Sometimes I get in a creative slump. This is larger than the “How do I finish this manuscript?” question. It’s more of a “Why am I writing?” dilemma.
When my mind gets stuck on a plot, I usually take a walk. The change of scenery and brisk breeze will often get my thoughts flowing.
My most recent creative slump found me jetting off to…Sweden. That’s right. It was a last-minute trip for me, but being in a different country reminded me that there is so much inspiration all around.
A few takeaways:
Different locations fire up your brain.
New language. Cobblestone streets. Picturesque waterways. All these reminded me that location can inspire. Setting really is a character, and you know what? I write about places that might be an adventure for others outside of my locale or region. And maybe I will set a story in Stockholm one day.
Sharing is at the core of important endeavors.
I stumbled onto the Royal Djurgården, a beautiful greeenspace. Originally a royal hunting ground, it is now open to all visitors to enjoy. I appreciate that “commoners” can now appreciate the natural beauty of it. What’s more is that there’s the Princess Estelle Sculpture Park in the garden, and I love how artists were invited to share and show off their sculptures in this oasis. There’s a beauty in sharing, and the park reminded me that sharing stories also connects humankind.
Artists embed messages in their works and provide new ways of perceiving.
The Fotografiska museum was one I had on my list to visit. I always appreciate different kinds of art, and contemporary photography is something I admire. What struck me about the exhibits was the artists’ intent. In videos, Shepard Fairey described how his artwork clearly sent messages and invoked reflection, and Feng Li talked about how he found surrealistic ways of looking at common scenes.
In Stockholm, I got a much-needed break, but I also found creativity. The trip fueled me by allowing me to receive creativity, through visiting a totally new country and understanding more about other artists’ visions.
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