by Paul SchmidNovember 9, 2013 6:30 am
by Paul Schmid
I think, therefore I am stuck.
Or, how I tell my brain to shut up so I can be creative.
Joseph Conrad once asserted that thinking is “…a destructive process, a reckoning of the cost. It is not the clear-sighted who lead the world. Great achievements are accomplished in a blessed, warm mental fog.”
In my 30 years experience as a conceptual artist, I too have observed that more ideas come to me seemingly as a gift from my intuition rather than directly from mental effort.
In fact, I often think thinking to be a hindrance to creating.
I am fond of my brain, and it serves me well for most things, but it does have the habit of quickly pointing out the problems and inconsistencies in my ideas. It also asks annoying questions, and is quick to doubt. It often unfairly compares my efforts to others, sometimes telling me rather bluntly that I am stupid and have no business doing what I am doing.
When I am beginning to search for fresh ideas, the last thing I need to hear are problems and limits (however correct my brain may be). Problems can be solved creatively, but first you must allow yourself to create the problem.
Creating is yearning, hoping, dreaming. Thinking is grounded, practical. When I am using my intuition, I am not listening to my rational head, but it’s more clever brother, the impulsive gut.
While the head doubts, the gut is eager to believe.
Brains like rules and order. Rules are dull. Obeying rules will not cause my manuscript to leap off the slush pile. As Susan Sontag remarked: “The only interesting ideas are heresies.”
My brain also tends to grasp at solutions, with a lazy preference for the first solution that shows up. But as a reader myself, I find surprises more deeply satisfying than solutions.
While creating stories I am often confronted with the power struggle between my gut and my brain. Since I use my brain most of the time, and am rational much of the day, it jumps first in line to help. It likes to be helpful. So, over the years I’ve acquired some tricks to lull my rational brain to passivity whilst inspiring my intuition to flow.
Have some pie and take a nap.
Thomas Edison was said to have sat in an armchair with two pie tins placed directly below the arms. In his hand he held two ball bearings. While keeping whatever project he was working on in his mind, he endeavored to nap. As he drifted into a relaxed state, his mind would begin to wander and flow in non-linear directions. Then as he became drowsy enough, his hands would relax their grip on the ball bearings, which dropped, clattering on the pie tins and rousing Edison. He would then immediately write down whatever thoughts he had at that time. It was his sneaky way of accessing his subconscious. It actually has a name: Hypnagogia.
I will sometimes set a timer for 20 minutes, lay on my couch and drift off thinking of any current project’s roadblocks. My thoughts will gradually begin to get wacky and unrestrained. Sometimes quite unexpected solutions will just flow by.
Deny you have a problem.
When ideas aren’t flowing like… umm… whatever flows really well… the frustration can cause flow to stop. The mind gets involved because I am having problems and the mind loves to solve problems.
I then persuade myself that what I am really doing is simply waiting for an idea to show up. I find my intuition is rather demure. It does not flow smoothly, but resists order and regularity. I must have patience, then pounce when it ventures out. The following are some ways I do that.
Sneak up on it.
When I’m feeling stuck, I will put a project aside and move on to another. After a while, and when I am mentally involved in this new set of problems, I will suddenly go back to thinking of my original problem. A fresh idea will often present itself, as if it was really there all the time, but wearing an invisibility cloak.
Take a hike.
I am certain that physical activity confounds linear thinking. My own train of thought will get befuddled while I am moving about, apparently unable to walk and chew ideas at the same time.
So when stuck, I get away from my desk and take a walk. Or make tea. Or fold laundry. And while my poor logical brain is overburdened and struggling, my intuition begins to frolic. Archimedes may have gotten his eureka’s in his bath, but most of mine arrive during a stroll in the neighborhood.
Loosen up.
John Cleese declares: “The main evolutionary significance of humor is that it gets us from the closed mode to the open mode (of thinking) quicker than anything else.” Just don’t spend too much time watching YouTube videos.
Try to fail.
Perhaps the most radical approach I use to thwart my logical mind set is to deliberately do something reckless so I can sit back smugly and see how bad it is. But many times I find myself putting down the bold solution I somehow knew it needed, but had been too afraid to attempt.
Let it be.
Similar to a flower, ideas can take time to blossom. Be a good gardener: get the dirt on the subject, lightly fertilize with inspirational work by others, firmly plant the seed, and then let things happen in their own sweet time.
I have become convinced that creative thinking is very like a muscle, the more you use it, the stronger it will be. Which allows me to end with Picasso’s words of caution: “Inspiration exists, but must find you working.”
Paul Schmid is an author and award winning illustrator of children’s books, including OLIVER AND HIS ALLIGATOR, A PET FOR PETUNIA, HUGS FROM PEARL and PERFECTLY PERCY.
In the fall of 2010 Paul was awarded a month-long fellowship with Maurice Sendak.
He lives in Seattle with his wife, Linda, and their daughter Anna.
You can visit him online at PaulSchmidBooks.com.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: PiBoIdMo 2013, Picture Books
Tags: A Pet for Petunia, Hugs From Pearl, Oliver and His Alligator, Paul Schmid, Perfectly Percy
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Wow! Interesting information about your process. Particularly love the Edison thing. Who knew? My best ideas have always been the ones that pop into my head while doing something else. Thanks Paul!
By Margie Moore on November 9, 2013 at 7:09 am
This post has some mind-boggling quotes and concepts! So, maybe someone needs to wake me up partway into my sleep in order to get great solutions to my ms! hmmm. And I like your quote that creative thinking is like a muscle… Thanks, Paul!
By Tina Cho on November 9, 2013 at 7:12 am
Thanks, Paul, for giving us permission to dream. Good post!
