A creativity fix.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

I think that we're all creative in some way, even if that's baking cakes or decorating a room. And we're wired to need to express ourselves, and have others share in that.

For people wired with deep creative juices, I think that music, art, novels, are our way of baking a cake for friends. However, writing a novel takes forever to bake, and seemingly forever to get into the reader's hands.

I'm not sure about you, but I get frustrated when I can't share my work with others. I'm sure picaso would have been depressed if all of his paintings got stuffed away in a garage where no one could see them.

So, I do all these little creativity things related to my novels. They're like a creativity -fix. Art, photos, and I've even written soundtracks for future movies that will be based upon my novels.

I just couldn't wait to share any longer. I have no idea how long it will take for my books to see print, or the movies to be made. So I decided to share 2 of 24 songs I recorded while working on potential movie soundtracks.

Of course, I want Howard Shore to score the film, but like Cosmo Kramer, I want to finese my way into the seat next to his at the Oscars, and to slyly work my way on stage when he gives his acceptance speech. (Hope you saw that episode of Seinfeld)

Here's my Myspace Page. On the right, a little way down, you will see a music player. I hope you like the songs. You can leave a comment on my Myspace Blog if you do. http://www.myspace.com/poetnate

Thanks.

I'm also adding a link to my dear friend, Elin Synnøve Bråthen HIGHER THAN MY STAIRWAY video. I'm convinced this gorgeous voiced woman will become a star like Enya. She has a heart as sweet as her voice. And she has agreed to sing on one of the future movie soundtracks based upon my novels

Jamesaritchie · Mar 8, 2010

Different approaches, I guess.

For me, it's the writing that matters, not sharing the writing. That will happen when it happen, and whether it's sooner or later doesn't matter to me, as long as the checks come sooner.

So the writing is my focus. I write, and when one project is finsihed, I immediately start another. If I want a book turned into a movie, I sit down and write a screenplay based on the book.

For me, writing is the creativity fix.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

Hi James. We're all wired differently. And in your situation, you've been at this for a long time, and have a whole different perspective.

This is more like a lifetime project for me, that has been slow unfolding. Even Tolkien got discouraged, and was certain that Lord of the Rings would never see the light of day.

My story is longer, seven books, which I had intended to become movies from the beginning. I didn't record this music until I had a potential movie/book deal. The story of the delays will be chronicled some day. But I started the groundwork for this novel around 1995. And I didn't even consider seeking an agent or publishing until I finished the full story, including the Novels' second draft, as well as the prequels. (Ten books in all)

Mr Flibble · Mar 8, 2010

Writing is my fix, as James says.

Of course this may have something to do with the fact I couldn't carry a tune in a paper bag and with art...well let's just say my imagination exceeds my talent. By about a billion miles.

So I just write. Frankly I don't have much time left over after that.

backslashbaby · Mar 8, 2010

I think the extras are awesome

Especially since I have a while yet on my WIP. I didn't create it, but my avatar is something I found that looked like the perfect cover for my book! I was going to have someone make me something, and I found it by serendipity

Jamesaritchie · Mar 8, 2010

Nateskate said:
Hi James. We're all wired differently. And in your situation, you've been at this for a long time, and have a whole different perspective.

This is more like a lifetime project for me, that has been slow unfolding. Even Tolkien got discouraged, and was certain that Lord of the Rings would never see the light of day.

My story is longer, seven books, which I had intended to become movies from the beginning. I didn't record this music until I had a potential movie/book deal. The story of the delays will be chronicled some day. But I started the groundwork for this novel around 1995. And I didn't even consider seeking an agent or publishing until I finished the full story, including the Novels' second draft, as well as the prequels. (Ten books in all)

Wow, that's an intimidating bunch of work. I envy you the ability to plan and write something like this.

Libbie · Mar 8, 2010

I bring short stuff to a weekly writers' group, and occasionally post something short on Facebook for friends to see. I don't get too emotionally involved in my writing when I'm not actually writing. Once it's done, it's a product to me. Sounds kind of deflated, but true. Still a product I am proud of, and hope to share with the world, but...eh...I just woke up from a bad nap and I'm not clear on what I'm saying, here. I need a shower.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

IdiotsRUs said:
Writing is my fix, as James says.

