The Odd Elements of Creativity
The evidence doesn’t offer proof, but truthfully, I’m a security freak. So I found a security blanket: non-fiction writing. *chokes as I eat my words*
It’s a good gig, though: I only write when I want or need the money, and I can not write for as long as I want. I don’t have to scurry up work or query or pound down doors, which is big for me. I just pick and do what and when I want. They’re just tiny articles, 300-500 words, but on a lot of interesting topics.
The great thing is that this ups my income to meet my goals for the year, three months early. While Glenn’s income makes our life more comfortable, I no longer *need* it to survive. In my whole adult life, I’ve only been partially dependent on someone else’s income for eight months, and I didn’t like it.
Most importantly, I feel like I’ve “made it,” in that I get to stay on the road and live this lifestyle, and I don’t need to stress anymore about losing it.
But the nicest thing is that I’m looking forward to my fiction writing more. It becomes a treat, rather than a chore. I’m spending less time, but I’m being more creative while writing, because I don’t feel the pressure to write fast in order to pay the bills.
When my brain blows a fuse on non-fiction, I might spend a whole day on fiction. I have to confess that I’m adopting a pattern of every other day exclusively on fiction. When I start losing my creative edge, I switch to non-fiction.
When it comes to grinding words for money, I much prefer writing non-fiction than pounding out stuff for Pseudie. I feel like Pseudie and I just need a little break from each other for awhile.
But this new gig is sure cutting into my Facebook and blogging time. Not to mention I just took a gig playing piano a couple nights a week. And now that Glenn won’t be taking the car to the doctor every day, I’ll be gone a full day every week, hiking the desert. Well, two days, but one will be just for fun.
OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG!!!! Guess what? LOOKEE! Over there! I mean, over there! <— It’s the cover for Bernita’s book! A Lillie St. Claire book! I’ve been waiting for it forever, ever since I first heard of Lillie St. Claire, years ago! How many years was it? Isn’t it the coolest?! Major SQUEEE!
How is it that one has an open schedule, and if you blink, you’re suddenly busy-busy? And do you have any odd things that increase your creativity?
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Natasha Fondren is a writer traveling the U.S. in a camper with her four cats. She is currently enjoying the lizards and desert heat in Arizona.
I’ve thought at times of really trying to get more nonfic projects but I find myself turning them down sometimes as is when I’m in school or working on fiction. It’s so nice how they pay, and they are much easier to do, but it’s not ultimately what I want to do, and I have that other “job” that takes care of the bills.
If I were still teaching, I wouldn’t even consider it. One “other” job is enough, LOL!
I’m so happy to hear that you are so well supported, financially – that’s awesome! What kind of non-fiction do you write (what topics)?
It’s a relief. You can write nearly anything. Yesterday I wrote on Pole Vaulting, Black Fungus on St. Augustine Grass, the History of Education in Germany, and Money Tips for New Parents & Baby’s College Fund. I’ve got Swim Teacher Certification, Music Therapy, Mold Spores, and Fibromyalgia Knots in the queue.
It’s pretty fascinating!
That’s wonderful that you have the nonfic paying job. And you’re self-supporting. Yay!!!
I finished my last book a couple weeks ago. Instead of diving into a new book, I have a plan for an older book, which requires me to see if if needs revising. (So far I’ve only found little things.) But now that I’m not writing, I’ve been bombarded with ideas for new stories and characters. As if I gave my mind permission to play.
Really, Edie? That sounds cool! And yeah. I’ve been working real hard to get to that “play” mindset!
I write mostly nonfiction, of course. Right now stuff on insurance, trusts and remedies available to purchasers of real estate. Legal articles. What I want to know about is this piano playing gig. I just read Shoot the Piano Player by David Goodis and I hope the gig’s better than the protagonist in that one had. And that organized crime figures don’t show up and pursue you and stuff like that.
LOL, Eric! I hope not, too! I’ll have to check that book out. Sounds like fun, LOL!
Y’know, I just sometimes wanna say, “Told ya so.”
Actually, one of the things I find most interesting here is the idea that the fiction can start to seem like a chore. And I can understand that, really. I ultimately think I’m happiest when I’ve got a mix of things going on, short-term, long-term, and different types of projects. Some of it’s the creative mix, but some of it’s also the financial mix is nice.
LOL, Mark! I was truly convinced I sucked at non-fiction. I am still too slow to make it very profitable, but I’m hoping I’ll speed up.
And, OMG YES! Fiction can definitely be a chore when you’re worried about money. It can be a total grind, actually. I honestly feel like I’ll throw up if I have to write one more word for Pseudie. I’m burnt out.
It’s easier to be a word machine for non-fiction than fiction. And writing fiction becomes fun, rather than a grind.
when you get that book publishing deal -be sure to let me know
You bet, Lisa! Thanks for your support!
That sounds like the perfect job! I want to hear more about the piano playing gig, too!
I always mix it up with my “real job” and with writing. I get bored easily. If I stayed in my office and saw kid after kid every day, I’d lose my marbles. I can really see how you’d get bored with one type of writing and need to mix it up. It’s just so wonderful that you can make a living at it! I’m so happy for you!!!!
And here’s a squee for Bernita’s book – Squeeeeeee! Yay, Bernita!
It’s just playing piano in a friend’s restaurant.
You do mix it up a lot! I tend to mix things up, then get frazzled and un-mix everything, then get bored and mix things up. It’s an un-ending cycle.
Nice job on the non-fiction income, babe. I found things like Win a Book make me a stronger writer just ’cause, like you, I can get outside the book for a bit and let the thoughts marinate.
Thanks, Susan! Win a Book is awesome. It does help to get outside the fiction!
I don’t really have odd things to increase my creativity (& sometimes I wish I had some kind of magic pill for that.) I tend to just consider images idly when I lay down to sleep, let those thoughs morph into my dreams for the night.
I would love a magic pill, Lana! I’ve been doing a lot of that consideration, but not enough writing.
I know what you mean about being financially independent.That feeling…
And thank you, you honey, you sweetheart,you lovely, lovely girl, you dear friend, for showing my cover!
And yes, it’s been about 3 years since the first Lillie St. Claire story.
It’s definitely a relief, Bernita!
I am SO excited about the Lillie St. Claire story! I can’t contain myself!
My first Eng. Lit. class was called creative non-fiction. I loved it! And honestly, my fiction writing improved after that semester. So COOL!
Thanks to you, I’ve been staying creative due to that link you gave me. I made it my home page, not that I write for five minuted every time I open my browser. But I do it once a day, nonetheless.
Really? Oh awesome! That’s great, Kath!
Creative non-fiction is an amazing genre. I’m in awe of those who can write it. It’s so freaking hard, from where I’m sitting!
You should check out this book: Writing True – The art and Craft of Creative Nonfiction by Sondra Perl and Mimi Schwartz. It was the textbook used in the class I mentioned. You can probably get it used through Book Sense.
Oh Natasha, how cool for you to have that piano playing gig and non-fiction pieces that pay! Once upon a time, I’d have loved to play the piano too, now I want to do it with the guitar. Keep up the good work!