Cultural Creatives on Creativity

Hi Linda. Can you tell us a bit about yourself, your business, and/or your passions.

I’m a professional freelance web writer who is trying to break into print magazines and who writes fiction also. I have one short story in Accentuate Service’s Anthology Competition (www.accentuateservices.com for more info) and a few I am waiting to hear back on. When I am not writing I am painting on canvas with acrylic’s and being a mom to my two little boys.

Share three interesting/crazy things about yourself.

I run a teen art group, am a mom to 2 boys, take self defense classes, freelance for five different websites, take the boys to karate, baseball and other activities and still make dinner almost everyday by 6pm. I think that’s a little crazy.

What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?

I held my mom’s dog while we put him to sleep and spoke to him about the other dogs he would meet on the other side to comfort him.

Name your top five books, movies, songs, musical groups, and/or websites. Are there any books or movies (genres) that you avoid?

Anything by Anne Rice, The Notebook (a brilliant movie), I love all kinds of music, currently my favorite bands are Shinedown and Tantric. I avoid most Stephen King books however I just read Four Seasons which was a fascinating compilation of short stories, the Library Policeman twisted my gut. I may read more of his work now.

Based upon the description of a cultural creative, do you feel you are one? If so, why?

Yes, because I am spiritual, earth friendly and still connected to the modern world.

What made you first want to become an artist, writer, a creator?

I have been painting since I could put my fingers on paper. I have always been an artist. Now I get to be an artist with words and get paid for it.

Does spirituality play an important role in the creative process for you? If so, how?

Yes, the best art comes from my spirituality and so does my faith in accomplishing some task no matter how big or small.

What is your first memory of creating something you were proud of?

I made a display for my mom in art class. It was two drawings. One was in color and the other was in black and white of a carousel horse. The drawings were cut into strips then laid on a display that had tilted spots. When you walked past it one way it was one drawing and then when you walked past it the other way it was a different drawing. It was pretty cool. My mom loved it.

What three words best describe the feeling you get when your creativity is flowing?

passion, energy, awe

What sparks your creativity?

Just about anything.

What was/is the biggest obstacle you’ve faced? How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience?

Those who doubted me. It actually spurred me on to accomplish what I set out for myself. I learned that when they said “You can’t.” I said “Oh yeah, watch me.”

Putting your vision into the world can be scary. Many of us wonder if we’re good enough. How do you respond to negative self-talk? What tools do you use to help work beyond your self-doubt?

I meditate and try never to talk negatively about myself because it will just lead to more negativity. Positive affirmations help also.

If you get google alerts, what are some keywords/phrases you receive? Does this help your creativity?

I do get google alerts but they are for articles I have written. I do not use google alerts for personal keywords and phrases.

Are there any archetypes (hero, warrior, goddess, messenger, trickster, fool, savior, wanderer, magician etc.) that you resonate with which you feel have helped guide you on your creative journey? Does someone or something sometimes act as your muse?

Seshat, the Scribe is the Egyptian Goddess of writing, creativity and much more. She guides me on my creative journeys.

Are there any recurring motifs in your sleeping dreams, and if so, what do you think they symbolize? Is there a bigger message for you? Do your nighttime dreams ever spark your creativity?

My dreams are very vivid and sometimes turn into stories.

In what ways do you promote your work?

I talk to people, write a lot, hang out in some writer forums, use promotional social sites like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to share work I like and my own work.

If you use social networking sites, have any been particularly helpful in helping you spread the word about your work? If so, which one(s) and how?

Both MySpace and Facebook have helped me get readers.

What’s your favorite Internet tool either for promotion or enhancing your creativity?

I don’t know if I have one.

Cultural Creatives tend to want their work to impact society in a positive way. Is changing/improving society with your work part of your goal? If yes, please elaborate a bit on your vision.

I want to make the world a more beautiful place and I want to educate in the process. I hope my positive writing does that as well as my paintings.
Have you been able to earn a living while pursuing your creative passions? Is there anything from a business perspective that stands out as a key or catalyst to your success that you’d like to share?

Yes, I have started making money. Not quite earning a living yet but I am working on it and getting closer every day.

Don’t be shy. Success will not come to you unless you go out and get it!