By Sue Poduska on November 9, 2013 at 7:15 am
I love all your strategies for getting to that creative place!
By Andrea on November 9, 2013 at 7:17 am
I’m off to get some pie tins and ball bearings! Love reading about your process.
By Mary McClellan on November 9, 2013 at 7:18 am
I have a problem that I’ve been trying to find a solution for so your post has encouraged me to keep working at it. Long walks usually help me too or doing something else creative before returning to my writing.
By Linda Bozzo on November 9, 2013 at 7:26 am
I’m smiling. I see 2 brains arguing, the logical one and the creative one. You’ve given me something to think about.
By yetteejo on November 9, 2013 at 7:33 am
excellent ideas for breaking the block… I especially like the one about pie and napping!
By Sue Heavenrich on November 9, 2013 at 7:34 am
My brain and my intuition were both inspired by your post. Thanks!
By gpatmiller on November 9, 2013 at 7:50 am
Going to hunt for ball bearings! Thanks!
By Anne Bielby on November 9, 2013 at 7:51 am
You had me at pie and a nap. Great post! I find after a walk or a short nap I can create much better. Thanks for reminding us it’s okay to do these things.
By Susan Nicholas on November 9, 2013 at 8:06 am
What a great post. I can see you’ve THOUGHT about this a lot! Excellent tips. Thanks.
By danacarey1 on November 9, 2013 at 8:10 am
So many ways to become distracted, who knew ideas visit during that time? Thanks for the various ways to find the muse within.
By Patricia Holloway on November 9, 2013 at 8:15 am
Thank you Paul! That’s one of the purposes of PiBoIdMo, right, to exercise the creative muscle on a regular basis? Wonderful list of how to play tricks on your own mind. 🙂
By Beverly Snedecor on November 9, 2013 at 8:23 am
I’m going to try some of the exercises. I enjoyed your article!
By Melanie Moschella on November 9, 2013 at 8:24 am
I also find that when I think (or try to think) to hard, ideas cease and criticism arises (in my own work). I can so relate to Paul and hope to try some of his suggestions for restoring creativity.
By MSackman on November 9, 2013 at 8:27 am
This post made me feel just a tiny bit guilty, thinking how wonderful it is to be a writer. Just a little bit, over it now! Thank you, Paul for this reminder of the sneaky fun in the creative process.
By Wendy Greenley on November 9, 2013 at 8:36 am
Thanks Paul. It sounds like our creative process is similar. The brain is a great problem solver when needed but it is so easy to over think and let it completely screw up something wonderful! I am glad I am not alone in this little secret. Great post!
By DianeKHower on November 9, 2013 at 8:37 am
Excellent article! I loved hearing about how other creative people keep the juices flowing.
By Juliana Lee on November 9, 2013 at 8:39 am
Great article, and this line spoke to me: “But as a reader myself, I find surprises more deeply satisfying than solutions.” Thanks for your post.
By S.H. Sherlock on November 9, 2013 at 8:41 am
Amazing article and fabulous sketches to go with them! Not sure which one I love the best, however the ‘boat’ does edge to the front line for unexpected! (I happened to be slowly scrolling down so you got me good there!)
Congratulations on all of your publishings. Wishing you the best in future endeavours.
Can I add, ‘double-wow’ to have won a month long scholarship with Maurice Sendak. 🙂
By Heather Gale on November 9, 2013 at 8:46 am
Really fantastic post, Paul! I love the sketches too. I’m doing my first PiBoIdMo and this validates my writing down ideas first thing in the morning while I sip my tea and am half awake. Good luck with your future projects!
By Alisa Harris-Norico on November 9, 2013 at 8:59 am
I love this post! I can really identify with this. Thanks for the great ideas – I will be using them a lot!
By Pat Haapaniemi on November 9, 2013 at 9:02 am
Paul you made me laugh out loud this morning when I read your post–especially with –have some pie and take a nap! Congratulations on all your good work. How cool to work with Maurice Sendak!
By Janie Reinart on November 9, 2013 at 9:07 am
Thanks, Paul, for the tips. Our brains get so muddled with over-thinking! I will certainly try some of your advice the next time I find it happening. Now, where did I put those pie tins?
By RaChelle Lisiecki on November 9, 2013 at 9:07 am
Amazing tips! I’m excited to try your timer technique.
By Jennifer Kaplan on November 9, 2013 at 9:07 am
You made many comments that resonate with me. I loved the drawing of the girl looking in the water! Good visual to remind me of your topic today! Thanks
By Gaye Kick on November 9, 2013 at 9:12 am
that’s when I call “super-subconscious” to the rescue !
I hand him the elements and go to sleep !
I used to do that when I was stuck while sewing or crafting… The answer often came in the morning. 😉
Now I just put all my confidence in him… So much that if I have a great idea during the night, I just believe that if it is a really good idea I will remember it at one point during the day !
It works !
Thanks for sharing !!
By nicole snitselaar on November 9, 2013 at 9:28 am
you are my soul-brain brother! great, great words and insight, thank you~
By Pam Jones on November 9, 2013 at 9:29 am
What a great post. I love the tips on thwarting the left brain and accessing the intuition.
By Sylvia Liu on November 9, 2013 at 9:32 am
This is my favorite PiBoIdMo post EVER. I would needlepoint it for posterity, but it’s too long, so I will star the link instead.
Thank you, Paul. Thank you, Tara. 😀
By Bonnie Adamson on November 9, 2013 at 9:34 am
Paul, great info about Edison! I love the permission you’ve given us to fail. Sometimes we make the stakes so high, we forget to “get loose!” Great ideas to get ideas flowing!
By kathalsey on November 9, 2013 at 9:47 am
Great advice, Paul. That sounds like what I do.
