As writers, it's important, if not imperative, that we come up with something original.  Even if the idea or the story is not new, the way we say it or present it must have it's own unique quality or else we risk it being dismissed as "boring" or  "the same old thing".

So, how do we create something different or new?  How do we say what we need to say, but in an original way? 

I believe we all have exciting, imaginative and novel ways of expressing ourselves.  The problem is most of us don't realise it.  Within all of us, there is a distinctive flavour of expression.  

One way to uncover our inner creative self is through creating the right environment in which we can access and release our individual thinking, knowing and writing. 

If this sounds like something that appeals to you, below are a few questions I've found really helpful in creating my own Creative Space.  They provide a very brief overview of Creative Space and how it can be generated.  It is important to realise that the answers may change according to your mood, the day, or the weather, and as your answers change so does your Creative Space. 

Questions about your personal inner space: 

1. How do you feel today? Ask yourself if you are feeling sad, lonely, despondent, overwhelmed, angry, happy, excited, motivated, peaceful, or any other emotion. Do you feel like doing something energetic today, or are you tired? 
   
   

2. What are the things that bring you most pleasure? They could be walking in nature, cooking, reading, playing an instrument, listening to music or writing for example. 
   
   

3. When do you feel most relaxed? It could be when you're lying in bed, sitting on your favourite park bench or after a meditation class. 
   
   

4. What and who inspires you? Think about other writers, leaders, groups, perhaps your pet or a friend. Also consider art and beauty such as paintings, sunsets and music. 
   
   

5. What time of the day do you feel most energised? Are you a night owl, or an early morning person? Perhaps you feel great in the middle of the day? 
   
   

6. Are there things in your environment that stress or fluster you? Be honest here. They could be your kids or partner: this is not a question about love. Clutter or noise could also be considered. 
   
   

7. When are you most inspired? Is it when you are alone or with others? Does your mind think and create a lot when you drive or when you are in the shower or bath, for example? 
   
   

8. What makes you feel organised? Think also of what makes you feel disorganised. It may be piles of paper, or washing perhaps. Maybe a clean, uncluttered desk helps you to feel organised. Clutter and perceived messiness blocks creativity, and all of our perceptions are unique to us. 

When you've answered these questions, and sometimes you may need to ask them several times, you will get an idea of what creates you.  You are an ever-evolving human being and each minute of the day, you are growing and being created.  The answers to the above questions allow you to see what positive influences create a positive you, as well as what contributes to you feeling negative.  You may find many of your answers are similar, or even the same, and that will provide strong clues as to what creates you. 

Once you have a feel for what creates you, then you can create an environment that helps feed this creation in the positive.

For example, on a day that I'm tired, I will organise and dust my desk as this allows my mind to feel uncluttered.  I will turn all noise off and sit in front of my computer without deciding what I will write.  I may have a topic in mind but allow my thoughts to evolve in the moment.  I'm aware that this is my Creative Space when I'm tired.  When I'm more energetic, I may go for a walk by the beach with a notebook and pen. 

I know my creative space does not exist when the family are home and I also know that often I'm much more productive and attuned to the creative energy within and around me late at night, when all are asleep. 

If my creativity feels stuck, I often read books that inspire or pieces of books and I have a few favourite writers who seem to just get that mind (conscious and subconscious) fired up.  I do this in my Creative Space, which can even be my bed in winter.  In fact, bed for me often provides a wonderful Creative Space, so I keep a pad and pen next to it always. 

Some days when you're feeling angry or upset, you may need to forget about creativity in this sense and deal with your negative emotions first.   Negativity always blocks creativity.  This is why, in creating Creative Space, your aim is to bring what makes you feel good to the fore and forget the things that stress you for a while.  In fact, I sometimes hide them away - literally!  I pick up a pile of paper and put it in the cupboard!  In saying this, you will always have some not-so-positive thoughts, but to generate creativity, you need to let them be non-dominant.  Let the light shine in to your heart and mind! 

You may find you need to do something, like play some music and dance!  You also may need to put the dishes away so they don't play on your mind, or throw the washing in the machine.  Listen to what makes your heart sing and that is where your inner voice will sing out! 

When you discover this space, you may consider looking back at Free Flow Writing, which is often more accessible here. 

So, Creative Space is something to honour.  It's something you can give yourself and it really is a gift.  I feel we all need to find our Creative Space triggers and create these unique and special environments, which result in unique and special writing.  

When you see what comes out of Creative Space, I'm confident it will be somewhere you return to often.

 © Copyright Lyn McPherson 2009