Author Rick Rubin, musician and record producer, looks a little like the biblical Moses. in this photo: woozled hair; long, straggly beard.
Maybe so.
But he is on a mission to convince readers that being creative is not a skill to be learned but a way of being in the world, a lifestyle.
Some Key Ideas:
- As artists, we want to restore our childlike perception: a more innocent state of wonder and appreciation not tethered to utility or survival. 26
- Look for Clues: “A writer may be in a coffee shop, working on a scene and unsure what a character is going to say next. A phrase may be [overheard] that provides a direct answer, or at least a glimpse of a possible direction.” 37
- Watch for epiphanies, “hidden in the most ordinary of moments” —- the casting of a shadow, the smell of a match igniting, an unusual phrase overheard or misheard.” 129
- “For some artists the work comes easily. “Bob Dylan could write a song in minutes while Leonard Cohen sometimes took years. And we may love the songs equally.” 300
- “Within every artist there is a child emptying a box of crayons on the floor, searching for just the right color to draw the sky. It may be violet, or olive, or burnt orange.” 353
Google image
- “We share our . . . way of seeing in order the spark an echo in others.” 392
* * *
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
~ Ephesians 2:10, New Living Translation
Of course you know, so much depends on your perspective!
The authors showcased below exude creativity of all sorts through the written word, visual arts, and photography.
South African author, photographer, and artist, Robbie Cheadle, has written and illustrated seventeen children’s books, illustrated a further three children’s books, and written and illustrated four poetry books. Her work has also appeared in poetry and short story anthologies. (The tiger pictured above illustrates her artistic skill.)
Robbie also has two novels and a collection of short stories published under the name of Roberta Eaton Cheadle and has horror, paranormal, and fantasy short stories featured in several anthologies under this name.
You can find Robbie Cheadle’s artwork, fondant and cake artwork, and all her books on her website here: https://www.robbiecheadle.co.za/
I sampled Robbie’s work first in her children’s books, specifically, Sir Chocolate Rainbow Fairies Cookbook, coauthored with her son Michael
My Review
Treat yourself to a delightful confection of rhyming poetry, photos of creative fondant (sweet, pliable icing), all ensconced in a playful story featuring fairies, rainbows, and fanciful flavors of ice cream.
The author, who works in high finance by day, gives expression to her creative side in this book, tasty Sir Chocolate and the Ice Cream Rainbow and Fairies Story, part of a series. Recipes are included with colorful photos, including cheese and bacon scones, fudge balls, and strawberry jelly cupcakes. Read more here.
Debby Gies
Debby Gies is a Canadian nonfiction and memoir author who writes under the popular pen name D.G. Kaye. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, she is widely recognized in the indie-author community as a prolific memoirist, book reviewer, and lifestyle blogger (blurb). She is incredibly supportive of other authors, including me.
Literary Focus and Themes
- Core Topics: Writes raw, honest books about life, relationships, overcoming adversity, and women’s issues.
- Writing Style: Described as conversational, open, and heartfelt, akin to chatting with a close friend over coffee.
- Philosophy: Aims to empower readers by sharing personal vulnerabilities and the life lessons learned from them.
A memoirist at heart, Debby’s book titles include these: Conflicted Hearts, A Daughter’s quest for solace from emotional guilt, P.S. I Forgive You, A Broken Legacy, Meno-What? Memorable Moments of Menopause, Have Bags, Will Travel, and Twenty Years After “I Do,” a tribute to her beloved husband, about whom she wrote in a memoir, About the Real Stages of Grief (2025). She regularly offers fantastic writing tips on her BLOG.
My Review
In About the Real Stages of Grief author D. G. Kaye speaks directly from her heart to her readers. In her memoir, Kaye notes that “We grievers will pass through various stages after grief begins, eventually making our way out of the fog and into our new lives. But here’s the thing: we don’t escalate through stages as though we’re passing an exam and will one day graduate. Grief never ends.” In fact, she continues, “As much as we have loved is as much as we will grieve.” Read more here.