By Catherine Johnson on November 9, 2013 at 9:50 am
My brain also “asks annoying questions, and is quick to doubt.” Thank you for writing so honestly about your idea processes. I find ideas appear at the other end of the sleep tunnel too – as soon as I wake up after a good night’s sleep. But it’s the same state of “clear/drowsy.” Your illustrations are so full of expression and I’m pinning up the one of the boat and child and their reflection so I can tame my over-thinking, parenting brain and listen more to my “dreamy” reflective gut.
By Lori Dubbin on November 9, 2013 at 9:51 am
‘Yearning, hoping, and dreaming’ here in Maryland for the greatest picture book idea ever! Thanks Paul keep going with the gut.
By teresamis on November 9, 2013 at 9:53 am
I just read A Pet For Petunia today to my 3 year old. He loved it and so did I. Thanks for speaking honestly here. I can really identify with your thoughts! Great advice!
By orthodoxmom3 on November 9, 2013 at 9:53 am
Very interesting, thanks for sharing….. I’ll add some new tips to my creative thinking,
By Tatiana Escallon on November 9, 2013 at 9:54 am
So true! Often our logical minds hamper creativity to the point where it’s hard to write anything. Thank goodness for the ways you’ve outlined to outwit the pesky things. I especially like the nap and timer… how often do I waste at least that much time trying to beat a solution out of my brain? Coaxing sounds like a much better solution all around.
By Sandy Perlic on November 9, 2013 at 9:55 am
This post deserves a great score, perhaps from Vangelis! Beautifully written and transporting. I particularly like the suggestion: try to fail. Will do. Thanks.
By julie rowan zoch on November 9, 2013 at 9:57 am
So many good reminders here today, Paul. Physical work or exercise always seems to bring on the ideas. Overthinking is so easy to do, and so non-productive. Thanks for all the pointers. Will keep this list handy for reference. You rock!
By Marty McCormick on November 9, 2013 at 10:00 am
Sorry about they fragmented post earlier- slippery fingers. I believe my best ideas also come as gifts, usually when my emotions are heightened by happiness or sometimes grief. Great post! 🙂
By Deb Dudley on November 9, 2013 at 10:04 am
Thank you Paul. The fear of failing has been impeding me for too long. I shall try to be bold and see what happens.
-Teresa Daffern
By Teresa Daffern on November 9, 2013 at 10:06 am
Thank you, Paul, for offering such practical solutions. I find it so heartening to know that there are others who recognize that creativity is such an elusive beast. It is a gift to me to know that even the best of us (you) work on it regularly and seek ways to harness it. Bravo on finding and sharing your wealth. Thank you, Tara for sharing Paul with us. =)
By Jenn DesAutels on November 9, 2013 at 10:24 am
Thank you so much! Wonderful insights.
By LeeAnn Jensen on November 9, 2013 at 10:24 am
Hypnagogia. Salvador Dali described a similar process in his technical book on painting but, this is a more practical? application. Which has a tie in to Edison’s most famous aphorism, invention is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration + a little exhaustion.
Thanks
By Patrick Waldron on November 9, 2013 at 10:27 am
Beautiful trip through the trails and caves of pursuing ideas. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and intuitions. 🙂
Diana Zipeto
By dzipeto on November 9, 2013 at 10:35 am
My favorite lines: “Rules are dull. Obeying rules will not cause my manuscript to leap off the slush pile.” Your post is a keeper–delicious food for thought!
By Susan Cabael on November 9, 2013 at 10:40 am
What a lovely way to start my weekend! Your illustrations are beautifully simple with so much expression! Now for one of those productive naps!
By Freckled Daisy Creations on November 9, 2013 at 10:41 am
I love this article. It’s very interesting and enlightening. I especially like the last paragraph comparing creativity to a muscle and that it becomes stronger the more it’s used. So true! I love the quote by Picasso. Wonderful article! Thank you for sharing.
By cherylsec on November 9, 2013 at 10:42 am
Am ever amazed by how effortless you make taming this unruly beast seem, Paul. The beast in question being the picture book. Nothing has sharper fangs or more heartless claws. You really are a Gunther Gebel Williams of sorts. Without the sequins, but no less adroit with a whip. So many excellent nuggets of wisdom in that intrepid brain of yours. And so much life in all that winsome line work. One question…when did you take up smoking a pipe?
By Robert W on November 9, 2013 at 10:43 am
A delightful post! Thank you for your words of wisdom!
By LovableLobo on November 9, 2013 at 10:46 am
Thanks for the great ideas. I am learning that my best ideas come when I turn off my brain filter and allow the crazy, silly ideas to come forward. Now I just have to figure out how to flip off the filter at will. 🙂
By Carol Nelson on November 9, 2013 at 10:47 am
Thank you! Great post and sketches. I also find that the subconscious is the way to better creative writing. I often find myself jolted from sleep with an idea and have to start writing. Great advice and wonderful examples!
By Theanna on November 9, 2013 at 10:48 am
I found this post to be so down-to-earth and honest. I often have to simply walk away from a writing snag and come back later, or ‘sleep on it’ to see what comes from it. I believe my obsession over ‘having to work at’ writing is a main reason I don’t have many things already completed. When I just ‘listen’ it works out better.
Thank you, Paul, for throwing a light on what can be a struggle.
By Lynn A. Davidson on November 9, 2013 at 10:51 am
Thank you for the suggestions. One of my favorite quotes is from Picasso.