Of course this may have something to do with the fact I couldn't carry a tune in a paper bag and with art...well let's just say my imagination exceeds my talent. By about a billion miles.

So I just write. Frankly I don't have much time left over after that.

I can't sing at all. That's why I learned to play guitar. I wanted to be in the band anyway. Lol.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

backslashbaby said:
I think the extras are awesome

Especially since I have a while yet on my WIP. I didn't create it, but my avatar is something I found that looked like the perfect cover for my book! I was going to have someone make me something, and I found it by serendipity

Indeed. It's a good thing to have some way to amuse ourselves and feel like we're moving forward.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

Jamesaritchie said:
Wow, that's an intimidating bunch of work. I envy you the ability to plan and write something like this.

Thanks James. If I had been on absolute write and had any sense, I'd have tried one small book, and gone from there. I was afraid I'd get into the middle of the story and run out of ideas. I had to prove to myself I could do it.

Lol- I was such a poor writer with such a great story that I had to learn how to write, meaning doing through the whole thing again and again.

Then I made the worst mistake. In 2004 I tried to market the prequel like the Silmarillion, rather than the main story, which was more like Lord of the Rings. How can you query the Silmarillion- "The history of Arda...well there's Beren, and Feanor, and Melkor..." Then my father died, and I took time off.

The first person I showed the main story to jumped on it.

Miss T · Mar 8, 2010

The funny thing... most people who say that they paint for themselves would stop within weeks if permanently deprived of an audience (or even the hope of one). I'm one of those people (with that sort of art) for sure.

I'm a super-selfish writer, though. The idea of others seeing my work makes me actually work when I'd sometimes rather play, but for the most part, I can happily fill pages and pages. I always feel like people who read what I write are doing me a favor.

So yeah. My cake-baking... is actually baking a cake. Sometimes cupcakes, often cookies. Have you seen those 3D cookie cutters? I covet those.

Edit: Oh yeah, I definitely couldn't be as focused or thorough as you are. I also haven't played an instrument since I was eleven. So.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

Miss T said:
The funny thing... most people who say that they paint for themselves would stop within weeks if permanently deprived of an audience (or even the hope of one). I'm one of those people (with that sort of art) for sure.

I'm a super-selfish writer, though. The idea of others seeing my work makes me actually work when I'd sometimes rather play, but for the most part, I can happily fill pages and pages. I always feel like people who read what I write are doing me a favor.

So yeah. My cake-baking... is actually baking a cake. Sometimes cupcakes, often cookies. Have you seen those 3D cookie cutters? I covet those.

Edit: Oh yeah, I definitely couldn't be as focused or thorough as you are. I also haven't played an instrument since I was eleven. So.

I can relax in creating and enjoy the process; but there does come a time where I need for others to share in the experience.

And I think it's normal to want others to enjoy and express enjoyment. That's pretty natural I think. Think of it, if someone bakes a couple of pies, and no one in the office eats them- it's discouraging. Or, if they bake pies, and everyone scarfs them, and not one person offers a thanks or a compliment, that can discourage also.

Miss T · Mar 8, 2010

Oh, I know. I sulk for ages if the desserts don't get eaten.

For whatever reason, though, it's different for me with writing. It's strange.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

Miss T said:
Oh, I know. I sulk for ages if the desserts don't get eaten.

For whatever reason, though, it's different for me with writing. It's strange.

Miss T, some of it may be expectations? If we're good at something, and that is the thing that brings us the most joy, that will also bring the most disappointment when things go wrong.

On a scale of one to ten, some people are writing with a 1 or 2 expectation that they'll get published. And others don't care if any particular book gets scrubbed, because they will go back to the drawing board.

I'm one of those people who has invested so much time and energy into my projects that this was like a life's calling.

Michael Parks · Mar 8, 2010

Enjoyed the music, Nate. Good composition, real epic feel to it.

