Tag: 2016

2016 Is Bringing Out the Sweetest Creative Juices!

As 2016 progresses, I’m finding lots of things moving and shifting. Big changes. Little changes. Changes so small, they’re hardly perceptible to the human eye! One change in particular that I’m noticing: I’m falling in love with creativity and the creative all over again. And it isn’t taking the form I thought it would as 2015 came to a close.

First? I’m loving my instructional design (e-learning) work. A lot. Why? Well, I’m working with some really creative people and it’s giving me a chance to create new storylines, copy, and design ideas. I’m taking what I’ve done and pushing it to the next level. Stretching out in new ways. Very exciting.

Second? Changes in my non-work life are prompting me to think about my creative writing in different ways. Instead of focusing solely on book-length manuscripts, I’ve started mining the everyday for creative stems. I got away from that for a while, but it’s good to be back. These tiny fireflies don’t have to light up the big city just yet. They just have to exist as kernels–ready to pop at a moment’s notice.

These are just two examples. But y’know? They are exciting. And the best part of new creative juices is the sweetness they bring to the rest of life. As 2016 progresses, I have to say I’m really looking forward to tasting more.

If you need instructional design/e-learning services, creative copy, editing, proofreading, or any other projects of that nature, reach out! Let’s make 2016 great all around.

With the New Year 2016 Upon Us, It’s Time to Reflect and Project Creatively

As I sit here and ponder the fact that 2015 will soon be in my rearview mirror, I want to take a minute to reflect on what the year has meant creatively-as well as what lies up the road in 2016. I think it’s good to rewind. To look back. To take a good gander at what has passed so that we can better plan for the future.

This recent trip around the calendar certainly saw some interesting highlights. I started my writing company, and that has been fantastic. To those of you out there wondering whether or not dreams can come true, I can tell you that they do. I write and edit for a living, and I couldn’t be happier. Creativity is now a permanent part of my work and personal life, and that is what I’ve always wanted.

I also decided to polish up my personal marketing machine to embark on some re-branding campaigns for some of my books. I dove into old waters with a new swimsuit, and I can truly say that I have found a new resolve to take those manuscripts to the next level! New designs, new online copy, and a new sense of purpose will see that happen. I’m planning. I’m excited.

But most important was the time I took to just be. I didn’t rush to finish another manuscript or try to push the river of words in directions they didn’t want to flow. Instead, I took some time for family and reflection. And wouldn’t you know it? I washed ashore right where I wanted to be. Renewed. Refreshed. Ready to take on new challenges.

As we head into 2016, I want to say to all of you: keep writing, keep creating and, most importantly, keep breathing. When you pursue the lifepaths of words, art, poetry and general creativity, you sign up for more than you bargained for. It isn’t really about money or notoriety, but about putting something special out there. It’s about creating a message and getting it into the world. It’s about a strong sense of personal satisfaction that comes from an ability to see the world in our own unique way. Everyone can do it. They just have to do it!

If you struggled with creativity in 2015, make a resolution: “This new year, 2016, I will be more authentic, more courageous, and more my unique self than I have ever been before. I will speak my voice in whatever medium I love.”

And if that doesn’t work? Well, just keep breathing and see what comes your way. After all, 2017 is right around the corner.

What did you pursue creatively this year? What do you have in mind for 2016?