Marching to the Beat of Her Own Drum – Jennifer Locke

Freelance writer and friend, Tara Lynne Groth, and I often exchange creative ideas…we always seem to be planning something!  So when she suggested I read Jennifer Locke’s blog and that I connect with Jennifer, I looked into her work.  Jennifer and I have started a creativity dialogue, and I have, of course, asked her the question…

What ignites your creativity?

“I’m a writer, so I’m a reader first. Reading exceptional books never fails to inspire me and encourage me to get to the page. However, I’m inspired by anyone excelling in any creative endeavor–music, visual art, drama, etc. In general, people living creative lives give me hope. I love seeing people who’ve said “no” to the “rules” society has laid out and are choosing to march to the beat of their own drums.

“When I need to get in touch with my own creativity, journaling is a big help. I’m a big fan of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, especially the morning pages. I enjoy listening to inspirational podcasts. A long walk can give me time to mull over a particular plot problem or other story element. Baking pies can get me out of my head (and provide a sweet reward for my labor!). Sometimes it’s a matter of clearing figurative “space” for the words to come; lighting a candle, playing stimulating music, tuning out distractions so that I can be in the flow of words. When that happens, it’s a true gift.”

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Jennifer Locke is a freelance writer and blogger for hire, as well as a YA author. She specializes in health, parenting, and the craft of writing. Jennifer writes articles, blog posts, and site content. When not writing, she’s usually wrangling her toddler twin daughters or nose-deep in a great book. Follow her on Twitter @jamlo525 and visit her website, jenniferlockewrites.com .

Whimsical Creativity – Featured Artist: Tamara Brown

I love the whimsical, airy paintings of Tamara Brown.  She seems so at ease with experimenting with technique and color.  So, of course, I had to ask Tamara…

What ignites your creativity?

 

“Living life fully and joyfully helps bring me most inspiration…a fresh perspective always helps, too…getting out and experiencing a new coffee shop with a friend, my children, a drive down a street I normally don’t drive down, pausing to notice the things that seem to speak to me for my attention (lines of buildings, colors of flowers, sunlight hitting trees).  When my heart and soul are full, I feel the most creative and free.

I wholeheartedly think our gifts are ultimately given to us from our Creator and have always loved this quote a creative mentor told me years ago…”Creativity is the closest thing to divinity; it comes from above.”

You can learn more about Tamara and her art by reading my Visiting Artist interview with her.

View and purchase her work at www.TamaraBrownArt.com.