Steve Taylor heard I was writing about creativity and sent me an e-mail with some advice he’d received. The advice was simple:
1. A creator loves what they do.
2. A creator knows how to do what they do.
3. A creator does what they do.
You’re probably thinking “duh” right? But when I apply this to my life, there is value.
1. I fell in love with writing during high school. I wrote an article for the youth group newsletter and received positive feedback and that was it. My love affair with words began. It was my new identity, and that impure motive, perhaps, turned into a genuine appreciation for the written word. I’ve not stopped thinking about how to phrase ideas since. A love for the art is important, because without it, you won’t pull through. If you want to the identity of a rock star, good luck. If you love music, you may get the identity but hopefully you won’t care. You and your love will just make great music and enjoy life.
2. Malcolm Gladwell points out that the average “genius” is no genius at all, but has spent ten-thousand hours honing their craft. Steinbeck’s early work has flashes of genius, but he rambles. Nobody is born great. It takes work. Lots and lots of work. When I first started writing, I wondered if I had something special, if I could be like Steinbeck. I was hoping there was some magical ability within me that would shine out and get discovered. But these are foolish thoughts. The best way to get discovered is to work very hard, very long hours and get good. People discover what is good.
3. And I’ve been offered jobs in video and screenwriting and other stuff that doesn’t have a great deal to do with books. I’ve taken some of these jobs, but I’ve noticed I’m not as good at them as I am at what I do, I write books. And I have to remember that. A creator focusses, hoes the same land for decades and keeps the soil fertile. He isn’t lazy, he works, every day, moving the plot forward. In addition, a creator actually makes things happen. Creative talk and exploration is not the same as the act of creation. A creator can hold in their hands what they’ve made. Little blog entries and practice poems won’t do. A creator makes things.
So, I hope that helps. Here are some questions to consider. What do I love to do? Am I good at it, and if not, am I practicing and do I love the practice. And lastly, what am I making. Am I writing a book, painting a series of paintings for a gallery open, pushing songs forward for an album, creating a line of clothes for a fashion show, writing a series of sermons?
Lets go and create.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Faithful Bloggers and mygodstories, Today's New Books. Today's New Books said: RT Donald Miller: Three Characteristics of a Creator http://dlvr.it/HRl1l #blog [...]
Greetings from Texas!
This blog is spot on, Don. I’m currently working through the same characteristics in my workplace – allowing individual passion and expression to accompany each employee in their day-to-day job. Challenging? Yes. Story-changing? Yes.
100% off topic – there is a group (2 couples) from Texas planning a trip to the Storyline conference in June. Any chance you’ll be near the DFW area in August? We’ve got a bike ride for you!
Great post Don. It’s always helpful to remember the little things that keep you on the road of your calling.
Fine thoughts on a big problem. Most people are not “Completion Junkies”. I have to choose to be a completer.
I am a Builder. I love to build houses. I choose the lot, flip thru 1000s of plans, hire all the workers. You create and then people vote for it with their phone calls, walk thru’s and the sales. However, I struggle to finish the houses at about the cabinet stage. I can walk thru the house by this point. The outside is painted and usually from the street it looks good. By then, my interest in the house has peaked. I am looking and thinking of the next house….the next loan, the next great idea. This has got me in trouble several times. Usually with the investor who loans me the money and wants it back in the shortest time. (That’s how investors are – because they like loan fees . .. love loan fees).
So I call myself a completion junkie. I have finished now over 300 houses to the final details. The 5 houses that I could not finish due to the economy are 5 unfinished projects in my head. They are always there. But 5 is better than 300.
“know genius at all…” just a little typo i noticed
Thanks, James! I made the change.
I started a blog and stole your “mynameis” thing. I couldn’t think of anything original and I wasn’t going to use numbers. Just this month I started a blog. Like you I’ve had a writing bug since early on. I love writing poetry and just about anything. If I’m in front of a computer or notepad I feel obligated to scratch out something. It wasn’t until recently that I’ve come into a peace about who I am and how God has wired me. It was this peace that gave me the courage to do this. Thanks for these posts lately, they’ve been a tremendous help and encouragement.
