Sunday, April 29, 2012

Play Versus Hard Work

Seat on the chair, nose to the grindstone, pull up your boot straps...all sage advice that short circuits creativity and attempts to take all the fun out of any artistic endeavor.

Some writers are hard-wired to create before playing, while others desperately need the flow that evolves from laughter and even plain silliness. That doesn't mean that all the playful writers then turn to comedy or satire, or that the nose-to-the-grindstone ones can't create delightful children's books. Instead, it speaks to the wide variety of ways that writers approach this craft successfully.

Yes, this topic has been covered in research, but mostly directed at the role that play has in teaching children to write. As adults who write, we play with words and ideas constantly. It just makes sense that this play should extend into the physical world.

When was the last time you played a board game, went bowling with friends or just joked around over a cup of coffee? If it has been too long, or never, then put aside your keyboard or pen and pad and find a way to play that holds meaning for your inner adult. 

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