By katmaz2012 on November 9, 2013 at 10:52 am
Thank you so much, Paul! I especially love your example of how Edison accessed his subconscious. Sometimes it is difficult to let go and allow those wild and crazy thoughts surface…I sleep with a pad and pencil by my bedside because I often wake with amazing ideas…of course, it’s also true that sometimes I can’t read what I’ve written in the half dark.:)
By viviankirkfield on November 9, 2013 at 11:02 am
Great ideas to get the juices flowing-mainly staying relaxed while consciously and unconsciously working. Thanks. Love your illustrations.
By danielledufayet on November 9, 2013 at 11:04 am
“where do good ideas come from” steven johnson is a valuable book and it develops some of these tips.
By Malena Fuentes on November 9, 2013 at 11:12 am
Really goof stuff here! I’m going to grab some ball bearing and pie tins and see what happens…LOL thx for great advice!
By Angie Karcher on November 9, 2013 at 11:20 am
Very interesting stuff, Paul! That post really got my attention as its a topic Ive been thinking about a lot recently (maybe thats the problem!). I love that moment when Im off around town and I have to stop to sketch a passing idea.
By Robert Starling on November 9, 2013 at 11:21 am
Perfect. Thank you, Paul.
By Stephanie Shaw on November 9, 2013 at 11:22 am
Terrific post, Paul! First, congratulations on getting to work with Maurice Sendak!
I totally agree with you that thinking is a hindrance to creativity and have found that living in chaos also helps… a clean quiet house (Is there such a place? lol) leads to nothing but boredom and a blank sheet of paper. I find that my best ideas come from being outside either working in the garden or just sitting on the bench with my eyes closed and listening to all the sounds as dawn breaks… I especially like doing that on a cold winter’s day. You’d be surprised how much you can hear …and smell.
I love that you gave us permission to fail. One of the quotes that I keep near my computer is by Norman Vaughan who was the chief dog musher for Admiral Byrd’s first expedition (1928-1930) to the South Pole. Admiral Byrd named a mountain after Norman and on December 16, 1994, three days shy of his 89th birthday, Norman fulfilled a lifelong dream…he climbed his namesake, Mount Vaughan, a 3,048m (10,302′) Antarctic peak. He also competed in 13 Iditarod races, his first at age 72 and his last Iditarod was in 1990 at age 84. Can you imagine traveling across interior Alaska by dogsled at 84? Norman’s motto through life was, “Dream Big and Dare to Fail”
I loved hearing how Edison kept his creative juices flowing. Pie tins and ball bearings, who knew?
By saputnam on November 9, 2013 at 11:25 am
If what you say is true, I think way too much about my ideas. I’m wondering if meditation would help with that.
By storyfairy on November 9, 2013 at 11:26 am
Great blog. Thanks for sharing.
By Eileen on November 9, 2013 at 11:28 am
Paul, I love your approach to the creative processes. Thinking is overrated.
By Manju Howard (@ManjuBeth) on November 9, 2013 at 11:35 am
Paul, I love your approach to the creative process. Thinking is overrated.
By Manju Howard (@ManjuBeth) on November 9, 2013 at 11:37 am
Thanks for the great tips. My brother-in-law is an inventor and he gets his ideas after a quick nap.
By Evie Hjartarson on November 9, 2013 at 11:48 am
Thanks for sharing. I’m definitely going to try some of these approaches. I find walks around my neighborhood very inspiring also.
By Janet Halfmann on November 9, 2013 at 11:51 am
This was exactly what I needed to hear. I’ve been accessing my logical brain too long and need to tap into my intuition. My brain is very good at screaming doubt and trying to keep the fun side bottled up. I love your illustrations.
By Leslie Colin Tribble on November 9, 2013 at 12:15 pm
What an amazing post! Thank you!
By Carrie Brown on November 9, 2013 at 12:16 pm
Thank you Paul. I also have discovered the analytical brain needs to turned off so the creative brain can take over. I have an exercise where I set a timer for 20 minutes or longer, pick a topic and write continually, no erasing, or stopping to think, until the time is up. If you run out of words, keep the pencil moving in loops or circles until timer stops. Sometimes my topic is an action or character in my current story, and new details for the story pop out.
By Ellen Mott on November 9, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Your brain and mine should meet up sometime. Mine can be quite annoying to me. It’s true great ideas come when least expected. Thanks, great post.
By patientdreamer on November 9, 2013 at 12:44 pm
So much good stuff here. Thanks especially for TRY TO FAIL. Excuse me while I go off to fail now 🙂
By Joanne Roberts on November 9, 2013 at 1:11 pm
Thank you, Paul, for giving permission to fail . . . with flair! This post is chock full of great ideas. I would add one other when I really feel stuck: meditation. For me, it works like a charm because it gets me out of the “conscious” mind, our built-in control freak.
By Anne Bromley on November 9, 2013 at 1:14 pm
I love the suggestions for tapping into the creative, intuitive part of the brain! Thanks, Paul.
By tpierce on November 9, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Perfectly timed article for my pesky brain to be put in its place. I was fighting the logic during a class activity in my illustration class yesterday that left me depleted and questioning my goals. Definitely printing this article for reference… thanks so much for the insight & encouragement!
By Michelle @ Fitztopia on November 9, 2013 at 1:19 pm
I am quite overwhelmed by the response to my musings on creative thinking. Thanks for the kind words everyone! Reading your comments, I was suddenly reminded of an exercise Maurice Sendak told us about. He would attentively listen to a piece of classical music (Schumann and Mozart were favorites,) while randomly sketching a picture story, flowing with where the music took him. Another wonderful example of distracting one’s train of thought in order to thwart the inner editor and goose the subconscious.
By Paul Schmid on November 9, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Thanks for sharing this. what a gift and a joy that must have been for you.
By Lynn Ann Carol on November 13, 2013 at 11:46 am
I like the idea of leaving a problem to work itself out by working on something else. Thanks Paul.
