The pursuit of creativity, in five stages
August 5, 2008
At times, when pressure mounts and you have to meet impossible deadlines, you set creativity aside and take the easy way out; you revert to clichés, breeziness, and other cheap tricks. After awhile, it becomes a habit and your integrity as a writer wavers. You become a hack. While the exact formula for creativity remains elusive, learning when, where, and how you are in the various stages of the creative process will help you get “in the zone†when you need to, and with practice, bring inspiration within your reach to get you out of that dreaded mediocre rut (or rot).
How internet access and online freelancing can save humanity and the world
July 30, 2008
photo credit: dankulpinski
I know, “save” is a tall order; maybe “benefit” is a better word, but I’m not feeling all that realistic at the moment. For now, allow me to stretch your imagination, suspend your cynicism and disbelief, and entertain the idea that the internet and online freelancing can actually save the poor and the hungry, and rid this world of poverty and oppression. Daydreaming once-in-a-while can’t hurt. So put on your rose-colored glasses and read on.
Productivity Times May Vary
July 16, 2008
I was having a discussion with a colleague the other day about the possibility of people being at their productive and creative peaks at different times of the day. Without going into great detail about Circadian rhythms and genetics (the suggestion of which maintains that some gene mutations are responsible for extreme versions of the Morning Lark and the Night Owl), productivity peaks are certainly as varied as people’s preferences. Read more