First, I want to tell you how much I’ve appreciated these posts on what it means to create. I need the reminder, the encouragement of how important it is to stay in the process, to bring new things into the world. I know these things at my core, but it’s easy for my artistic soul to be distracted or discouraged.
So thank you.
And then I’ll hope you’ll hear me on one thing – and I wouldn’t bring it up except that I feel like you’ve said a variation of it several times lately – and that is the idea that posting to a blog is a small thing. I think I understand why you say that, in your particular frame of reference. I see how it can be a distraction from your main work of writing a book. But for many people, their blog is their act of creation. And while I don’t think it’s your intention to demean anyone who puts work and creativity into that form, your words could be taken that way…
Like I said, so often, so much, I am so grateful for your writing. And that you choose to share it here, in a way that we can very much interact with. Thank you for doing that (and for risking picky comments from people like me).
Chiming in…yes, I felt a sting in the statement about “little blog entries and practice poems won’t do. A creator makes things” as well, since it was a huge step for me to start putting my thoughts and ideas out there for others to read. But after more thought I accepted the fact that I know that’s not all I want to create. The truth is, I started to blog to interact with others to get (drum roll) ideas for song lyrics!! That’s what I love. I appreciate the ways you encourage creativity, though. I keep coming back because this blog challenges me in so many ways. Thanks!
I had the same thought — and agree that I’m sure Don didn’t mean to demean anyone’s work. But it did make me think of the wide range of creativity we’re involved in…hands, feet, eyes, ears of the Body. We don’t all have a thing to “hold in our hands” to show for our creative work, except in a very broad sense, which is what I’m sure Don meant.
I’m thinking more about creating since I’m about to lose my job as a writing instructor because of budget cuts. My dream is to publish my little grammar book called, “How to Write with Flair.” I’m going to do it myself! It seems silly that grammar could be my creative gift to the world, but I believe the semicolon can be a sublime thing. Thanks! http://www.livewithflair.blogspot.com
BIG fan of the semicolon, and of grammar as a tool for beauty. You go!
You also make a great point about just doing the work. I hear that!
Hey Don. Thanks for the encouragement with creativeness and creating in general. I really respect the work you complete. I wanted to attend your talk tomorrow in Nashville but they only have one day tickets for $75, ouch. I just moved to Franklin and am an aspiring writer/ artist. I would love to meet up! I know you will have a busy schedule. Thanks, oh and do not feel like you have to approve this reply : /
Garrett
Hi Don,
I’ve taken your advice in an earlier post and have not discussed my projects that are in process. I’m wondering at what point do I share? I need feedback… after I finish the first draft? Halfway through? As I have been working on a project, I find myself needing a push or maybe some encouragement that I’m onto something.
At what point do you share?
[...] I always come away thinking, and I usually keep processing that one blog for a few days. In his most recent blog he talked about the three characteristics of a [...]
I’m loving the creator series, Don. In fact, I’m selfishly hoping that this will turn into a book…
Two thoughts. First, I love the focus on creativity as a process. Sometimes as I work to create something I get discouraged because the “thing” that I am working to create isn’t perfect, or isn’t turning out the way I had pictured when I started. But I love what you said about honing a craft requiring lots and lots of work. Helps me to rest in the process.
Second, I love the tension between resting in the process and driving through to completion. Sometimes I think we fear completion for the exact reason I mentioned above – we want the finished product to be perfect. But I am finding that it usually takes completing something less than perfect for me to know what step I’m supposed to take next.
I think completion is a discipline; and it is one I’ve been wrestling with lately.
Favorite Steinbeck book, Don?
East of Eden, no contest.
[...] started writing this post last night before reading Donald Miller’s blog this morning. I just get so tired of watching movies that were made just to make a buck. If [...]