By Vivienne Dacosta on November 9, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Excellent ideas! YEAH, YEAH! 🙂 Love that quote. Man. That is going beside my computer.
By Robyn Campbell on November 9, 2013 at 1:50 pm
What a wonderfully useful list of suggestions! Thanks, Paul. I will keep this article as a reference.
By Tracy Molitors on November 9, 2013 at 2:18 pm
I’m definitely the “take a walk” or “sneak up on it” type. Thanks for the other ideas!
By Patricia A Miller on November 9, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Thank you for a inspiring read!!
By viji on November 9, 2013 at 2:25 pm
Thanks for the great post, Paul. It reminds me of what Judy Blume once said about not listening to the critic on her shoulder when she writes. The critic’s job comes later, after all her ideas are out in her manuscript. We hear so many great tips (all appreciated!) on what we should do to be better writers, it’s important to remember that creating something wonderful also has to include letting go of tips and daring to tell the story only you can tell in the way only you can tell it.
By Nancy Churnin on November 9, 2013 at 2:28 pm
Serendipity + Sketching = Inspiration
This has always been a creative method that works for me.
Thanks for sharing!
By Alicia van Thiel on November 9, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Thanks, Paul1 Sometimes my best solutions come to mind when I’m not thinking about the problem.
By Christine M. Irvin on November 9, 2013 at 2:47 pm
I love this post! I get some great ideas in the in-between space between sleep and total consciousness. Interesting story about Edison.
By belindambrock on November 9, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Oh, these are all really good ideas. Thanks, Paul. I especially love the 20 minute nap idea — I’ve heard that about Edison, but have never tried to do anything like that myself. A good excuse to lie on the couch, also!
By Julie Falatko on November 9, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Thank you for your lovely post! I especially enjoyed the pensive pictures.
By amievc on November 9, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Heeheee. Thanks Paul. i like your process.
By kelmcdonald on November 9, 2013 at 3:08 pm
Great post – and great tips for breaking blockages or overcoming inner critics!
By Kelly Ramsdell Fineman on November 9, 2013 at 3:17 pm
This is wonderful. Thanks.
By Betsy Newman on November 9, 2013 at 3:18 pm
What a great post to go along with a beautiful day here in the Pacific Northwest! Off to goose my subconscious–er, take a bike ride! :0)
By LeslieG on November 9, 2013 at 3:52 pm
“Problems can be solved creatively, but first you must allow yourself to create the problem.” – LOVE this. So VERY much! Excellent!
By Joanne Sher on November 9, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Very interesting! You shared some things about creativity that are very thought-provoking. Thanks, Paul.
By Sherry Walz on November 9, 2013 at 4:17 pm
Yearning, hoping, dreaming and the story about Emerson…just what I needed. Thank you!!
By Eleanor Rubin on November 9, 2013 at 4:23 pm
Thanks, Paul. I’m going to write that last quote on my whiteboard.
By Kaye Baillie on November 9, 2013 at 4:25 pm
This is exactly what I do just before going to bed. I think about whatever I want help with and the answer either comes to me and wakes me up or by the morning I’ve worked it out.
By renajtraxel on November 9, 2013 at 4:26 pm
Thanks, Paul. Love your illustrations!
By Heather Greene on November 9, 2013 at 4:28 pm
Thanks for an interesting take on inspiration. I am on my way to get some ball bearings 🙂
By writeknit on November 9, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Wow! This post is so inspiring to me! Imagine that; who knew thinking stifles creativity. As an organic vegetable and flower gardener, my favorite paragraph is the analogy of creativity to a garden. Thank you for sharing. ~Suzy Leopold
By Suzy Leopold on November 9, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Oh, thank heavens… I’m not nuts.
I related so much to your post. The things you wrote about would happen in my own mind and I would dismiss myself as not thinking correctly.
Look forward to plugging into your website.
Your drawing with the little girl in the boat and its reflection is priceless.
By Stella Jane Stauffer on November 9, 2013 at 5:01 pm
You had me at pie! Never mind the ball bearings and the empty pie tins. Thanks for the practical suggestions for getting past our thinking and into our creating selves.
By Debbie Austin on November 9, 2013 at 5:10 pm
I found this a particularly helpful and encouraging post. Thanks, Paul, for giving our ‘gut instinct’ a little pep talk!
By Penny on November 9, 2013 at 5:13 pm
Interesting post, Paul. I recognised much of my own creative process in what you wrote, so it was reassuring to know there are others who simply get up and walk away when a story isn’t ‘working’ and let the ideas and solutions arise spontaneously. Thanks for reminding me this way of writing is OK because I’d been feeling guilty for not being more productive with the novel I’ve started. The Edison story was new to me and quite fascinating.
By Teena Raffa-Mulligan on November 9, 2013 at 5:39 pm
Loved your post Paul, so helpful and informative too! It reminded me of the right versus left side of the brain idea. And great quotes 🙂
By cat jones on November 9, 2013 at 5:45 pm
“The only interesting ideas are heresies.”
It made my day. Thanks.
By vinvogel on November 9, 2013 at 5:53 pm
I could not love Paul Schmid more if he were covered in chocolate and dipped in rainbows. “In fact, I often think thinking to be a hindrance to creating.” is my new mantra and exactly what I needed to read today while working on revisions. So much awesomeness in one place. Thank you Paul! Thank you Tara!!!
By Laurie L. Young on November 9, 2013 at 5:58 pm
Ann Birnie – I couldn’t agree more Paul. How many times have we been told not to over think something!
By Ann Birnie on November 9, 2013 at 5:59 pm
Great post! I am thinking about your ideas.. or not!
