I recently found myself falling into a tiny cupboard of a bookshop. It was disheveled and eclectic, the very sort of thing one dreams about owning if it were possible to earn a living reading the day away on a Hogwarts set. Within the stacks I found a small treasure, an old copy of
Super post, thank you. Even as a much older adult, I don't think I have lost my imagination. Every night is a different dream, and a new set of ideas (although I forget them all too often before I have written them down). The tricky bit is adapting all this disparate and sometimes whacky ideas into a good story. For that, the answer seems to be hard work and graft.
I really enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing. One thing I think about A LOT is preserving and cultivating my children's imaginations in a world that seems set on killing it. And the more I think and read about it, the more I'm convinced the best way to do it is cultivate own imagination as an example.
I know, I always think about this when people talk about what they are into for fun. Maybe it's because I live in Utah, but everyone just defaults to "the outdoors." It almost feels like no one really knows what to do with their time after work except go for a hike or bike ride. But there are so many options to do something imaginative! That's why I instituted an "art night" with friends. We have painted, sketched, colored, and made origami! And whenever I buy tickets to a comedy club, a Broadway musical, a haunted house, a theme park, a concert, etc. I always buy two or four so that I have an excuse to drag my friends to something more unique!
That is what I love about fiction and especially writing fiction. It is pure imagination. When I write fiction, it is like experiencing magic. The dialog often surprises me. How did I do that? Imagination.
I also agree that drugs are a poor substitute for imagination (not to mention addicting.) And while many adults seem to lose their imagination, I am not sure they really do. Perhaps they just think of it as childish and ignore it. Or block it out. But those who focus on the creative arts know how powerful it is and seek it.
Children have no problem accessing their imagination. Why should adults? Perhaps that is why I consider much of my fiction "children's stories for adults." I want it to bring back that sense of wonder and imagination. Like when they were a child.
Very nice article, Elle. Awesome!
THANK YOU for busting the Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds myth! Needed to know that. Loved this one.
Super post, thank you. Even as a much older adult, I don't think I have lost my imagination. Every night is a different dream, and a new set of ideas (although I forget them all too often before I have written them down). The tricky bit is adapting all this disparate and sometimes whacky ideas into a good story. For that, the answer seems to be hard work and graft.
I love this!
I really enjoyed this! Thank you for sharing. One thing I think about A LOT is preserving and cultivating my children's imaginations in a world that seems set on killing it. And the more I think and read about it, the more I'm convinced the best way to do it is cultivate own imagination as an example.
I know, I always think about this when people talk about what they are into for fun. Maybe it's because I live in Utah, but everyone just defaults to "the outdoors." It almost feels like no one really knows what to do with their time after work except go for a hike or bike ride. But there are so many options to do something imaginative! That's why I instituted an "art night" with friends. We have painted, sketched, colored, and made origami! And whenever I buy tickets to a comedy club, a Broadway musical, a haunted house, a theme park, a concert, etc. I always buy two or four so that I have an excuse to drag my friends to something more unique!
That's a great idea! Man...wish I lived closer so we could be friends. Sounds fun 😆
That is what I love about fiction and especially writing fiction. It is pure imagination. When I write fiction, it is like experiencing magic. The dialog often surprises me. How did I do that? Imagination.
I also agree that drugs are a poor substitute for imagination (not to mention addicting.) And while many adults seem to lose their imagination, I am not sure they really do. Perhaps they just think of it as childish and ignore it. Or block it out. But those who focus on the creative arts know how powerful it is and seek it.
Children have no problem accessing their imagination. Why should adults? Perhaps that is why I consider much of my fiction "children's stories for adults." I want it to bring back that sense of wonder and imagination. Like when they were a child.
Another great newsletter, Elle!
There's no doubt YOU have an imagination!!!!! Yours often inspires mine!!!!
Thank you, Elle. I couldn't ask for a nicer compliment.