Comments are back…(possibly a yippee!)
I’m quite certain you gained HOURS of your life back without having them though.
I’ve really enjoyed this series.
Loved the one on “luck”.
I too believe success (in just about any area in life) often depends solely on the someone willing to “show up” each time, every time, for all time.
Thanks Don.
I’m really enjoying your entire “creator” phase; this post in particular.
A friend of mine suggested I read Dorothy Sayers, “Mind of the Maker.”
I’ve haven’t read it, but think it may be similar to your thinking in terms of the arts and creating.
Thanks again for all your posts. Hope life is treating you well.
Hi Don,
I’m enjoying this series. So, I’m doing what I love (in the mornings before work), working at it each day and I’m making progress. Going back to an earlier post, you encourage folks not to share about what they are doing, but to hold it close and share as you have accomplished your creative stuff. My question is, at what point is it a good time to get feedback? I’m realizing my need for others, who really know how to do what I’m doing. I need encouragement and some pushes to keep on- keep’n on.
First draft? Halfway through? Outline? I would enjoy knowing how you go about deciding when’s the time to share.
oops, didn’t think my comment made it through earlier today. sorry for the repeat extended dance mix version.
Melissa – I pray that you continue to strive towards your goals, working hard in the morning. I envy those people who have to ability to do that. I work at a job in the entertainment industry, but the hours are grueling, and I only have an hour between getting home and going to bed to squeeze in 6 hours of sleep before the next day. I am trying to find my wings, but I have nothing left when I come home. I envy Don where is just able to sit at home and writer- that’s my dream. Part of me wants to quit become a waitress and write part time – but then the bills won’t get paid. Maybe I will just make it in this life – and God will let me write for eternity – I guess that’s when it will pay off.
This is what I love to do! http://www.stephaniebarenz.com (or just click on my name). I make work about how movement between locations, whether it is a daily walk or a lifelong journey, can transform our relationships to place. I think that as a visual artist it is really easy to get caught up in everything else (such as writing about your work, applying to shows, selling your work through social media, and so on) and forget that what you are suppose to be doing is painting. I still struggle with that every day. Thanks for the reminder that we should just sit down and do the work first and worry about all of the other stuff later. Also, thanks for all these awesome posts on being a creator, I have really enjoyed reading them everyday. I hope they get turned into a book!
I confess to having a love-hate relationship with my craft.
Love: standing before people who’ve come to worship and feeling like you have a well-prepared, passionate message from Scipture & life to share with them.
Hate: staring down the barrel of Sunday morning, evening, & Weds nights every Monday morning or walking on the platform feeling like I have no ammo.
Love: being with people, learning from them, having the privilege to serve them and help during hard times.
Hate: feeling the weight of a growing congregation and knowing it’s mathematically impossible to be there for those you love.
Love: having an amazing staff.
Hate: velocity means our time together firefighting or hammering through issues related to change.
Anne Lamott’s Grace/Mercy memoirs and *Bird by Bird* have been seed-bearing fruit for years through my love-hate relationship with being a creative.
LY
From one congregate out in this big ole world, a big THANK YOU! I appreciate your service, your devotion and your love for your job. Keep on keeping on!
It is because we love it so much that when we feel we fall short, negativity can set in.
God’s abundant grace to you as you head into Sunday.
Hey Don,
This was a great post. Made me remember an article I read a long while back – also based on the idea of deliberate practice {10,000 hours} and expertise. http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/21/magazines/fortune/talent_colvin.fortune/index2.htm
Sadly, we spend so much time waiting for things to happen – stories to happen – life to happen – when we should be leaning forward into it, and making it happen.
I really enjoyed this post.
Aaron
1. a creator loves what they do
Brilliant! but not obvious. I’ve think many miserable people need to be reminded of this.