By Deirdre Sheridan Englehart on November 9, 2013 at 6:32 pm
Thanks, I needed this. My inner critic is a bellower–I love the list you gave for coaxing out my intuition. 🙂
By Jennifer Judd on November 9, 2013 at 6:44 pm
Paul, you diagnosed my chronic dis-creativity so perfectly. It is a frustration, rush-tration, must-tration-based disease. Thanks to your post I can beat this thang!
Relax…breathe deep…wait for it. – Damon Dean
By SevenAcreSky on November 9, 2013 at 7:13 pm
I really relate to your thoughts on inspiration. Thanks for the helpful tips!
By Jill Siegel on November 9, 2013 at 7:39 pm
Thanks for the wonderful post Paul. I love pie and naps. I will try that approach. Also, I can identify with your comment on listening to classical music.
By Pia Garneau on November 9, 2013 at 7:41 pm
What great advice! I get my best ideas while doing other things. Usually, when I try to think of an idea head-on, I end up staring at a blank computer screen!
By kpbock on November 9, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Part of my day job is carving with a chainsaw. I always have a small notepad and pen in my pocket along with tons of sawdust. Lots of time to welcome ideas.
By Rick Starkey on November 9, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Nice to know I’m not the only one. 🙂
I haven’t tried the napping technique… yet.
Thanks for the post!
By Tracey M. Cox on November 9, 2013 at 8:20 pm
I write the quote by Picasso on the top of my notebook. Thanks for sharing. It is one of my top ten favorites.
By Melanie Vickers on November 9, 2013 at 9:25 pm
Love this post! Thank you for sharing.
By Ashley Bankhead on November 9, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Gonna take a nap now…wake me up in 20?! Thanks Paul! I’ve found what you said to be true! Usually has something to do with getting myself out of the way!
By Holly on November 9, 2013 at 10:11 pm
Left-brain disrupters – what a helpful bunch of methods, thank you. Paul, your illustrations are charming, and I’m adding your books to my embarrassing list of “haven’t read yet but now I can’t wait.”
By miki on November 9, 2013 at 11:03 pm
Great post, Paul. I agree, distraction of the left-brain allows the right brain to ‘go to work’ in its own way. Love your illustrations – the girl in the boat looking at her reflection – maybe… is WONDERFUL! Thank you for your post,
Elizabeth McBride
By Elizabeth McBride on November 9, 2013 at 11:16 pm
Wonderful post. I do get good ideas when I just let my fingers do there own thing and don’t censor.
By Gloria Amescua on November 9, 2013 at 11:44 pm
I really loved this post. It’s very comforting to find that other people have artistic stumbling blocks. Thanks for giving some great ideas of how to get around them!
I really love the simplicity of your characters, they are so sweet.
By bangersnmashdesign on November 10, 2013 at 12:08 am
Nice post. So really these are exercises in trying to manipulate our brains in stirring up the subconscious and telling our rational brain to ‘shhhh-ush’ so we can tune into them, sneaking up on those ideas and catching them unawares.
By Yvonne Mes on November 10, 2013 at 12:50 am
Hypnagogia. Hmmmm……intriguing.
By lindaschueler on November 10, 2013 at 12:53 am
I love pie too, but not the kind Edison was having. I find his method to record fresh ideas interesting. Napping is my favorite pastime and I do find new ideas seem to float to the top of my brain. Humor is another one that is so true for opening up one’s mind to new possibilities. Baking also gets my creative juices flowing. Thank you for sharing.
By Jewel Sample on November 10, 2013 at 1:28 am
I find moving helps me too. Thank you for sharing.
By klmcmorranmaus on November 10, 2013 at 1:47 am
Pie tins and ball bearings…hypnagogia. OK. Thanks for sharing with us!
By Sandie Sing on November 10, 2013 at 3:25 am
“I find surprises more deeply satisfying than solutions” =)
I think Salvidor Dali used to engage in hypnagogia (great word) too!
By Emi Howe on November 10, 2013 at 3:33 am
I think we sometimes do get too serious with our through process. We need to just relax and let the ideas flow.
By Janet Smart on November 10, 2013 at 8:14 am
Gardening and walking almost always have helped me with inspiration. Thanks for suggesting some other ways to grow creatively.
By lmconnors on November 10, 2013 at 8:18 am
To think or not to think? I prefer not thinking too! Loved all the suggestions.
By Barbara Messinger on November 10, 2013 at 9:02 am
m. sendak – wow, I hope it was a fruitful time. thanks for the post. enjoyed it. 🙂
By Brenda Harris on November 10, 2013 at 9:17 am
I love your quote, “Problems can be solved creatively, but first you must allow yourself to create the problem”. Getting over the fear of failure can be so frustrating. Its nice to hear another illustrator/writer discuss such a common problem 🙂
By heather sisson on November 10, 2013 at 10:50 am
Thank you for your post! I love your strategies, especially “Let it be” since I am a big Beatles fan 🙂
By Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards) on November 10, 2013 at 11:00 am
Did someone say ‘Pie’? Thank you for a fun and helpful post, Paul. I find I use many of these ideas- but didn’t realize I was actually helping myself because I didn’t know why I was doing them. Now I know. And I’ve added more ideas to find my intuition thanks to you.
By wendymyersart on November 10, 2013 at 12:49 pm
Take a hike. Take a nap. Don’t we have the best jobs ever?! Thank you, Paul. Love your work.
By marciecolleen on November 10, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Sounds like a good time to take a nap or a walk and a nap so I can think of ideas and not be put off by what will sell or attract a publisher or an agent.
Thanks Paul.
