September 2005 Newsletter #2

Buzzing Prompts & Approach the Coach

"How can you SEPARATE emotions and thoughts from the creative process? My answer is that you cannot — they're positively intertwined." — Linda Dessau, Emotions and Thoughts in the Creative Process

In This Issue

• September 2005 Journal
• Approach the Coach
• What's New @ the CP

September 2005 Journal

by Chris Dunmire

"Inspiring Creativity" Giveaway #3 Results

Remember 'winner of wit' Tara from the last newsletter? In a strange sequence of coincidences, she's also the winner of our last "Inspiring Giveaway" book. I bet she didn't expect THAT! Congratulations, Tara.

BUZZED by Blogger!
Creativity Portal's Writing Prompts and Imagination Prompt Generator were featured in Blogger's September 7, 2005, Buzz.

This is an exceptional honor for us. If you haven't seen the Imagination Prompt Generator, you simply must try it!

Approach the Coach

For over five years my work with the Creativity Portal has been all about encouraging and motivating people to explore and express their creativity through a variety of mediums not limited to arts, crafts, and writing. My enthusiasm for "inner expression" comes directly from my life experiences and is constantly reinforced through the observation of others who tap into their creativity and are thrilled at what they discover.

Months ago I decided to officially branch out into the next logical phase of my creative life: supporting and mentoring others in a more personal way with their creative passions. In June, I volunteered for a pre-teen summer art camp, which was very rewarding. I also enrolled myself in a training program facilitated by author Eric Maisel (Coaching the Artist Within, Fearless Creating), to become a creativity coach.

My creativity coach training will begin mid-October 2005. During that time I will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with clients — creative souls who are seeking support for their creative work, while putting forth honest effort towards making and meeting their own goals.

I may have the opportunity to choose the client(s) I'll work with for my coach-in-training period (16-weeks). I'll be a creativity coach to an artist, writer (or other creatively-passioned person) via e-mail, at no-cost to the client for the duration of my training.

If you are a creative soul who is interested in a coaching opportunity like this, contact me through our site form with the subject "Chris's Creativity Coach Training". This opportunity will entail significant work on the client's part, so please respond only if you are willing and able to commit your time and energy. Those who express interest will receive further information from me to help us both determine if we can work together.

Chris Dunmire
Publisher, Creativity Portal

What's New @ the CP

Why talent isn't nearly enough — or even that important
By Jori Lynn Keyser
If I could gather all the hopeful young artists in the world together and tell them only one thing, it would be this: Wipe from your mind any thoughts of talent. It is not your most important concern and has little bearing on the satisfaction you will take in your own work.

Connect with Your Body
By Linda Dessau
When we're in the creative flow, we can sometimes forget we even have a body, because our minds are exploding with color, sounds, words and images. But when unhealthy habits sap your body of its vitality and strength, your creativity and productivity will be sapped as well.

Try This, Kids … Get Wild at Home!
By Artella
Ten ways to cultivate creativity including: coloring, creating with your body, making trading cards, redecorating kid-style, changing traditional board game rules, and other creative fun.

10 Tools for Dealing with Criticism and Rejection
By Linda Dessau
Ouch! Whether it's feedback we've asked for, an unsolicited remark called out from the audience or a simple "no" result of an audition or submission process, criticism and rejection are a huge part of our lives as creative artists.

Creative Work Isn't Found — It's Made
By Bonnie Boots
Jobs for creative people almost never show up in the Help Wanted ads. That means people gifted with the ability to write, draw or entertain must make their own opportunities.

Entrepreneurial Writers: Consider eBooks
By Chris Willitts
Here is a radical idea for you to consider that most people have never heard of. Divide your "one" book of facts, short stories or novel into separate eBooks (electronic books) — packaging and selling them as a new series/chapter every month.

Courage and Creating
By Douglas Eby
Doing anything creative often brings up fears, anxieties, insecurities. Courage may be defined as going ahead in spite of fear. But many creators not only live with their fears, they welcome them.

Contract Negotiation Tips for Artists
By S.C. Giles
The key to successful contract negotiations for artists is to understand the industry and know what you want before you enter discussions. Learn about the art of negotiation, finding a lawyer and copyright laws.

Connect with Your Surroundings
By Linda Dessau
Clutter is just one part of our surroundings — our physical environment — that has an impact on our creativity. This article will look at some other factors, and how they impact not only our creative expression and emotional and mental well being, but also our physical health and safety.