Pamela Wight
Pamela Wight is a successful author of romantic suspense novels; three illustrated children’s books, BIRDS OF PARADISE, MOLLY FINDS HER PURR, and PETEY WANTS WINGS; and a “flash” memoir, FLASHES OF LIFE. I’ve read all four books. Find links to her books here.
Her first book, THE RIGHT WRONG MAN, got rave reviews for taking readers “on an exciting adventure with lots of intrigue, unexpected plot twists, and romance.” A year later, Wight published her second novel, TWIN DESIRES. “Lots of suspense. . . and excellent character development makes this a fun read!”
The gorgeously illustrated children’s book, BIRDS OF PARADISE, finalist in the 2018 International Book Awards, has garnered many enthusiastic reviews: “This creative, compassionate story about birds will inspire children to notice the everyday adventures of backyard birds.”
Most recently, I’ve read Flashes of Life, “light-hearted short stories that acknowledge the ‘aha’ sparks in our everyday life.” (blurb)
My Review
Pamela Wight’s Flashes of Life dishes out shimmering images of every day life. As her subtitle promises, author Wight delivers vignettes with insight and good humor, “True Tales of the Extraordinary Ordinary in our lives,” including anxiously awaiting a grandchild’s arrival, the case of the missing cellphone, the lesson of burnt toast, or dancing at a multi-cultural wedding. I could especially identify with the vignette titled “What’s in the Middle of Your Middle Name” as I too lack a middle name. Read more here.
What creative practice(s) do you enjoy?
Are you acquainted with any of the authors featured here?
Good morning, Marian! It’s great to see the writers here. I know of Debbie, and I follow Robbie and Pam. I don’t have any particular creative practice, but it’s always nice to have an epiphany! 😊 I’ve written some poems in minutes, but others have taken months.
Like Merril, sometimes a story comes out in mere minutes. On the other hand, I have three novels 1/3-1/2 written in my file folder, waiting waiting waiting for the epiphany that will get the characters talking to me again. 🙂
It will come, Pam! Or you’ll get a better idea.
I agree!
One great thing about blogging is that over time we build a community of those that are creating a history together. Thanks for acknowledging your “friends” here.
And I’m glad you can relate to Rick Rubin’s comment about Bobby Dylan and Leonard Cohen. Thanks for starting our conversation here, Merril. Here’s to more epiphanies! 😀
You’ve showcased three of my favourite authors here. I love all of their books and consider them my friends. The quotes from Rick Rubin are perfect! Thanks for sharing them. Happy mid-week. xo
Happy mid-week to you too, Darlene. I suspect Spain may be edging closer to end-of-day. I’m happy to showcase worthy authors, including you.
My pleasure!
We bloggers HAVE become such good friends, I think from reading each other’s posts and learning about our lives, but then also, reading each other’s novels/memoirs/poems/children’s lit and getting to know our talents and our “writing soul” in an in-depth way. What a gift!
You are an amazing connector of writers, Marian. Kudos to you for keeping up with so many and offering wisdom and support for them. My creative practices vary from day to day but include meditation, conversations with Stuart and friends, keeping my few flowers alive, exercise, reading, writing, and occasionally speaking. Variety keeps things interesting.
Shirley, your creative practices mirror mine. (Deer are attacking my flowers and bird feeder. . . not to blame as we have encroached on their habit.)
And you “brighten the corner where you are” with reverberations far beyond. Watch out for a special author mention in two weeks.
Like Marian, I enjoy creative endeavors much like yours. I smiled at the “occasionally speaking.” I probably do too much of that, but I also learn a lot from listening wherever I go. That sparks creativity, as Rick Rubin mentions in his book.
I continue to marvel that my wife/author/blogger Marian takes time out of her busy schedule to shout out (via text) her appreciation for other author/friends that have contributed to her life.
Well, a cheering champion under my own roof. Thanks for your constant support! ((( )))
Right on, Cliff. Your wife is extremely generous with her time and praise to her fellow bloggers/writers. It’s extremely appreciated.
