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| Image courtesy of Marja Flick-Buijs, rgbstock.com |
Happy Thursday!
I've been rereading one of my favorite books—Ted Kooser's The Poetry Home Repair Manual—and this week I came across a passage that I think will resonate with all creative people. Kooser talks about how the form a poem takes doesn't matter as much as what it says, and he quotes a passage from Anton Chekhov's The Seagull to illustrate his point:
"I'm coming more and more to the conclusion that it's a matter not of old forms and not of new forms, but that a man writes, not thinking at all of what form to choose, writes because it comes pouring out from his soul."
I find this liberating. Just think: It doesn't matter what form our creativity takes; we don't need to shoehorn ourselves into a particular style. We should write (or sing or paint or draw or act or knit...) simply because we love to do it. We should unleash our creativity in whatever form it takes—whatever rules we choose to follow or break. Our work will speak for itself.
What do you think of Chekhov's quote? What's your creaitve outlet, and what are you doing today to follow your passion?
Wishing you all a creative—and wonderful—Thursday. ☺
Ted Kooser's The Poetry Home Repair Manual is a good book? I would like to buy some English books to learn more. I will buy by the Internet. Do you have some book to recommend?
ReplyDeleteHave a wounderful week!
It's a great book if you like to write poetry. I'd also recommend any of Kooser's books of poems. :) What are you interested in? Maybe I can think of some other recommendations for you.
DeleteHappy Thursday, Camila!
I need to get that book. That sounds great! Thanks! Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend it. :) Have a great day!
DeleteI tend to get so focused on writing that I don't do as much other creative work as I'd like - art, cooking, etc.
ReplyDeleteWith writing, though, I try not to shoehorn my work - if it wants to be a flash piece, great. if it wants to be a longer story, maybe a novella, that's good, too. If it doesn't know what it wants to be, I write until it figures/we figure it out. :)
I think that's the best way to write! I think it's important that we practice different styles, but if our work doesn't want to be written in that style, we shouldn't force it to fit. Doing so only hurts our writing.
DeleteHappy Thursday!
I spose it's right about being creative it come from within so therfore the soul
ReplyDeleteI agree. :)
DeleteI love that quote! It can apply to so many parts of life too. It also applies to being who we are without trying to fit a 'type.' Being uniquely ourselves. And creativity comes from within, so it makes so much sense to me.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Thursday as well!
I completely agree! It's all about marching to the beat of our own drummers.
DeleteThat's exactly what I love about poetry. It is written from the soul - a very abstract concept. It's feelings on paper :)
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. ☺
Deletei love that quote---and i keep meaning to write more poetry--lately i have been really into putting together just the right gifts---i always have had an interest in gift baskets and the like----i hope you are enjoying all of your great creativity :)
ReplyDeleteAs always, I'd love to read it!
DeleteI love that quote. I think it's what we all strive for.
ReplyDeleteI know I try to. :)
Deletewonderful freeing quote! Today I continue to make quilting squares with no pattern in mind at all- randomness that will take me somewhere! Cheers Dana - have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteAnd I bet that each beautiful square will come together perfectly! Have fun. :)
DeleteYes, I think what is important is authentic and what comes from the soul!
ReplyDeleteExactly. ☺
DeleteNow that's what I talkin' about....no form, no rules, no inhibitors. Although not familiar with Ted or Anton, I feel a kinship in thinking. Now, do you really want to know what I'm creating these days? OMG, I'm so exhibiting my AOTP...all over the place...Knitting (thanks for including that as one of the creative arts...thinking of me were you?) Quilting, Designing patterns and some writing...that is if Blogging and Commenting count...LOL!!! I'm definitely having a Happy Thursday!
ReplyDeleteSue CollectInTexas Gal
You've definitely got a lot on your plate—but I bet you're having a blast! Enjoy!
DeleteI agree - the best stuff comes from the soul!
ReplyDeleteIt sure does. ☺
DeleteI do like his quote. I'm not the most creative of people, but it is nice to know if I chose to be creative, I don't have to do it "inside a box" so to speak.
ReplyDeletebetty
Exactly. We should all go where our creativity leads us.
DeleteHappy Friday!
I love that quote! Thank you for sharing it. My creative outlet is writing, and I really love this quote because so many times people ask what I write with the expectation of it being one type (poetry, short stories, a novel, etc, but only one) and the answer is whatever makes me happy at the moment. My other one is cooking - also whatever makes me happy at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way. I do what makes me happy. Right now, I'm art journaling. I don't consider myself an artist at all, but using my creativity in that manner is what suits me at the moment. I'm having fun, and that's what counts. :)
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