Have we become so uncreative as a culture that we can’t think on our own? Do we need someone to provide a numbered menu and drive through to pick up our creations at the next window?
We all have the ability to create. I recently posed a question on Facebook and Twitter, and asked what people would create if they could create anything. Guess what I got? Nothin’.
Not one person answered.
The next day I posted a similar question in my status, but offered three options to choose from. They were related to creating technology, entertainment, or a cure. What’s funny is, I got a multitude of responses. Each reply was honest, and they varied.
When given the opportunity to create anything, people froze. They didn’t know what to think of, or maybe they couldn’t decide on one thing. When options were provided, it seemed easier to pick one. Why is that?
What would a person create if it were really possible to create anything? My knee-jerk answer is a TARDIS, but if I took a few minutes to think of something other than my intergalactic space and time spectacle, I’d probably choose to create a way to heal all of the sick, feed all of the hungry, or rescue every person from slavery. Am I even capable of creating something so impactful?
Let me be real for a hairy-scary minute. I teach High School English and Writing, and I write books about outlandish characters living fatastical lives. Other than loving my God, family, and friends, my time is spent in virtual pages filled with ancient tribes, teenagers, and looming danger. I would love to say that you can create anything if you put your mind to it (if you figure out how to build that time machine please let me know), but unless an accident of epic proportions happens in a lab studying cancer while I’m visiting, I won’t be curing cancer. (That won’t keep me from praying, wearing ribbons, and running 5k’s!)
In real life, I want to exude creativity and come up with stories that cure lonely hearts, or inspire teens to place value in themselves. I think that’s impactful. Let’s create.
Let’s have some fun with a writing exercise…
1. Create a character from another world. Write a paragraph describing what they look like, how they breathe, what they’re good at, and what they’re bad at. What do they eat? Do they have friends? What’s their name?
2. Create a situation where you might run into your new character. Write a paragraph about the place you find him or her. Maybe they find you. What do you do? Do you get along? Why or why not?
3. Now create a super power for your character. What can they do? Do they use their power for good? Are they selfish with their super power? Will their power lead to a better life or will it be their demise?
