Creating in Flow

Susan K. Perry, Ph.D. is a social psychologist, writer, and writing consultant. Among her books are Writing in Flow: Keys to Enhanced Creativity. See full bio

November 15, 2009

Blocked? Make a List, Lift a Brick, Read a Tip

Is your brain feeling dull? If you can't be creative, try something "mechanical," suggests the author of Weinberg on Writing: The Fieldstone Method. Read on for practical tips for engaging with a writing project and reaching the creative zone, including gathering stones (!). Read More

November 8, 2009

Creative Kids (Part 2): 7 Ways to Teach Flow

Last time, I shared the why of helping kids learn to enter a flow state. Here is the how: 7 tips for helping your child get the amazing benefits of spending time in the zone of flow.... Read More

November 1, 2009

Creative Kids Learn to Flow (Part 1)

Watch closely next time your child is deeply involved in play. If she's so focused that she doesn't come when you call her, she's not ignoring you just to be ornery. She's probably in a flow state. You ought to encourage that. Here's why... Read More

October 25, 2009

The Little Girl Giant Puppet & Other Posts Too Short to Post

If you haven't yet come across the spellbinding video of the little girl giant puppet, check it out now. Referring to it, one blogger wrote about the "giant puppet rule of creativity." ... Read More

October 16, 2009

Do You Dare to Be Bad?

What would you do if you could do anything, and no one would get hurt? For some, such a thought experiment is easy. For others--especially women--it can be incredibly difficult. Getting Unstuck, a guide to unblocking your creativity, says you ought to try talking to your shadow side to learn what's holding you back... Read More

October 4, 2009

Nicholson Baker's Procrastinating Poet

Is a poet still a poet if he spends most of his time sitting in a white plastic chair in his driveway? If he promises to write an introduction to a poetry anthology but avoids writing and instead riffs on poetry and poems, digressing to the point of absurdity? That's the set-up for Nicholson Baker's latest novel, and it's not only funny, but psychologically true-to-life. Read More

September 29, 2009

Is Performing Creative?

Composers create music from their imaginations. And, certainly, we expect jazz performers to improvise. But what about those who perform classical music? When they play their instruments, how creative can they be? I asked Eugene Drucker, world-famous violinist with the Emerson Quartet... Read More

September 20, 2009

Trust Craft More Than Inspiration

Losing track of time is one of the clearest hallmarks of creative flow. But don't let that fool you. Not everything you produce in such a fluid zone will please you once you're thinking "normally" again. So say many successful artists, including novelist Margot Livesey. Read more... Read More

September 14, 2009

3 New Facts About Creativity

You can never know everything there is to know about creativity, but if you're open to learning a few new facets about this misunderstood topic, read on. Read More

September 7, 2009

5 Writing Tips from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Don't say too much; don't say too little. That's what it takes today to be a very good writer. A hundred or so years ago, Emerson figured that out. First We Read, Then We Write: Emerson on the Creative Process collects and explores some of Ralph Waldo Emerson's best advice on how to write... Read More

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Even those of us not in explicitly creative fields must come up with new ideas and insights in order to move ahead. How can we shake up our thinking patterns?

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