I saw a comedian complaining about reading books. How there’s so many words page after page without a few blank ones in between so you can rest… but no, the words just keep coming. It was very funny and led me to consider how much worse it is writing them, in this case, 500 a week.
A blank page taunts you to find an idea in need of flushing out. Music and art throw down the same gauntlet. Finding a way to fill a page, silence or a canvas with compelling content is the artist’s job, their raisin d’etre. It’s not physical heavy lifting but there is mental heavy lifting.
Creativity is like a muscle and the more you exercise it the bigger it gets.
Most people draw like a child because that’s when they stopped drawing. Repetition begets consistency and ideally, improvement.
Making something from nothing is a challenge that once presented leaves you open to reactions and comments- some agreeable, some not. Most artists create for themselves. We’re judged the moment we share it and everyone is a critic. Your baby isn’t yours anymore and it doesn’t matter what you think or intend.
Thick skin helps.
There’s been stories and songs I’ve written that I loved but just didn’t resonate with others in the same way, just as there’s been things I held in less esteem that did. There’s numerous dishes I’ve done that looked and tasted great but didn’t sell so were eliminated via the “kill your darlings” mindset applicable in numerous situations.
It’s hard to be objective in the middle of a hurricane so best to roll with the punches and continue.
Continue keepin’ on keepin’ on.
Half the battle is just that. Unless you’re lucky there’s no substitute for showing up. There may be some success to start but without talent it won’t last. And to develop that talent?
Same way you get to Carnegie Hall.
Practice takes on many forms besides the obvious. Study the masters… you may as well steal from the best. You’ll never be as good but you may discover something interesting along the way so don’t as they say, let searching for perfection stop your progress.
If you’re a writer, reading voraciously is practice. Seeing how others tell tales and what methods they use benefits your own work. If you’re a musician, listening to a brilliant concert is always inspirational. That interesting use of cut time you just heard may work on that verse you’re not happy with. Or there’s an odd cymbal being used that you now need. A painter may choose to wander a gallery or museum.
Attend a salon, commune with nature, travel… It doesn’t have to be
literal so all are practice. The fuller life you have the more to draw
upon. Like Crayons, IMO 64 are better than 16. Search for and collect
experiences of whatever inspires you and it will come out some way
in your work. Guaranteed. Inspiration has a way of finding itself into
your own bag of tricks.
And this is how you make 500 words out of a blank page.
Chef/percussionist/writer/reprobate and lover of all things beautiful & delicious, Chef Alan Lake’s culinary career includes East Bank Club in Chicago; Sunset Marquis in W. Hollywood; Izakaya Hiwatta in Ichinomia Japan and legendary nightclub Purpur in Zurich, Switzerland. Working all around the world for over four decades, he's won numerous awards, professional competitions and distinctions. He’s the author of Home Cookin'- The Stories Behind The Food and The Garlic Manifesto- the history of garlic going back to 10,000-year-old Neolithic caves and contains facts, fiction, folklore, myths and legends (besides 100 recipes).
A lifelong musician that plays 70+ percussion instruments, he coined the term “Jazzfood” to describe his cooking style i.e. “solid technique coupled with tasteful improvisation.” He views his food as he does his music and writing and has been known to bust a pout if subpar in any way.
There is no substitute for showing up.”
Alan through your writings you sprinkle your stories with rich metaphors. Great job here. Your writings also get me thinking and then inspired to get more of my books finished instead of languishing on one of my digital shelves somewhere.
Thanks for sharing these great examples of where to find inspiration Alan.
My favorite quote is, “If you’re a writer, reading voraciously is practice. Seeing how others tell tales and what methods they use benefits your own work. If you’re a musician, listening to a brilliant concert is always inspirational. ”
My favorite source of inspiration is watching professional tennis. It’s a magic combination of mindset, movement, practice, psychology, and being adaptive.
All of these attributes are critical to asking insightful questions that lead to responses and compelling stories that draw the reader in and become more curious.
whatever works. there’s many similarities in different disciplines that are equally applicable. I cook because it reminds me of music, and for that matter cook better when i’m listening to it. i have a client that likes silence and would look miffed when she came in the kitchen… until i told her that.
rich metaphors from a rich life
Making me think about what creative endeavors I need to get back into!! Thanks for inspiring!
would love to see the results