Finding your genius

Have you watched the wonderful TED video of Elizabeth Gilbert talking about her experience of creativity?

I found Elizabeth’s talk deeply inspiring the first time I watched it, and again last night, when I was thinking about what to post on Strictly Writing today. It also links well with Susannah's fascinating post last Friday about proprioceptive writing. What Elizabeth says resonates with my own experience, apart from the bit about writing a best seller.

I’ve often thought that I need to be available for a story or a poem when it shows up, and that if I miss it the muse will pass me by, looking for another outlet. My experiences aren’t quite as mystical as some of the ones she describes, but I too know that sensation of a creative idea coming along when it’s not convenient for me to write it – the experience she described from Tom Waits.

I’ve also found it helpful to address that creative spirit as something external in the way Elizabeth does.

I’d be interested to know if others relate to this; I also hope you find Elizabeth’s humility, energy and insight a source of inspiration to keep turning up at work.

You can find it by clicking on these words

There are lots of other fascinating talks at TED. It’s perfect for wasting time when you should be writing.