Everyone has creativity. It’s built into our DNA. Analytical types focus on mathematical equations or scientific discoveries, things that are innovative at their core. Others paint, act, dance or sing, because their genetic makeup pushes them toward the arts. Like pulsing veins and stretching muscles, our creative ability is part of us—a God-given molecular entity within our souls.
Writing is no exception. I like to think of it as building a body. When characters start on a page they are in the thought womb of the writer. Their cells divide and change. Gender, size, shape, hair and eye color have distinctive traits developed by pen to paper or fingertips on a keyboard.
Move to the skeletal system. An adult has 206 bones and two distinct parts to the skeleton make-up: the axial and appendicular. We are complex creatures. So a writer must develop their new human being with intricate physical and emotional structures. This is no mean feat.
We are not God who created something out of nothing, but we generate from the millions of options available to us to form a new entity that comes alive because of our ingenuity. Sometimes we get it right, sometimes wrong. And it’s back to the drawing room of characters. We want them perfect for the purpose of our story.
Then there are muscles, lungs, brains and hearts to consider. Will our character be heartless or loving? How does their brain function: are they brilliant or childish, young or old? Are they blind, deaf, perhaps an athlete preparing for the Olympics? The possibilities are as endless as the stars in the universe.
Isn’t it wonderful that we get to be a part of the creative process? I am at awe that humans can join together and have the ability to produce another in the true physical sense. I’m also fascinated that we can create fictional people within our minds.
Want to write? Get those creative juices flowing and pick up some dust along the way.
After all, from dust we came and from dust we shall return. It’s a great way to start the thought processes of building a body.
Well said, my beloved. God has gifted each one of us with some type of creativity. That is wonderful in itself. May we use our gifts for others and to God’s glory.