By RadSheri on November 10, 2013 at 2:00 pm
Your entry is one that I want to reread several times. Thanks for many good ideas. I’ve been stuck lately, and I will try your suggestions
By Dorothy Wiese on November 10, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Thanks for your post! I often find myself thinking and forcing. I need to let my gut have its way more often. I went over to your website and read your bio. So fun that you shook the hand of Roy Rogers. When I was young, I totally wanted to grow up and be Dale Evans.We had an old green jeep that I called Nellybelle on the days that I was imagining myself as Dale Evans!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on November 10, 2013 at 2:43 pm
I love everything about this beautifully-crafted post. Lovely. Thank you for sharing ~
By Jen DuBose on November 10, 2013 at 5:01 pm
Great post and advice! 😀
By thiskidreviewsbooks on November 10, 2013 at 7:31 pm
Uber relatable post! Thanks, Paul 😀
Love the girl in the boat/reflection in the water symbolizing the right brain, left brain. Clever!
By Lori Mozdzierz on November 10, 2013 at 8:05 pm
Such great advice. Thank you for sharing your habits for letting creativity flow. I love your illustrations. What an honor to work with Maurice Sendak
By Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill) on November 10, 2013 at 9:53 pm
I heart your charming hedgehog. Great ideas, great pics!
By Lucy on November 10, 2013 at 9:59 pm
This is all so totally true. Follow the rules after you’ve been creative. Rules crush creativity.
By Jenny Reynolds on November 10, 2013 at 10:17 pm
I have heard some writers say that they are most inspired in the morning, right after they wake up. I guess this theory goes along with today’s blog. I usually get my best ideas right when I’m supposed to be going to bed, just before I doze off. It’s pretty much the same thing I guess. Glad I’m not the only one…
By Jessica on November 10, 2013 at 11:27 pm
I guess I need some pie tins and ball bearings. Thanks for the suggestions for accessing the creative side of the brain.
By lje1 on November 11, 2013 at 12:27 am
I enjoyed your thoughts on creativity and your artwork along the way. Your thoughts were inspirational, and the artwork made me chuckle 🙂
By Kerry Aradhya on November 11, 2013 at 1:20 am
Great tips, Paul! And I, too, discovered that the hypnopompic state is a wonderfully freeing and often problem-solving one—there are no distractions there! 😀
By writersideup on November 11, 2013 at 2:46 am
thanks for these great ideas. i’m just getting started and now quite a few strategies for dealing with a lack of ideas and writer’s block.
By dee win on November 11, 2013 at 3:02 am
Paul thanks for providing so many insightful tips! I liked especially the one about ideas “come …as a gift of intution.”
By Therese Nagi on November 11, 2013 at 8:47 am
Oh I loved this! SO TRUE!!! I hadn’t quite thought of my creative mind versus my logical mind battling each other… and yes, the nuisance of the logical mind’s love of solving problems! And I have lots of problems! I love this way of seeing it… and the practical approaches to defeating the logical brain in writing. Thank you!
By Marcy P. on November 11, 2013 at 9:34 am
great posting thanks for sharing!
By fashionistaphilly.tumblr.org on November 11, 2013 at 9:41 am
love the way you communicated your creative process. the drawings and simple words are very enlightening. thank you.
By Daniela Weil (@Daniela_Weil) on November 11, 2013 at 11:06 am
It was so nice to get to know your brain. I treasure mine too. Thanks for the tips Paul. It is important to respect your brain and give it a chance to breathe.
By Kathy Cornell Berman on November 11, 2013 at 11:23 am
Love this because it comforts the busy writer-parent turmoil of not spending enough time with your kids. Play with your kids ALOT because it will make you a better writer and a better parent. 🙂
By Sally Matheny on November 11, 2013 at 11:25 am
This one is now printed out and pinned at my desk. Do they still make those pie tins? 😉
By Linda on November 11, 2013 at 12:23 pm
Try to Fail? Wow. Lots of things to be inspired by in Paul’s post but this one is especially perfect to thwart my perfectionistic-side. Love the little sketches he shared too.
By Kirsten Carlson (@kirstencarlson) on November 11, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Waw Paul! This is truly inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing these tips and tricks. I have the craziest dreams and I’ve trained myself to remember them as soon as I wake up, but pie tins and ball bearings? I have to try this Hypnagogia 🙂
By One Happy Writer on November 11, 2013 at 1:21 pm
During PiBoIdMo, I often wake up with either a title, the kernel of an idea and the ending or just the general direction of an idea. If I write the idea down immediately, I can often capture the “essence” of the idea. However, if I get up, make coffee/tea, feed the cat, and starting thinking of ways to develop the idea, it often turns to ash. Thanks for a post that explains a lot!
By Quinn Cole on November 11, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Napping, denial, and surprise attacks? Sounds like a great plan!
By laurimeyers on November 11, 2013 at 1:44 pm
SO Helpful! Thank you.
I am not an illustrator… and sometimes I find if I try to draw the problem my characters are in, it opens up my brain to possible solutions!
By Michelle O'Hara Levin on November 11, 2013 at 1:44 pm
I love that hedgehog–it’s so adorable.
Thanks for the great ideas! I find napping to be meditative too. I often listen to nature soundtracks–ocean waves, birds chirping, and that state of relaxation helps inspire me. And long showers too, but unfortunately I can’t shower all day long 🙂
By Maria Gianferrari on November 11, 2013 at 2:31 pm
Thank youso much for the great ideas!!! I love all the sketches you put in your blog. A very nice touch!!
By Laurie Young on November 11, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Love this advice–and I’m all for naps! So it’s a big win for me. 🙂
By Cathy C. Hall on November 11, 2013 at 8:34 pm
Wonderful post. Great advice given. Thanks.
By Jehanne on November 11, 2013 at 11:28 pm
Wonderful ideas! Thank you!
