Friday, November 9, 2012

The Most Interesting Thing: Plugging into the Creative Outlet

“Find your creative outlet and plug into it. Otherwise, you may just short-circuit.”
 --Giuseppe Bianco
Has your creative writing outlet ever short-circuited? Mine has. That's when I must plug into a different outlet. From the time I was three years old, I've had a favorite creative outlet--the piano. Maybe I mentioned it before, but I composed music most of my life. The delicious feel of smooth ivory had always been my go-to outlet whenever I need an emotional release.

Two years ago I sold a much-loved piano because I believed writing children's fiction had replaced that need. BIG MISTAKE. 

Though this move to Colorado has brought me much happiness, it has also coincided with a motherlode of writing angst. The intense desire to plug into my beloved musical outlet grew more and more intense with each passing day. But I no longer had a piano. So I pouted. Then I prayed.

Last weekend an ad showed up in the local paper under FREEBIES. See the beautiful 1908 Cable & Nelson grand piano I received? Isn't she lovely? Once she settles into her new home and gets the loving care of a technician, I'll be plugged in again. Yay!

Do you writers have other creative outlets? What are they? Please share. 

14 comments:

  1. Wow! What a treasure you've found in that piano.

    My other creative outlet is knitting. I'd add cooking too, but I do it too often to see it as an outlet, it's more of a routine (which I love though).

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    1. A creative outlet that is part of the daily routine is wonderful!

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  2. Prayer still works. :)

    Oddly, my creative outlet is writing inspirational nonfiction. When I can't get my fiction going, I take a break and write nonfiction.

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  3. SO Thrilled that you found such a gem for FREE. Talk about a blessing! I rarely get to do this anymore, but my favorite creative outlet, other than writing, is sewing with my friend, Eden. When we're both too busy to get together (I always need her help), then knitting fills that need.

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  4. Wow, I had no idea you composed music! And yes, the Universe has a strange way of helping us out when we need it most. Congrats on your new baby; I can't wait to hear about the beautiful music you create!

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  5. Yay! And it was free?! That's fabulous! Very cool that you compose music, Angelina. I never knew!

    This post is rather timely for me. I don't have an additional talent like yours, but I've been altering my approach to writing lately. A crazier schedule is making me shift things. I'm paying less attention to the market and focusing more on things (like reading the classics) that made me want to become a writer in the first place.

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    1. I hear ya. ^_^ Recapturing joy is so essential.

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  6. That piano is beautiful! So happy you've got music back in your home!

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  7. Congratulations on your new piano! :) It looks amazing.

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  8. I'm so glad you've reconnected with the piano! Who knows but it may rejuvenate your writing as well.

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  9. What a wonderful story! I'm so glad you have a piano again -- and she is gorgeous!

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