One of the most popular posts that I tweeted last week was this one: http://zenhabits.net/creative-habit/ on Leo Babauta’s excellent Zen Habits blog.
His post, summing, up was on the number one habit of highly creative people. It was solitude.
He’d polled some creatives from a variety of different fields for the answer, but he’d also pulled examples from the past, like:
Picasso: “Without great solitude no serious work is possible.”
Sandburg: “One of the greatest necessities in America is to discover creative solitude.”
Mozart: “When I am, as it were, completely myself, entirely alone, and of good cheer–say, traveling in a carriage or walking after a good meal or during the night when I cannot sleep–it is on such occasions that my ideas flow best and most abundantly.”
I think solitude is definitely important for a creative person to collect his thoughts and brainstorm ideas.
Sometimes, it’s hard to come by, especially if you have a family around you.
I’ve found, though, that even when I go out to write and I’m around people I don’t know, I feel like I’m in solitude enough to be creative. It’s only when the people are interacting with me that it’s a problem.
Another interesting part of his post was the number two habit of highly creative people—participation.
Babauta says this participation comes in different forms: connecting with others, being inspired by others, reading others, collaborating with others.
He does ask the question how we manage solitude plus the need for participation. His answer was to schedule separate time for both, which I can definitely see:
But how can you have both solitude and participation? They obviously have to come at different times. Finding the balance is key, of course, but it takes a conscious effort: this time is for solitude, and this time is for participation.
Why are they both important? We need inspiration from without, but we need creation from within.
Something that I’ve noticed with myself, though, and what I wanted to bring up here because I think it’s a shared trait of most writers is that I carry my solitude along WITH me..
I have a feeling of apartness…not loneliness…when I’m out in a coffeehouse or a public place. I’m the observer, I’m the note taker. I’m soaking it all in, but running it through the writing lens.
Most of the writers I know are happy to sit on the edges of a group or gathering and watch the people. We’re less happy being the center of attention—you can’t observe life as well when all eyes are on you. We’re the perfect bystanders.
But, to a certain degree, I do get a lot of ideas and a lot of inspiration when I’m out in public and around other people (who are frequently potential characters). But I’m more inspired if I’m not participating or interacting with them. I guess I’m being inspired by the people, frequently without making a connection with them.
What’s your take on the subject? Do you find more inspiration in solitude or through participation? Both? And do you prefer your time alone more than your time spent with others (at least, when it comes to creative inspiration)?
Elizabeth – Oh, wow, you do think of the most interesting and important things when it comes to writing! Hmmm…well, I happen to love my solitude. I think better when it’s quiet and peaceful and I’m alone. I crave my “alone” time. However, I learn from, am grateful for, and really do need my contact with others, including my writer friends : ), and my family, of course. I do love spending time with my family. I guess the best way to put it is that I like measured doses of people. And people-watching is very helpful to get the creative juices flowing…
Elizabeth, I will participate and be happy for it, but I love my solitude. To prop myself up with my laptop, characters in mind, and my solitude – and maybe coffee- I mean what else is there? Ok Ok – I love being with my family too.
My vote is 80% solitude (with me, myself,and I), 15% participation (with others)AND 5% undecided. (I hope that adds up.)
Love this post!
Teresa
I very much enjoy alone time and am happy enough to sit on the outside of a group and observe. But I also have moments when I very much want to be part of the group and join in. I do my best writing when I am in an alone time kind of mood because when I want to socialise I get too easily distracted from writing.
I do enjoy the alone time. For me that is the only time I can let go and just write. That’s where I derived my blog address from (evening fades). Through the day I, too, observe, meet characters (view people who might become characters) and interact with the rest of the world. But when the dishes are done and the sun fades I know my time is nearing.
For me, the alone time is the only time for writing. In fact I wrote an entire novel in six weeks. (Of course it took months of edits.) Oh I can write during the day, but mainly I consider that my ‘fishing’ time. I toss my net out into the world by watching people, picking up facial expressions, larger than life characters, etc. and in the evening I paint them on paper.
Another great post.
