Welcome The Weird

I took a class with Nancy Stohlman last week on Pop Lit and Flash Fusion and it was incredible fun.

There is something magical about the container of a class like that. Prompts that push the envelope of the known, and encourage thinking in new ways. Classmates who offer positive feedback on your work (no highfalutin literary critiques allowed, only commentary on how the work landed, and/or what the reader thought you did well). Opportunities to read and share works in progress in real time with kindred spirits. And expanding your skill set under the tutelage of a wise, and funny guide. Joyful exploration. My favorite kind.

As I settled into each day’s lesson, I enjoyed the gentle inquiry about what is “high art” or “low art” (and who even gets to decide that?). I loved blurring the lines between literature and pop-culture. And in my explorations, I thought about that old phrase – It’s easier to get forgiveness than permission. And then I wondered, what if we didn’t need either? (Spoiler alert, we don’t) Isn’t that the point of art?

Creative freedom.

So, I went for it with gusto. All in, as is often my way. I ended up with some things that were gut wrenching, others that were hysterical, and some that were kind of meh. I can honestly say, if I hadn’t taken that class, I don’t think I would have written those particular pieces. They may still shift and change before I share them publicly (they’re presently tucked in for a little more baking time before I revisit/revise/share them), but they were a pleasure to write. And that’s the whole point, I think.

Playing.

When was the last time you played? Like really just did something for the sheer pleasure of it, particularly where creativity is concerned? So often, we have prescribed methods for creation, or we see what’s worked for others and adopt it for ourselves. And sure, there’s a place for learning story structure, or pentatonic scales, or tertiary colors. And knowing those things may help guide the creative process. But sometimes, it’s great to just release what you know, and play – with words, with notes, with color (or the medium of your choice). To feel into the fun, and allow for the unfolding. To welcome the weird.

If you haven’t done that in a while (and even if you have), I encourage you to take some time this week or weekend, and go for it. Just play. We don’t actually need permission, but if you’re seeking it, here you go - Have fun! There is no right or wrong, only exploration. Here’s to going all in and playing and creating with abandon.