Why Create?

Why do we write? Why do we paint? Why do we compose music? Probably for as many different reasons as there are writers, painters, sculptors, composers, etc. But yet, there are many of us who create for similar reasons. I first started writing consistently every day shortly after I retired from a 30-year executive position, running our design/manufacturing business with 164 employees. As the days of not-going-to-my office multiplied, I dissovled into a depression. I missed the work. I missed the employees. I felt useless. I wrote to ease the pain of not knowing what to do with the rest of my life. What did I want? What would I enjoy? What would give me fulfillment?  I considered everything from joining the Peace Corps to starting another company, to returning to painting, to returning to piano playing. My imagination would move from possibilities to unrealistic dreams. Writing every morning at 4:30am in spiral notebooks as fast as my stream-of-conscious and arthritic hand would allow. Relief but not fulfillment.

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Writing Spaces

            So frequently we read or hear a writing coach or teacher's piece  address how rituals can entice the muse. Most of this advice recommends we go to the same place and start with a personal ritual. Maybe light a candle. Or ring a small bell. Or wear the same shirt every time. Listen to music. Don’t listen to music. Particularly when I became stuck, I tried all the suggestions. When one appeared to work, the next day it didn't. 

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Memoir Muddle

I’ve been writing about myself for six years, on and off, in between writing and publishing a book on Bill Moss’ designs. I abhor it. Getting to my writing studio and sitting down to work is a raging battle with procrastination. This is not about writing. I feel the most whole when I’m writing. Except about me. The keyboard might as well be a hot griddle. I move my fingers as fast as I can to get through...

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