By erin on November 12, 2013 at 7:01 am
So many great points here! Terrific story about Thomas Edison – is that a picture book yet?? I love the idea of the napping creativity session – I’m sure my dog would join me for one of those.
By melaniebellsworth3 on November 12, 2013 at 11:43 am
Wow! I do that pie-tin thing! Except, without the pie-tins and ball bearings. I lie in a sunny spot with a notebook and pen, close my eyes and drift on a visual idea. I get kinda drowsy, then, when I’m almost asleep and visions and ideas are randomly dancing around, I wake myself up enough to scrawl them down. Is this “hypnagogia”? I never knew it had a name! Thanks for making it real!
By MirandaRandom on November 12, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Fantastic rules to follow and rememeber
By Shannon Abercrombie on November 12, 2013 at 10:01 pm
Great idea of how to get inspiration. Now, if Paul Schmid is looking for a burst of creativity, he’s welcome to stop by my house anytime and fold laundry! I’ve got a few loads waiting for him.
By Perfecting Motherhood on November 13, 2013 at 2:42 am
I love OVILER AND HIS ALLIGATOR it is so pie pan and ball bearing-ish. I like how you think and knowing a little more about you I can see why the book turned out superb.
“Hypnagogia” I spent the evening looking it up online.
Sweet dreams,
Lynn
By Lynn Ann Carol on November 13, 2013 at 11:42 am
Great quotes, illustrations and stories – Edison’s hypnagogia – thanks for the fun post!
By City Sights for Kids on November 13, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Great advice. Thanks for the permission to eat pie and nap while writing. Boo for encouraging me to fold laundry! LOL
By mochamusing on November 13, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Since your blog, I have been much more aware of my thoughts in those moments before I fall asleep and the first moments upon waking up. Thanks. It is opening my world up to a whole new level of thought and creativity.
By MichelleLynn on November 13, 2013 at 10:31 pm
What a different way to approach the creative process…intriguing! Love it.
By angiekarcher on November 14, 2013 at 2:45 am
Thank you for sharing your creative process! I’m a daydreamer, which may seem annoying to some, but for me it’s great for fresh ideas! 🙂
By Dana Atnip on November 16, 2013 at 10:46 pm
This is a wonderful post, full of great ideas. Thanks for this.
By Rosi Hollinbeck on November 17, 2013 at 1:38 pm
You just helped me move beyond a block…analyzing my ideas for believability. I am now open to my “crazy” story ideas and feel relief.
By Tonya on November 17, 2013 at 1:49 pm
I hate it when my ideas wear an invisibility cloak! What a wonderful post, full of inspiration. And I love the Picasso quote. Thank you Paul (and Tara!)!
By meg on November 17, 2013 at 11:02 pm
This is such a great post – thank you Paul. Some of the best advice I have read in ages, it has universal appeal and applies to all forms of creativity. I would love to hear more about your time with Sendak too. Cheers!
By Fran Price on November 18, 2013 at 3:45 pm
I can’t believe I haven’t posted on this yet! Loved this post. I need something to get me out of my rut sometimes. I think the best idea is to eat pie… and do the other thing with the balls and the tins. lol
By Dani Duck on November 19, 2013 at 2:10 am
Really enjoy your writing style, and the depth of your insights into how your mind (and ours!) works. Fantastic quotes!
By Amelia Shearer on November 20, 2013 at 1:58 am
Ideas come not planned into your mind
By Priya Gopal on November 20, 2013 at 9:14 pm
Great advice! I love “try to fail.” Thanks!
By littledbl on November 22, 2013 at 9:18 am
A bowl of popcorn comes handy too. It reduces anxiety ( at least for me) Ideas come unexpectedly so be ready and grab it while you can. Thanks for sharing.
By aliciaminor on November 22, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Love, love, love your post! My logical brain and my creative brain are often involved in fisticuffs. Or they would if they had fists… 🙂
By Sarah Maynard on November 23, 2013 at 4:29 pm
I love the idea of allowing yourself the permission to have a creative-thinking brain that might not be primed for work at the moment. Thanks for all of the great ideas to get out of the way of ourselves, Paul! Excellent insights!
By Matthew C. Winner on November 24, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Best ideas come to me when I least expect them and don’t try. I find that unforced ideas tend towards surprise and excitement.
By Debbie Faith Mickelson on November 24, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Great post, Paul! Hypnagogia. So nodding out and waiting up with a snort has a name? I love the long ink marks down my drawing from my hand sliding down the page as I drift off.
By Kathryn Ault Noble on November 24, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Just as you said, creative thinking is indeed like a muscle – and I am already a little bit stronger from participating in PiBoIdMo this month. Great post – thank you for all your ideas.
By Tracey Jackson on November 29, 2013 at 4:43 pm
When I first began reading this post, I thought, “Hmmm, when did I write this?” but it went on to share so much good stuff I hadn’t known — like Edison’s naps and Picasso’s words. Then there was this: “Obeying rules will not cause my manuscript to leap off the slush pile.” Finally, that illustration of yours of the girl in the rowboat says it all. Love it! Thanks, Paul.
By carolmunrojww on November 30, 2013 at 11:38 am
Wonderful post. I love the tips for easing in to things and getting the ol’ noodle working.
By blanchebaxter on December 1, 2013 at 1:18 pm
[…] have no problem finding your muse during PiBovember, but in other months try these tricks (Meditate, Play, Build, Ideate, Pass Gas) which have been highlighted in amazing PiBo posts of the […]
By Pre-PiBo Day 3: Lauri Meyers Summons the Muse (plus a prize!) | Writing for Kids (While Raising Them) on October 28, 2014 at 6:30 am