Creativity is defined as, “The use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work,” according to the dictionary.
While we would love to believe that we have a reservoir of original ideas ready to pull from, that is far from the case. According to a 2012 New York Times article, creativity is more complex. It can come from looking at something from the outside while traveling, or collaborating with others. Heck, who doesn’t get a great idea in the shower? Creativity can be a cultivated action as much as one from inspiration. As writers, we can experience an onslaught of ideas or times when we have to create space between us and the project and do something like walk or read to stimulate thought.
In order to improve our writing, we need to improve our creativity, which is essential to our writing as the story shows. Here are five TED talks that at the very least will get to see things from another perspective:
Do Schools Kill Creativity?
by Ken Robinson
In this TED Talk, according to How To Teach A Child To Read, the topic discusses how schools kill creativity. Understanding how creativity is squashed, no matter what the age, helps one understand how creativity is fostered. In this TED talk, Sir Ken Robinson discusses the notion of how schools do not allow for failure, which can lead to creativity. He argues that when one is not afraid to fail, then the ability to try new things is present, and that can lead to new ideas. The takeaway here is that not being afraid to fail can lead to great idea generation and creativity.
Where Do Ideas Come From?
by Steve Johnson
In this talk, the topic discusses ideas through history and where they came from. It discusses some famous inventions and how the ideas came about, ranging from Charles Darwin to today’s internet. The argument is that it was not a Eureka moment that created the ideas, but a process. This is a fascinating talk that will help you understand how some of the greats found ideas to help you find yours.
The Surprising Habits of Original Thinkers
by Adam Grant
In this talk, Grant discusses habits that people with fresh ideas use to create those ideas. It is a thought provoking discussion on where ideas come from. Are they a flash of inspiration, or are they more deliberate and purposeful? This talk tackles the origin of ideas, how to create them, and how to nurture them. For anyone stuck for ideas, this is a must watch talk.
4 Lessons in Creativity
by Julie Burstein
The speaker of this talk is a radio host who talks to creative people all the time. She uses these discussions to discuss four lessons she pulled from them on creativity. The themes range from creating in the face of challenges, to dealing with self-doubt. Insights in this talk come from people in several different industries. If you want to learn from people who are creative for a living, this is the talk for you.
Where Does Creativity Hide?
by Amy Tan
In this talk, the novelist Amy Tan discusses her creative process when writing. She does this by cramming a good amount of information into an 18-minute talk. In the talk she discusses the idea of nature vs. nurture and how that plays into creativity. She also discusses theories such as string theory. Most of all, she tells her personal story, which is moving and inspiring in itself. If you want to see inside the mind of a successful creative writer, this is the talk for you.
These talks are a wealth of information. They take you through the idea of creativity from many different aspects. From institutionalized creativity to theories to history, to personal stories, these talks will give you insight into creativity like never before. You will walk away re-thinking how you work and what creativity really is and where it comes from. In the end, this will make you a better writer.
The Bottom Line: Get the creative juices flowing and watch some TED Talks today!
About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz
Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it’s their first book or their 15th book. He’s handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman’s World, & Howard Stern to name a few.
Learn more about Westwind Communications’ book marketing approach at http://www.book-marketing-expert.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com or by phone at 734-667-2090. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist
