The animal crew watching a movie to ring in the new year. Art by me.
Hey gang, in lieu of a new year’s resolution post (and granted, it is Jan 20th Mar. 10), I wanted to pose a simple question. When did you feel most creatively fulfilled last year? Was there a single moment or experience that comes to mind? Speak on it.
For me, it’s a pretty easy one. I hosted a murder mystery party that I’ll probably write more about here soon. For the unfamiliar, these events typically involve everyone getting assigned a character with one person being the designated murderer. Everyone has their own objectives for the evening while simultaneously trying to deduce who the killer is.
I purchased a prepared pack of characters and a scenario that was supposed to guide us through the night. But with all due respect to the publishers, I realized I didn’t like any of it. The writing was hokey, and the format seemed excruciating. So I spent a few weeks rewriting the whole scenario and every character. I cracked myself up writing characters specifically for my friends. Add that to the effort of coordinating 20 adult schedules, and it was the most work I’d done in a compact time for any one project in years. When the night came seeing the first three guests arrive fully in character and costume was so gratifying. I know if I tweaked a few more things, I could probably sell the pack as a fully original game, but the whole idea of making this thing solely for me and mine’s enjoyment made the process of creation so pure and easy. Highly recommend spending hours doing something similar.
Last Spring, I wrote a few flash fiction pieces for my creative writing workshop the day they were due. Honestly, I don't know what happened - the stories flowed so naturally and I felt like I was meant to write them at that particular point in time. Trying to recreate that intuition without overthinking but it's been hard.
Last year I shot a short film that I'd written, directed, produced, acted in, and edited. The most creative part of the process was writing, although, funnily enough, I don't remember actually writing it. It must've just been in one of those inspired moments where it flowed seamlessly through my pen. After writing the script, I got to plan out the costumes, casting, shot list, etc. I did LITERALLY everything except for hold the camera, keep track of shots/footage, record the audio, and play the other characters. It was kind of exhausting, but so much fun, and I'm so glad that I just went and DID that!
Last year was extremely challenging for me so this is not what I would consider a typical response to this question but it’s real.
I had to find my creativity while planning my brother Frederick’s memorial service. I was required to design and print the announcement, write the eulogy, officiate the service and give the eulogy, come up with the decor, select the playlist of music, order flowers, notify family and livestream the service. All of this I wanted to be done in a classy way that reflected the playful side of my brother. I think it turned out well.
For me, it’s a pretty easy one. I hosted a murder mystery party that I’ll probably write more about here soon. For the unfamiliar, these events typically involve everyone getting assigned a character with one person being the designated murderer. Everyone has their own objectives for the evening while simultaneously trying to deduce who the killer is.
I purchased a prepared pack of characters and a scenario that was supposed to guide us through the night. But with all due respect to the publishers, I realized I didn’t like any of it. The writing was hokey, and the format seemed excruciating. So I spent a few weeks rewriting the whole scenario and every character. I cracked myself up writing characters specifically for my friends. Add that to the effort of coordinating 20 adult schedules, and it was the most work I’d done in a compact time for any one project in years. When the night came seeing the first three guests arrive fully in character and costume was so gratifying. I know if I tweaked a few more things, I could probably sell the pack as a fully original game, but the whole idea of making this thing solely for me and mine’s enjoyment made the process of creation so pure and easy. Highly recommend spending hours doing something similar.
Last Spring, I wrote a few flash fiction pieces for my creative writing workshop the day they were due. Honestly, I don't know what happened - the stories flowed so naturally and I felt like I was meant to write them at that particular point in time. Trying to recreate that intuition without overthinking but it's been hard.
Last year I shot a short film that I'd written, directed, produced, acted in, and edited. The most creative part of the process was writing, although, funnily enough, I don't remember actually writing it. It must've just been in one of those inspired moments where it flowed seamlessly through my pen. After writing the script, I got to plan out the costumes, casting, shot list, etc. I did LITERALLY everything except for hold the camera, keep track of shots/footage, record the audio, and play the other characters. It was kind of exhausting, but so much fun, and I'm so glad that I just went and DID that!
Last year was extremely challenging for me so this is not what I would consider a typical response to this question but it’s real.
I had to find my creativity while planning my brother Frederick’s memorial service. I was required to design and print the announcement, write the eulogy, officiate the service and give the eulogy, come up with the decor, select the playlist of music, order flowers, notify family and livestream the service. All of this I wanted to be done in a classy way that reflected the playful side of my brother. I think it turned out well.
I love you nephew.