Miss T · Mar 8, 2010

Eh, I love external affirmation as much as the next person, but I'm pretty sure that I'm just a selfish writer. (I edit for others, mind you, but I write for myself. I've got pages of throughly mediocre proof stashed away somewhere.)

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

Michael Parks said:
Enjoyed the music, Nate. Good composition, real epic feel to it.

Thanks for listening to the songs. I can't wait to share the rest. The theme song I wrote for movie one is called, "A Dangerous Turn", and it's powerful. I think.

Nateskate · Mar 8, 2010

Miss T said:
Eh, I love external affirmation as much as the next person, but I'm pretty sure that I'm just a selfish writer. (I edit for others, mind you, but I write for myself. I've got pages of throughly mediocre proof stashed away somewhere.)

I'm not sure where selfish begins, and normal human need ends.
A desire for affirmation is at our core. Of course, there's a healthy need and an unhealthy need that can never be quenched.

I can't wait to share my songs and stories. That's the hardest part for me so far. A few years ago I was tempted to just give the stories away. But then I wouldn't have slaved over the edits like I have.

Greeble · Mar 9, 2010

I write and make music, which sometimes leads to drawing inspiration for one from the other. I don't see it as a "fix" or anything like that. It's just something I do.

shaldna · Mar 9, 2010

Jamesaritchie said:
Different approaches, I guess.

For me, it's the writing that matters, not sharing the writing. .

Me too.

If I never made another penny from writing would I still do it? Sure. It's something I love, and getting paid for it is awesome.

KTC · Mar 9, 2010

The sharing part is the part I'm uncomfortable with. In recent years I've been WAY better at it...but for decades, it all got locked away or erased after I tacked on the "THE END". My creativity thrill is in doing, not in the voyeurism that follows the doing. And when it came to art...my canvases went right into the back of the closet as soon as the paint dried. Creativity is quite often in bed with some pretty strong feelings of unworthiness. Sharing is quite often the last thing the creator wants to participate in. Some of us are far too busy beating ourselves up over the sheer shitty-ness of our creations to even consider sharing them.

Nateskate · Mar 9, 2010

Greeble said:
I write and make music, which sometimes leads to drawing inspiration for one from the other. I don't see it as a "fix" or anything like that. It's just something I do.

Glad to meet another musician/writer. I'm sure there are a few on AW.

My circumstances might have a lot to do with this need to share. Perhaps my history also feeds it.

There are countless ways to feed the soul. But the soul must be fed. And I'm sure that the more balanced a person's life, and personality, the less they will feel driven by such feelings.

Health issues have taken away many of these options for me. I have "less baskets"- as in putting all of my eggs in one basket.

Nateskate · Mar 9, 2010

KTC said:
The sharing part is the part I'm uncomfortable with. In recent years I've been WAY better at it...but for decades, it all got locked away or erased after I tacked on the "THE END". My creativity thrill is in doing, not in the voyeurism that follows the doing. And when it came to art...my canvases went right into the back of the closet as soon as the paint dried. Creativity is quite often in bed with some pretty strong feelings of unworthiness. Sharing is quite often the last thing the creator wants to participate in. Some of us are far too busy beating ourselves up over the sheer shitty-ness of our creations to even consider sharing them.

I'm friends with artists and poets. Some are tormented souls. Some are lonely people who express themselves best in their art.

A lot of who I am comes out of place of pain, things I've walked through in life. In a sense, Tolkien wrote his own pain onto the pages of his stories. He was orphaned. His mentor, a Priest, refused to allow him to see his love, an orphaned woman...

Eowyn and Eomir are orphans. Frodo is an Orphan. In the Silmarillion, Feanor is an orphaned Elf- a rare thing. Aragorn was forced into a Foster Home in Rivendale.

All throughout the story there are frowned upon loves, including Beren and Luthien, and Aragorn and Arwen, that mirrored his own frowned upon love for his wife.

The man's pain is in the story once the reader becomes aware of his life. And he speaks of his stories as "the long defeat".

But the orphan longs to be love, seen, heard, valued, as opposed to being shuffled around. He feels he's a burden, first to his mother who is chronically ill, who is also tormented by her faith which does not find favor with the rest of the family.