2. a creator knows how to do what they do
And yet your explanation on this point is about work. Hard work. Thank goodness. Because while I love writing, the truth is beyond the blog, I really know nothing about it. Queries, publishers, etc. But there is hope in hard work isn’t there?
and
3. a creator does what they do
I have a love hate relationship with the keyboard. I love pounding out my thoughts and ideas … when they come. Hate staring at the blinking cursor!
oi!
Thanks for opening this up to comments today Don! Keep it up. This creator is finding great motivation in it!
*spews diet coke at her screen upon popping in and seeing the Commments section back*
When did that happen? Oh, my…so much to say! Really I just want to thank you, Don, for all the posts on being a creator. This post in particular was incredibly encouraging to me as I begin to plan a different path for my life. Thank you.
I’m with Nicole. Even if my post isn’t being read – by anyone – I can still experience a feeling of community through “Comments.” Glad it’s back … glad we’re back
I have really liked reading your posts on creativity. They have me thinking a lot about visual art and creativity in that arena. …fun to think about.
I hope you don’t mind me sharing these. Here are some of my thoughts about creators making visual art:
1. fluidity-managing your own expectations of the final result & flexibility with the materials at hand
2. boundaries-sounds strange but giving yourself a set of criteria (materials, color scheme, etc.) or a theme will help
3. be open to experimentation & chance occurrences (i.e. looking at spills or accidents as happy things that will eventually, with effort, make the work better)
4. freedom-giving yourself license to vary what’s happening, set it aside or scrap it
5. identify what you need to do good work: quiet, peace, safety, privacy…and find a place that feels that way
6. don’t ask for input until you are really ready to hear it because it’ll derail you if it isn’t what you hoped for
7. use all your senses & be present
8. understand your foundational “stuff”, for visual art: the elements of design as foundational and the principles as building blocks–then, play with or randomly break those rules
Hi Don,
I just want to say I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your writing ‘rampage’ on creativity. Your words inspire and offer such meaningful insight and I thank you for that! It has caused me to realize I need to ask myself some important questions and I appreciate your urging readers to do so. Your blog posts have become a daily treat for me!
Many thanks!
Don, in your creator series it seems that you place a lot of focus on the arts (film, writing, music, painting…etc) as the medium through which one creates.
I think there is something to be said for crafting in other areas. The exact sciences need creators too. Relationships need innovation and constant tweaking. Athletes should also be encouraged to think like creators. Creativity goes a long way for any profession or life calling.
Do you agree, disagree? Do you believe the creating process is specific to above mentioned arts?
Thanks! Love your stuff.
I sure agree with you, Guilherme. The creative process is alive in all areas of our existence. When you make something from nothing, you are creating.
Hey Don!
Just wanted to let you know that this blog has been very inspirational to me and a band member of mine. We are currently making an album and appreciate all the wisdom you leave here daily. We need all the help and egging on we can get. I’ve learned a lot this year.
Ryan Flick
…and you are a creator Don.
So…a fellow writer?
Finally – a blog post about doing what you love that actually -applies- to me. You have strengthened my hope for mankind.
Thanks for sharing personally about creativity. You might like a talk Monty Python’s John Cleese did on creativity. Here’s a link to it on youtube (http://bit.ly/hHtyp8). I really liked hearing insights from one of the great comedic creators. Keep writing; your gift is a blessing!
Hey Don!
I didn’t know you turned comments back on here at the blog!
Here I was typing these cryptic, tweeny abbreviated tweets to you. Goodness sakes!
I love writing. Fell in love with it since I got my first Hello Kitty diary and now find myself writing on post-it notes and back of junk mail (aarrgh! Where IS that sentence I scrawled while driving!).
I’m torn between two lovers: my book and my blog.
[...] Three Characteristics of a Creator: Something in this blog entry struck me: Creative talk and exploration is not the same as the act of creation. A creator can hold in their hands what they’ve made. Little blog entries and practice poems won’t do. A creator makes things. [...]
Most Definitely if you turn these thoughts on Being A Creator into a book, would be real NEAT!
It’s in reality a nice and useful piece of info. I am satisfied that you shared this useful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.