Creative Need

Every writer I know also has other creative outlets they enjoy. I'm never surprised to learn of knitting prowess, or metalworking skill. Many writers also draw, or paint, or are talented musicians. What is it about creative minds that require multiple outlets for their creativity? I'm sure there's been some scientific or behavioral studies about this phenomenon, but I've  not seen them. All I know is what I've learned in my own small sample size analysis of writers in my circle. 
Here's a brief list:

• Sandy is a master flower gardener
• Maurene knits beautiful pieces
• Janet also knits, and loves to garden
• Kent is an improv actor and game designer
• Linda paints in watercolors and oils
• Joann is a silversmith
• Erica is in a band
• Bailey does stained glass
• Sarin makes intricate cloth-bound books
• I'm a quilter, and I love to photograph snowflakes.

I believe that if you ask any writer of their 'other' creative outlets, you would find an immense variety. I also believe that this is very healthy. I use my quilting to satisfy my love of geometry and tactile sensory input. I also love history, and have spent most of my quilting hours creating quilts from traditional patterns that I've researched. Photographing snowflakes arose from my fascination with the intricacies of nature, and a strong sense of order and pattern. These skills of research and patterns, and parts to wholes, and wonder around me have added immensely to my abilities as a writer. So far, I've incorporated quilts into every book I've written, in one form or another, and I even have a manuscript out on submission that features my main character as a snowflake photographer. 

Giving ourselves permission to explore our creative passions beyond writing fills a very important need. I believe it ultimately makes us much better writers. So get off the computer for a bit sometime today, and go do some coloring. Or dancing. Or make some chocolate mousse. Your writer-self will thank you later.

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