When I ordered a used copy of Rick Rubin’s book, it was an “autographed copy.” Well, initialed anyway. Incredibly insightful! I’ve read some of Robbie’s books and also Debby’s, but need to get acquainted with the others. Thank you, Marian, for introducing all of them!
I had not heard of Rick Rubin until very recently. And you have an autographed copy too!
Joy, your comment here shows your support. Thank you! 😀
Ah, creative endeavors! I am a writer of poems and musings, pen and paper always nearby. I am a quiltmaker, and crocheter. I am a Certified Zentangle Teacher. Flower arranging eludes me, but I can grow a very healthy crop of weeds and unwanted plants. Does that count?
Ginger, your creativity shows in creative variety–and a touch of humor. I found you here: https://www.pinterest.com/ideas/ginger-poem/898841769643/ Please feel free to reply with more links when you see this. (I’d like to get to know you better.)
I had to look up “Zentangle Teacher.” As best I can discern, it’s about lettering and geometric angles. Thanks for introducing me to something new! 😀
Hi Ginger. I’m hogging in here since Marian mentions me. I laughed at your creativity with weeds and unwanted plants. I have an ongoing “battle” with a cute chipmunk in my front porch flower planter. In the dead of night (I assume) little Chippie digs into the dirt of my planter, messing up the flower roots. I walk out to the porch in the morning to find dirt all over the porch floor from Chippie’s digging. The creativity part? A neighbor suggested putting in a few of those smelly dryer lint pieces into the planter. Chippie doesn’t like the smell. That worked for a while until Chippie got creative and dug the pieces deeper in the dirt so she couldn’t smell them. I guess what I’m saying is that creativity is all around us, including the creatures who share our space. 🙂
I think Rubin is onto something in describing creativity as a lifestyle. I have enjoyed multiple books from all three of the authors you highlighted. Each has written books from different genres, which demonstrates their open-mindedness and creativity.
Pete, you have a supportive nature, probably a lifestyle cultivated as a teacher–and your personality. Thanks for mentioning the multiple genres of these authors. It’s absolutely mind-blowing! 😀
Hi Pete. You should mention that teaching is a huge example of creativity. You spent mounds of creativity keeping your students engaged and happy to be in your classroom. Your teacher memoir was great, and now we’re waiting for your next book, whatever that genre may be. And I agree – creativity is a lifestyle, which is why I think writers should happily explore writing in many different genres.
I’m familiar with all three authors! I’d have to say that my creativity initially takes one of two forms: curiosity and making room for my subconscious.
You took me on a little journey here, Liz, mentioning that you make “room for [your] subconscious.” I guess that you may mean accessing ideas just below the threshold of active awareness. Sometimes I remember something I was puzzled about, but the answer came to me when I was thinking about something else. I believe some of my haiku lines come to me like that.
Thanks for a stimulating reply here! 😀
My pleasure, Marian! The subconscious can do remarkable things for our writing. 😀
I was aware that my mind plays tricks in a good way sometimes. Thanks for giving it a name, Liz.
You’re welcome, Marian. 🙂
YES, I love this idea, LIz. That’s why meditation (and walking, a type of meditation) can bring up so much creativity and help us in our writing. It’s so hard to let go of the “conscious” and allow the “inside” show us an amazing path in our stories.
Thanks, Pam!
Hi Marian, I really enjoyed these acquires about creating. They ring so true. Thank you for the lovely review of our book and the promotion of me and my work. It is appreciated. I’m honored to feature with Debby and Pam both of whose books I have read and enjoyed.
You are such a prolific creator and active supporter of others’ creativity. I am most happy to feature you here. I hope readers will click on your links and find more treasures.
Cheers to you, Robbie, and your creative family! 😀
I agree, Robbie. What an honor to be included here with you and Debbie. Your creative output is continually inspiring!!
How lovely to see Debby and Pam featured here, Marian. I’ve met Pam in person and just missed Debby on my visit to Toronto,many years ago. I enjoy the writing of both! And I can’t get over the creativity and zest of Robbie Cheadle. How she can have a day job on top of everything else she has accomplished is beyond me!!
