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| photo by Alexander.stohr |
Creativity comes to different people in different
ways. I’ve always gotten some of my best ideas while taking a shower. That’s
where the idea for the bestselling Bake, Love, Write:105 Authors Share Dessert Recipes and Advice on Love and Writing came to
me. When I first approached other authors, asking them to participate in the
project, many told me that they, too, often got their best ideas while in the
shower.
Coincidence? Or is there a scientific basis for this
phenomenon? It turns out the latter may be the case. Hansgrohe, a German
fixtures manufacturer recently surveyed 4,000 people in eight countries. 72% of
the respondents said they had gotten new ideas while in the shower.
The company sought the input of cognitive
psychologist and creative thinking expert Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D. According
to Dr. Kaufman, showers can enhance creativity by encouraging contemplation:
“The relaxing, solitary and non-judgmental shower environment may afford
creative thinking by allowing the mind to wander freely, causing people to be
more open to their inner stream of consciousness and daydreams.”
So the next time you’re stuck for an idea—whether you
need a plot for your next book or the perfect gift for that hard-to-shop-for
friend or relative—hop in the shower.
Bake, Love,
Write: 105 Authors Share Dessert Recipes and Advice on Love and Writing
What do most authors have in common, no matter what
genre they write? They love desserts. Sweets sustain them through pending
deadlines and take the sting out of crushing rejection letters and nasty
reviews. They also often celebrate their successes—selling a book, winning a
writing award, making a bestseller list, or receiving a fabulous review—with
decadent indulgences. And when authors chat with each other, they often talk
about their writing and their lives. Recipes. Writing. Relationships. In this
cookbook 105 authors not only share their favorite recipes for fabulous cakes,
pies, cookies, candy, and more, they also share the best advice they’ve ever
received on love and writing.
Buy Links
20 comments:
How funny. I was literally just thinking about jumping in the shower. Having gotten to a sticky bit in my WIP, I thought a shower might clear my head a little x
I work out dialogue in the shower too. Hmm...
How interesting. :)
Suzie, don't leave us hanging! Did the shower help?
Rose, do you write in the steam? I do!
Hi Lois, they say scratching your head also stimulates the brain. A very informative article. Thank you
Perhaps I should take more showers and scratch my head while doing so. I do get good ideas while walking, either outdoors when possible or on the treadmill.
Interesting theory, JoAnne. I wonder if people get more ideas in the shower if they're washing their hair.
Jacqueline, I have to watch TV while on the treadmill. Otherwise I get too bored and don't stay on it long. So I rarely get an idea while on it. Same for when I'm out walking. I'm usually zoned out listening to music or deep in conversation with a walking partner.
While I can't claim that I've ever hopped into the shower to get my creative juices flowing, I have definitely had some great plotting and dialog ideas while there. Sometimes a writer friend will have shared that they are trying to work something out and if anyone has ideas please share and often with that request in the back of my mind some great possibilities come to me in the shower and I can't wait to hop back out and send them an email.
I do my best thinking in the shower and in the car!
Back when I was still making money (real daytime job), my Chief Financial Officer begged me not to take a shower before coming to work.
Too many ideas, she said.
Skyewriter, what a great friend you are to solve other writers' problems!
Janie, when I mull over plot while driving, I usually wind up missing a turn!
Michele, I'm not sure I can remember back to the days of "real" money.
I always, always get my best ideas in the shower. I think because you're forced to unplug and it settles your mind down to focus elsewhere. Although I have to admit that as hard as this book I'm writing right now is I might either go bankrupt or I might drown! Interesting post, Lois!
Drowning in the shower, Donnell? Maybe in the bathtub. I eventually have to end my showers, whether I've gotten an idea or not, because I run out of hot water!
I get my best ideas while working -- usually to and from the bus.
Showering does open up some sort of creative and/or emotional channel for me, too. I've solved many a problem in the shower, and the answer always comes to me in a flash, usually when I'm not trying to figure it out. Also, when my mother died and there was much to take care of, I didn't cry until that night when I got into the shower, and then the floodgates opened. I've had emotional breakdowns (breakthroughs?) more than once under the water.
Thanks for stopping by, Angela!
Donis, I've done my share of crying in the shower, too.
The shower is one of my favorite places to hang out. The water is soothing. I also like to think while I'm driving. I'm a captured audience and have to do something other than yell at all the crazy drivers!
Melissa, every time I do anything other than concentrate on the traffic while I'm driving, I wind up somewhere other than my intended destination.
Yup. It's also been proven that the negative ions in salty ocean air is fabulous for creativity. Maybe that's why I love the beach so much!
Ashlyn, I didn't know that about salty water. Maybe I should head down the shore more often.
I get ideas in the shower, walking the beach, doing dishes and laundry. Now that I think about it, I get a lot of ideas when water is a factor.
Great post - thank you!
Light,
Nancy
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