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> Columnist > Finding creative courage
Finding creative courageBy Peggy Melanson, Special to PRIME
One day when we were children, some adult came along, took our crayons away and said, "You have to grow up now." At some point we must counter that with, " Move out of the way, I'm taking my crayons back."
Becoming a creative artist means a commitment to discovering wonders about yourself. It also means giving up something to begin your creations.
Teaching "Finding the Courage to Create" a creative writing and arts workshop for the past several years has shown me that most people have a strong desire to locate or re-birth their creative souls. Once they begin taking steps towards fulfilling their dreams of becoming writers, artists or whatever their heart's desire is, they run into that brick wall of indecision. The realization that they have to change or give up something to make room for this new thing can sometimes convince them to return to their so-called safe position in life, the no-change, no-gain place, they've always burrowed happily into.
Time is the first issue that has to be addressed. You can't be a writer unless you write. You can't write unless you make time to do it. Notice that I said make, not take time. When you make something, you do it willingly and with conscious effort. When you take time, you can become cranky and unwilling to persevere and the excuses begin. Once you're committed and have established a deliberate routine to perform your work, surprising things begin to happen.
W.H. Murray (The Scottish Himalayan Expedition) wrote, "Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back.... always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one out that would otherwise never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have believed would have come his way. I learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
Other than lack of commitment, the most popular excuse my students give for not writing is, " I just can't find the time"!
One of the big challenges is making and protecting the time to write. Any artist knows that a consistent work schedule makes regular production possible. Writers credit writing consistency with greater access to their creativity.
Having worked regularly at fake jobs (my real job is writing) I have empathy for working people. If you look into any successful writer's life, you'll find incredible burdens: parents, children, leaking roofs, full-time jobs, baby showers, meal preparation, funerals, illness, and family expectations. Yet somehow, some way, the writing gets done. Because they have a real sense of commitment to themselves. I've also noticed that family expectations can be subversive and can only be overcome with the strength of the magic word, "No," said kindly but with firmness.
One of the saddest parts of teaching creativity is watching participants give it all up once the workshops are over.
Though my workshops have helped to create freelance writers, artists and even a couple of photographers, I've watched several students who were producing "precious gems" recede into their old world of safety from commitment after they finished the class.
They give reasons (excuses) about why they couldn't (wouldn't) make the time to do their morning pages, obtain guidelines from publishers or attend the bi-monthly writers' groups following the workshops. Glassy eyed, they continue to prattle on about jobs, church duties, and family obligations, leaving their once sparkling gem-stories to fade.
My mantra to students at the beginning of each week is, "stick together after this is over. Set up '"tea parties" or potlucks at each other's homes so that you can bring your work and ideas to share. I purposefully have only eight students per seminar and ask that they divide into two groups and meet twice monthly to keep their work flowing.
Recently, I've heard from one of my students, Judah LeBlang who listened to his creative spirit and recently published his memoir, "Finding My Place."
"Teaching and Inspiring Others" won Peggy Melanson the opportunity to be a Torchbearer for the 2002 Olympics. She was also awarded "Cool Woman of America" by American Movie Classics Television Network. As a freelance writer, she has written columns for several New England magazines and newspapers. She is the designer and presenter of "Finding the Courage to Create" creative writing/ arts workshops. Peggy is presently working on her memoir, "Dancing on the Roof" that can be seen at www.myfamilymemoirs.com - For more information log onto her website at www.findingcourage.com email her at peggymelanson@yahoo.com
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