When it comes to cooking and using a recipe … well, I’m not the most strict follower of outlined steps.
Oh sure, I buy the recommended ingredients. But when it comes to measurements, I tend to eyeball a teaspoon of salt or a cup of sugar. Close enough is good enough, right?
Follow the recipe to a point … and then freewheel a bit. That’s the fun of being a “creative.”
Don’t you love that word creative? It gives you permission to push the rules back a bit so you can try new things … explore … and enjoy the unexpected results.
When it comes to writing, I am a creative. Yes, I’ve learned the craft — and I’m still learning new ways to be a better writer. But when it comes to story, this is where I fight the recipe. This is where I dare myself to try new things, to up my game, to set aside the literary measuring cups and spoons and follow the story down unexpected twists and turns. Sometimes I allow my characters have their say, rather than putting words in their mouths.
Fightng the recipe … daring to embrace life as a creative … and allowing the story be more than I ever imagined.
In Your Words: How do you live your life as a creative? Where do you fight — or follow — the recipe?
With thanks to my writing friend, Susan Mathis, who said this wonderful bit of wisdom when she spoke at the local Colorado Springs ACFW meeting this month.
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Comments 6
I’m liable to drop some paprika into a glass of diet coke, just to see what happens. Or mix red wine and hot chocolate.
Got to admit,m though, that seeing two dogs playing tug-of-war with my first effort as a meringue was a touch disheartening.n It survived, in one piece, for quite a while.
But when I write, I’m a journalist…my characters have their own lives and agendas, and heaven forfend I should impede them. They’d be quite cross, so I just listen and watch and record.
Author
You sound like a bit of a mad scientist when it comes to following the recipe, Andrew. Bwahahahaha!
And yes, I can understand the journalist’s approach to discovering your characters and letting them come alive on the page. Sometimes we writers just need to get out of our imaginary characters’ way.
I loved this post, Beth. I’m a recipe follower. You know this. 😉 In real life, I’m learning how to let things flow when I cook. When a story is cooking, I’m also learning to step away from the recipe sometimes. Sometimes, I do this better when friends help me see a better plan for the story than I saw for it. 🙂
I must say though, I’m not quite as daring as Andrew. 😉
Author
There’s a time for planning — for me, that’s the Book Buddy part — and there’s a time for tossing the recipe — brainstorming, fast drafting, daydreaming … and you are willing to do both, Jeanne.
I’m discovering the creative side in me! 🙂 And I’m liking it. 🙂
Author
Discovering you’re a creative is fun and freeing, isn’t it, Shelli? <3