Creativity – Page 4 – Rhythm Prism Publishing

Not A Creative Hiatus

By A. G. Moore

To Poets Who May Read This: Please understand I am not a poet, but this seemed pompous as an essay and less so as a poem, so I framed the thoughts in verse.

Here I am, between projects.
Though not really; always an idea is germinating,
Waiting for fruition.

Does the earth get restless between seasons,
Or does it slumber peacefully
Under the cover of winter snow?

There must be tension in the ground,
Potential energy, building slowly,
Waiting to burst forth with the spring equinox.

Where is my equinox?
What is the trigger
That will call forth the blossoming of ideas?

The earth may bloom on schedule–
Though this creation can be disrupted
By unorthodox weather patterns.

But there is no discernible pattern to my creativity.
I am still,
Or so it seems to those who observe my quietude.

They are deceived.
I ride the cataract
Before the cascade.

How long before lateral motion ends
And I am plummeted once again into the
Free fall of creation?

September 19, 2015January 6, 2016 by A. G. Moore Categories: Inspiration, Writing TipsTags: Creativity, Poetry, Prose, Writing Leave a comment

Commonsense Approach to Creative Writing

manual trait 1 smash — The Image is taken from “Teacher’s Manual The Artist Inside”. This is one of the sample pictures offered to prompt creative thinking about personal traits . Students are encouraged to look beyond age, gender and race. They are asked to describe what the action in the picture suggests to them. Teachers are invited to copy sample pictures and hand these copies out as part of their lessons.

The following essay is copied from Rhythm Prism’s writing development book,Teacher’s Manual The Artist Inside

There is a national debate about Common Core and standardized testing. However, when it comes to writing, the discussion is almost irrelevant. Whatever position may be taken on the value of Common Core and standardized testing, the goal of every writing program everywhere is the same: to develop in students the ability to express themselves logically, clearly and effectively.

The Artist Inside writing development book and the accompanying Teacher’s Manual are designed to achieve this universally acknowledged goal.

Those who wish to advance a classic writing development program will find their tradition richly respected in The Artist Inside system. Those who wish to follow guidelines of the Common Core curriculum will find those standards seamlessly incorporated into the system. The ‘gimmick’ of The Artist Inside writing development system is simply this: it is engaging.

Students are invited to use their imagination. They are guided in that use with the introduction of specific tools. Teachers are offered modalities that facilitate student use.

The goal of all language–spoken, written, signed–is to convey information. Writing may require more discipline than speech but, like speech, it becomes more fluent with practice. This is what The Artist Inside system promotes.

The first challenge in any writing program is to get students writing. Extend an invitation, not a challenge. Offer guidance, not rigid structure. With this approach, the skill will evolve, as all language does in the proper environment.

April 24, 2015October 7, 2016 by A. G. Moore Categories: Child Development, Creative Writing, Education, Home Schooling, Learning, powerful languageTags: Child development, Common Core, Creative Learning, Creative Thinking, Creative Writing, Creativity, Developing Writing Skills, Education, Effective Writing Leave a comment

Demystifying Book Writing Part II

I am in the process of writing another small book. A particular kind of concentration is required to complete this project. There may be people who write from pure inspiration; that’s not me. Inspiration is essential but not enough. Information is equally important, and patience.

The idea for my book took root only a couple of weeks ago. I had been itching to start on a book for a while but needed to hit on something that grabbed my imagination. Once I got the idea it germinated for a few days. Then I started reading. As I read I began to understand what I needed to learn about my subject. At that point my plan was taking clear shape.

However, I never know if a plan has ‘legs’ until I put words down on paper. Usually I just jump in. I find pictures that are interesting, and random bits of fascinating trivia. I’ve grown familiar with my subject by this stage, so there’s context in which to place the material. This is one of the best parts about writing. I know so much more than I did, because I’ve been studying.

I love that.

As I put material on paper the practicality of my plan is either validated or not. Often the words lead me in a path that diverges from the original plan. That’s also something I enjoy. When this happens, I’m not just writing for others; I’m also writing for myself. Often I inflict my excitement on family and start to tell them about my discoveries. This exercise is very helpful and I am grateful to my family for the kindness they extend to me.

The need to frame my thoughts into words that make sense to other people–my family–requires discipline. Not only must I speak logically, but I have to honestly observe the reaction to what I believe to be fascinating information. If people are bored, I’m in trouble.

On the other hand, if my family shows more than polite interest in the material I share, there’s a good chance my intended audience will be engaged.

I’m pretty sure where my current book is going, what my next step has to be. I certainly know where the book finishes (although sometimes I may be surprised by that). The beginning is down; the path is set. The middle will be an adventure as I follow the stepping stones, the highlights of history that will direct the story I would like to tell.

One thing I can’t lose sight of is the audience. If the attention of the audience is lost, so too is my objective.

The way I go about writing a book certainly will not work for everyone. My ambition in my current project is very modest. The intended audience is young people, though I anticipate that the occasional mature reader who stumbles upon the book will not regret the experience.

I love to write. When I’m finished with a book, I pass it on and hope it has a life of its own. For anyone who creates anything, that is a miracle every time it happens.

April 4, 2015January 12, 2016 by A. G. Moore Categories: Book Writing, Creative Writing, Education, History, Learning, powerful language, Writing expressively, Writing TipsTags: Book Writing, Creative Thinking, Creative Writing, Creativity, nonfiction writing, Planning a Book, Writing, writing organization Leave a comment

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