Runaway Writers

Running away from your problems is only a sometimes solution. If the problem is within yourself, well, wherever you go, there you are. And your problems drag along behind, but eventually catch up to you. However, creative people can use a different kind of running away to recharge their creative batteries and get over a Writer's Block slump. The escape may be as drastic as a tropical vacation or as simple as a walk in a local park, sitting by a lake or other body of water (I like running streams). It is a beneficial practice to schedule regular breaks from writing work, both for physical exercise and mental revival. Expose yourself to other forms of creative endeavors, even if you have no immediate interest in them. You don't necessarily need to participate in another medium; just observing and soaking up someone else's creative vibes can rejuvenate your own.

Every week I try to visit museums and shows that cover the gamut of arts and crafts. I usually learn something new, make new connections, deepen my understanding of the creative process. Sometimes I lurk behind a docent or professor giving students a tour. Yesterday I heard explanations of why Harry Callahan's photography was so innovative 50 years ago. It was the second time I'd visited that show at the Museum of Photographic Arts. I still don't think much of those photos, but I know a tidbit more about the evolution of photography as an art form. I can see the relationship to composition that I'm reading about in a book on painting with acrylics. None of this is immediately applicable to anything I'm writing about, but expanding my thinking and making new connections can't be detrimental and may help. Anyway, it was good to run away from the computer and walk about for a few hours.