All of this leaks into the pages of his story, and gives it depth.

And like you can see, we can be tormented by both the pain of not being recognized, and the fear of being judged. In fact, if you do visit my Myspace, there is a recent post where I contrast the desire to be seen and the desire to remain hidden. There is a part of us desiring to be fully loved, but a fear of being entirely judged and found wanting by a cruel world.

In some ways I fully understand that longing to find affirmation, but the equal fear of rejection. The two are opposed, but the one compels me to take the risk.

Nateskate · Mar 9, 2010

shaldna said:
Me too.

If I never made another penny from writing would I still do it? Sure. It's something I love, and getting paid for it is awesome.

I do share that love for writing. I wrote stories for years. But even then I gave them to friends as gifts. And I would write them into the stories, which personalized the gift. So, writing is who I am.

But I have this huge desire to communicate. I saw John Mayer unplugged (on television)- before the controversial overshare. He talked about how he was raised to stay in the background, but he also had this compelling desire to communicate, and the two forces worked against each other.

I also have this "way huge" desire to communicate. It used to drive me nuts, because there was no venue for it. And it's actually a gift if it's channeled properly. Once I understood that I was less judgemental about myself.

Jamesaritchie · Mar 9, 2010

Nateskate said:
I do share that love for writing. I wrote stories for years. But even then I gave them to friends as gifts. And I would write them into the stories, which personalized the gift. So, writing is who I am.

But I have this huge desire to communicate. I saw John Mayer unplugged (on television)- before the controversial overshare. He talked about how he was raised to stay in the background, but he also had this compelling desire to communicate, and the two forces worked against each other.

I also have this "way huge" desire to communicate. It used to drive me nuts, because there was no venue for it. And it's actually a gift if it's channeled properly. Once I understood that I was less judgemental about myself.

I have a family I love, friends I love, and I enjoy spending time with all of them, but at heart and by nature, I'm a solitary man. I love being alone with a good book, or alone in the deep woods, with only my thoughts to keep me company.

The wilder and more lonesome the place, the better. I do spend time wondering who might have been there before me, what they were like, what they were after. I've found traces of campfires and scratching on stone dating back hundreds of years, and I wonder what would have drawn someone to such an out of the way, and obviously dangerous spot for teh time and place. Just wanting to know what was there, searching for gold, running from enemies, or were they there for the same reason I was, to find a place that was truly isolated?

I've left messages of my own in such places. Sometimes only a name and a date scratched on a rock, sometimes I page or two of writing on archival quality paper, folded and placed under an out of the way rock, safe from rain and sun, where it might not be found for hundreds of years, if ever.

That, I suppose, is a desire to communicate with others of my ilk who might one day take the same journey, camp in the same spot, and wonder who might have gone before.

Too, I keep a journal, but it's more for my benefit than for posterity. I learn when I go back and read entries made years ago.

And I write essays that I do want to have read, but only because I think the topic is important, and part of the process of being a good citizen means being involved to some extent.

But I've never had any urgent desire to communicate in the way you mean.

I write fiction because I enjoy it, and because it beats the hell out of working for someone else. I'm as susceptible as anyone else to fan letters telling me something I wrote was wonderful, and expecially ones that say something I wrote changed a life. Still, it isn't terribly important to me, and has nothing at all to do with why I write fiction. In all honesty, I can't even guarantee I'd ever write another word for publication if some other promising, equally enjoyable, be my own boss way of earning a living came along tomorrow.

A creativity fix.

Nateskate

Jamesaritchie

Nateskate

Mr Flibble

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

backslashbaby

*

Jamesaritchie

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

Nateskate

Nateskate

Nateskate

Miss T

Nateskate

Miss T

Nateskate

Michael Parks

In the moment

Miss T

Nateskate

Nateskate

Greeble

shaldna

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

KTC

Stand in the Place Where You Live

Nateskate

Nateskate

Nateskate

Jamesaritchie

A creativity fix.

They've been very bad, Mr Flibble

~~~~*~~~~

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

In the moment

The cake is a lie. But still cake.

Stand in the Place Where You Live

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