So, you’ve met Pam. My son-in-law has a brother living in Boston, so maybe I can travel along when they visit Boston, where she now lives.
Robbie has mentioned that she doesn’t watch TV and perhaps has help with housework. But, still, she is amazingly creative: I agree!
Happy travels to you, Mark, and Maya! 😀
That would be SO great, Marian, if you get to the Boston area and we can meet up. You have an open invitation for tea and conversation on our front porch or dining room table (where I teach some of my creative writing classes). You could be a featured guest!!
I think Robbie is smart to not watch T.V. We keep T.V. time to a minimum and instead read during the evening. Much more productive and valuable to the writing mind.
Pam, my son-in-law has a brother living in Boston. He casually mentioned visiting him sometime this fall–when the leaves are pretty.
So, I might take you up on that invitiation. No kidding! 😀
Wonderful!!
This comment from ELFRIEDA SCHROEDER
Curiosity is a big part of being creative. As a child I was always curious and wanted to know things. I‘ve never lost that character trait even though I was chided for it by an aunt who quoted a Low German saying that went something like this:
“Curiosity has ruined the world and Ellie has inherited some of that.“
There is another outdated adage that I heard as a young person: “Curiosity killed the cat.”
Neither is true and now we know that curiosity is a mark of intelligence and creativity.
I appreciate your curious nature and your persistence in trying to comment here, ELFRIEDA! ((( )))
Hi Marian. What a wonderful surprise to find me featured here today with great company, Pam and Robbie, whose books I also enjoy. Your review brought tears to my eyes, but, that’s not hard to do these days at the mention of my husband. 😊 I’m touched at how much you took in of the book, and your last sentence in your review talking about equating the death of a much loved spouse to surgery without anesthetic. An apt description! And thanks for the good quotes from Rick Ruben. Sharing. 💜
Yes, Debbie, the simile of grieving a loved one like surgery without anesthesia is apt. Your book helped a lot of others in the throes of the grieving process. I bought one for my friend whose husband died two years ago. She’s still in “open” surgery. 🙁
I’m pleased to showcase you and your work here, Debby. You are known for much more than your book on grief, but I think it’s so timely.
Our friend group of “Table for 8” includes a mix: couples and singles. Two of my friends lost their husbands, one very recently. We talk fondly about their mates and sometimes our conversation causes their eyes to glisten. It’s all okay. (Gone, but not forgotten!) 😀
Hi Marian. Sorry I’m a bit late in the conversation. I took a few days off from the internet to regroup and relax and focus on the “subconscious,” as Liz says. I’m thrilled that you included me here with the venerable Debbie and Robbie. I think it’s important for us to acknowledge each other’s “work of art,” and I admit, at times I let it go, thinking my stories are done and gone. But they’re not. I found Rick Rubin’s quote “We share our . . . way of seeing in order the spark an echo in others” so true.
When I wrote Flashes of Life – fun flashes of true stories in my life as a wife, parent, friend, dog owner – I felt a little funny. Who’d want to know MY stories? But then I realized that many of my readers related to those stories and we became connected. Same with your two memoirs. The first one I had no experience in being raised as you were, yet I felt I was in the middle of what it was like, reading your book. And then of course the one on marriage – ha – related and enjoyed immensely. Here’s to our connection in so many ways! <3
No need for an apology. I take breaks every so often too. I may take one in August or September. I LOVE blogging, but creating something useful and then replying does take time & energy.
I like that online friendships with kindred spirits is constant. . . and so up-lifting. You may have read earlier that I may take you up on your invitation to visit Boston when my son-in-law visits his brother in Boston. I know there’s more to your city than flaming foliage in the fall. Huge thanks, Pam! 😀
Would love to see you!
I replied to this somewhere – where?? – and said yippee and yay! Would love to see you when you get to the Boston area. Tea and cookies? Long talks on my front porch? Some scenes of where the “shot was heard around the world?” All would be great.
Yes, I saw all your “welcoming” replies. Merci Beaucoup! 😀