :)

Blue

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Thanks, Hilary

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

YES!
I'd love to hear the music you make.

Susan R. Mills said...

Hi Lynda! I've been away a while. (7 years to be exact). I'm glad to see you are still around. Great post! This is so true. Writing is definitely not the only creative outlet. I've found plenty along the way.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Susan! Welcome back!

Mandy said...

Like you, Lynda, I'm big into photography and writing. I wish I could get into drawing, oil painting, etc… but I love my first two hobbies so much that it's hard to find time for anything else.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Nothing wrong with that! :)