I am an observer for sure. I do like to get out where people are (especially family), but I know exactly what you mean about ‘solitude’ within a crowd. It’s as if I’m wrapped in cellophane. I’ve always felt a bit separated – not, as you say, in a lonely way. I just prefer to be off a bit from things and watch.
As a little girl I loved to get under the table and watch my family unobserved. I was there but not there.
– Corra
from the desk of a historical writer
Great stuff. I completely agree on the solitude. I was basically alone for the weekend a couple of weeks ago and I got so much more done than I thought possible! :)
I have such a difficult time writing at home or at work! I can write my blog, but that’s not what I consider deep writing. But I can write in a crowded coffee shop or book store or at a park. I never really thought about it before, but I guess it is the solitude thing. Even if I’m home alone, it’s tough. I keep thinking of things I need to do!
Solitude is definitely better with friends.
I create better when I’m alone with my thoughts. But I get inspired by seeing things around me–and also by interacting with others.
I am a strange combination. I am an extrovert–raised to be a hostess in a highly social family. But, I NEED my solitude to recharge–even more so since having kids. I would rather sit in my living room and think/write/read than go to a party these days…But if I go too long without social interaction, I begin to feel bitter and shrivel. It’s hard to keep me happy–just ask my husband!
As for writing, I have a hard time writing in public b/c of my social personality. I am easily distracted (and easily bored).
Michele
Southern City Mysteries
I’m one of those whack jobs that is completely in the middle on this question. If I take a personality test I’m never more one than the other. I’m very gregarious but I love my solitude. Being a meditation practioner I have spent many hours alone with my thoughts, non-thoughts, breath, etc…and it is like a thirst after awhile. I must have it. So, I guess I’m like waves, like breath, like everything in the universe that pulses out to connect and back in to replenish.
When we’re observing, we’re seeing people as they are. If we begin to interact with them, the dynamics change. As writers, we want to see them without our “outside” influence.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Very interesting subject and post on the topic. I get inspiration from solitude most of the time, but am also a people person and get inspiration from participation as well.
Marvin D Wilson
Most of my inspiration comes from alone time, and if I don’t get enough alone, I tend to get a little cranky!
I wonder whether one of the reasons that so many of us value the online connections with other writers so much is because they feed the need for interaction with others without the physical distraction of having to leave the house and give up our alone time?
Oh yes, I agree with you completely. That’s why, when my husband and son go to the movies this afternoon, I’m going to take the solitude and write with my participation group. BuNoWriMo! Participation is getting me geared up to write this book.
CD
I find that my best working times are close to sleep – before bed, or right after I get up.
I used to think I couldn’t work in the morning, but I finally realized that the problem was that when I got up, I had to pass _people_ and be social before I could get to my office.
So now I keep a netbook and a notebook next to my bed, and I don’t get up until I’m ready to socialize.
Thinking, thinking, thinking!
Most times family distracts and outsiders inspire.
Maribeth
Giggles and Guns
I definitely vote for the solitude. People wear me out. (Sorry, folks, I love you, but…) I can write non-fiction in the midst of chaos, but for fiction, I need to listen, to create a world within, and you just can’t do that with someone popping his head in to ask “a quick question.”
So very true. I crave solitude and, thankfully, my husband undrestands the link between solitude and creativity.
I’m able to be apart when I’m at a cafe or bookstore working. I guard my creative time quite viciously! I had to learn to do this when we lived with our inlaws. Always knocks on the door…
Great quotes, by the way!
Jen
I have never liked being the center of attention. Many times I have caught myself feeling like it just isn’t worth the effort to try to enter a conversation with a larger group of people. I suppose there is an aspect of shyness with me too. Now when I’m quiet I can just tell people I’m doing research. :)
It’s ironic that the top two are opposites. When I’m a participant my inspirations are more general. When I’m working in solitude, my inspirations are much more detailed and focused.
I agree with the solitude. Who can think of anything in a sea of confusion?
My fondness for people has grown over the years and I’m now a more active participant in groups rather than just an observer. I wonder what that means?
I was an only child and to this day I still like my solitude. I couldn’t work in a coffeeshop though – I need a total absence of people.
I do like to actively participate though.
