Between freelancing and fiction writing, I write about 2,000 words a day on average. They aren't always the right words (don't even ask how many words I delete per day...) but in order to reach my goals, that's been my schedule for the last three years.
(If you want to make writing 2,000 words a day part of your schedule too, I highly recommend an ergonomic keyboard.)
In order to maintain that kind of schedule, I learned early on that writing can't be the only creative thing I do each day. Spending a little time on a different creative hobby helps me recharge and refocus. Sometimes it's playing piano, baking, sewing, or even just doodling for awhile. It's all part of being a left-brained writer and right-brained author. Doing creative work goes hand-in-hand with living a creative lifestyle.
With that in mind, this week I've rounded up some of my favorite quotes on imagination and creativity. If you're feeling stuck on a project or just need a reminder to go out and create, I hope this list will help you get started!
First up, the one and only Albert Einstein explains the importance of imagination. I love this quote. It reminds me that no matter how left-brained my current writing project is, it's still important to engage and value my right-brained approach.
In fact, creativity is often the place where we're able to express our deepest thoughts and ponder the big questions.
Maybe that's why everyone, from every walk of life, has the urge to create and express themselves through art.
Not to mention that the creative life is not for the faint of heart. Just look at how River Fairchild describes creativity:
Letting go and really pouring ourselves into a project requires a lot of bravery. Some days it's harder than others to silence the inner critic.
Taking time to create also reminds us of why we do what we do. What are we truly passionate about? What are we trying to say, and why do we need to say it?
Some would even say that creativity is more than self-expression: it's a challenge.
Regardless, it seems everyone can agree that allowing yourself to be creative is a gutsy move.
And just in case it seems that goofing off with other creative pursuits takes away time and energy from your primary goals, remember this:
One might even say we have a responsibility to follow our dreams and create.
Do you find that spending time on other creative hobbies helps you recharge? If you have a creative job, what creative hobbies do you do to recharge? Let me know in the comments!