This is great! It’s funny. I know people so incredibly uncomfortable with time spent ‘with themselves’–and it’s true–those are NOT the creative ones.
I think participation strikes me this way–when you are WITH people, you are ENGAGED–interactive… because I agree that I am perfectly capable of being alone in a crowded space–I like it. And part of why my husband and I are compatible is we can be alone together. But I think we have a better handle on the world if we are engaged in it… not just WITH people, but participating.
To me, I HAVE to be in a state of solitude to create, but the participation provides the fuel.
I totally agree about carrying solitude with us!
I’m perfectly content being alone. It allows you the chance to hear your own thoughts. Even in a crowded room, I can maintain that feeling, as long as no one’s talking to me.
When I’m forced to interact with people, I’m not shy, but it’s so draining (my next post is going to be about that), and I don’t get to see them as clearly as when watching from afar. It’s much more useful to be an observer.
Margot–Small, measured doses of people. I think that sounds about right. :)
Journaling Woman–Yes, we have to say our family is exempt! :) And MOST of the time, they are. Sometimes I have to escape them, too! They don’t take it personally… :)
Teresa–It sounds perfect to me!
TK Richardson–Fishing! Yes, that’s what I’m doing, too. And weaving it into the story later.
Cassandra–I agree. Socializing will definitely get in the way and trip me up. Plus, it makes me really tired.
Corra–I liked hiding under tables, too! Hmm. Actually, sometimes I still feel like hiding under tables when I’m out in public. :)
Jan–I like the idea of being like a wave. There is a reaching out and a retreating…I think you’re right.
Jemi–Good for you! That’s awesome.
Helen–Good point! If we interact, we might corrupt the experience.
lifeissweet16–Sometimes I just have to escape the house…otherwise the things that need to be dusted gang up on me and try to make me feel guilty. :)
Alan–I like it!
Marvin–I bet you get inspiration from your other artistic pursuits, too…like your music. And music can be a more participatory medium, I think, for art.
Clarissa–I wrote all in a hurry today…an hour before school let out and then a bit at the pool while the kids swam. I need to check in with BuNoWriMo!
Terry–That sounds like a good balance.
Maribeth–Family IS distracting, isn’t it? God bless them! :)
Joanna–Uninterrupted time is key, isn’t it? At least in the thought-gathering phase.
Michele–Sounds like you had good training! Mama would have liked to do the same with me…I think I was hopeless as a hostess!
I’m not usually distracted, but I was today. I was in a waiting room waiting for my child to finish an appointment and there was a really continuous back and forth conversation that went on beside me between 2 people for 15 minutes. It just exhausted me and I can usually tune out conversations very easily. But I think the *constant* chatter back and forth really wore me out.
Jane–Isn’t it odd that they’re opposites? Very interesting.
Ingrid–Yes! I think you’ve pegged it completely. Interaction totally on our own terms.
The Daring Novelist–I can see where a short social visit can really break up creative thought. Good for you to do a brain dump before you interact.
Alex–Maybe you’re growing? Sounds like it. It seems like I’ve been withdrawing more, but then, I’ve been busy! At least, that’s my excuse.
Diane–I can see you not only participating, but *leading*. And you’re creative, to boot. Don’t know how you do it…
Jen–Ack! Living with in-laws! Yes, that would have been a true creative challenge. :)
I liked the quotes too. :)
Janel–Yes! It’s all research. :) I don’t think I’m shy at all, but very introverted.
Hart–For me I think it’s a funny kind of two-step–participate as long as I can handle it, then quickly retreat. And you’re right–after I’ve actually been engaged in activity, I’m much more likely to have a creative burst.
I need people. Talking and intereacting with them is how I process and spark that creativity. But, like you, I can be separate in a coffee shop, yet not alone, and write. Being alone too much stops the creative flow.
Fascinating and insightful post. I do often find myself observing, especially in a coffee house. This morning I so wanted to ask the couple next to me to speak up!
I find late evenings give me the quiet time I need to write.
This is a tough one to answer. Maybe I’m kind of odd, but I like to have a balance of both. My alone time is very important to me but so is my social time. They both inspire me!