#IWSG: Do writers have other creative outlets?

Insecure Writers Support Group BadgeThe Insecure Writers Support Group is a marvellous group set up by Alex Cavanagh. On the first Wednesday of every month, members post thoughts, fears or words of encouragement for fellow writers.

The link above takes you to details about the group and how to join. You’ll also find a list of bloggers signed up to the challenge – do check them out.

The awesome co-hosts for the February 6 posting of the IWSG are Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace!

This month’s question – Besides writing what other creative outlets do you have?

Photography is my other much loved creative outlet. Like most of us, I grew up using various point-and-shoot cameras, although my age means they were film cameras rather than digital. I had a brief flirtation with an old Russian SLR – a cast off from my sister – which died all too soon. Among the few pictures I took with it, I now recognise the portraits taken of my young daughter have a lovely bokeh – that out of focus background which makes the subject “pop”.

Her birth had encouraged me to study photography; many a book was read and a variety of lessons about composition were learned. With the advent of digital photography, my return to the world of point-and-shoot cameras helped with that process, with immediate results providing more helpful lessons than the interminable wait for development of 35mm film. But as life took over, I rarely used my camera for more than snapshots.

Then I met Himself, a keen amateur photographer who spotted my eye for composition and encouraged me to update and upgrade my equipment. Most of our spare time is spent with camera in hand. We regularly study the craft, watching Youtube tutorials to learn from other photographers as we try out new techniques, different subjects and genres.

Photography takes up a lot of my spare time, but I’d now find it as hard to give up as I would writing.

I’m really interested to discover what alternative creative outlets other writers have.

© Debra Carey, 2019

26 thoughts on “#IWSG: Do writers have other creative outlets?”

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  2. I’ve been trying to get more creative….it’s one of my goals. I’ve been trying to take a picture every day but I just started a 365 challenge on insta so hopefully that works. I took an embroidery lesson last month….fun….and I’m going to take a knitting class to see what that’s like

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  4. I never considered myself creative growing up as I wasn’t able to draw or paint. Growing older, I’ve discovered all the other options available for a creative outlet and it’s been wonderful. I considered that Insta challenge, but I’ve enough trouble keeping on top of all my commitments without adding a daily challenge! I’m enjoying seeing your results – cities are such great providers of photo opportunities aren’t they?

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  5. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog.
    I’m not a writer, but my friend Toi is. I too enjoy taking pictures and use a Nikon, but I haven’t done it in so long and I was never really good at it; I just enjoyed it. Toi likes to paint and bake. She’s good at baking.

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  6. Enjoyment of a creative pursuit is most of the battle I find. I’m learning and working hard at improving. But I make sure to compare my current work with my old work, that way I usually see some improvement. Comparing myself with the pros and the many talented amateurs out there wouldn’t be helpful. I hope you get back to enjoying your photography again.

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  8. “I never considered myself creative growing up as I wasn’t able to draw or paint.” <– my sister felt the same, then took up pottery. Now she makes the most fantastic clay art. Great post!

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  11. I don’t do much photography, but I enjoy watching good photographs of others. It is such a creative way of looking at the world and capturing it, one perfect frame at a time.

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  13. When I first started to study photography, it was books I turned to. Now, Youtube is your friend. Initially, I had so much to learn that a fair bit of what I watched went over my head and it would’ve been easy to be feel overwhelmed. The more skills I’ve developed, the less that is an issue (or my mindset is pretty well nailed on). But beware, it’s a very big rabbit hole! 🙂

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  14. Yes, I’ve noticed I’m amongst friends – which is lovely. But then this group is 🙂

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  15. The process is very enjoyable – it helps me to quiet an overful mind. Not sure that the results can be described as perfect though, but I really enjoy the practising 🙂

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  16. A writer friend did a very creepy tale for A2Z last year about dollhouses & I’ve never been able to look at them the same way. But I did become very absorbed in colouring for a while, so absorbed that I had to stop as I had no time to write! Thanks for visiting 🙂

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  18. Yup, that’s the challenge. Moving from shooting on aperture priority to fully manual was a steep (and painful) learning curve, with lighting being the toughest one to get a handle on. I’m getting there is all I will say and I do enjoy the practising! 🙂

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  19. Photography is a creative art – even if I hesitated about including mine as a sports photographer. Like you I started in the days of 35mm film and upgraded to digital. I even learnt to process my own photos – although my colour attempts were poor. Look forward to seeing more of yours.

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  20. I love photography as well, but I wish I had more time for it. You’ve given me an idea. As my partner takes photos for a newspaper and would love to get more into photography, perhaps it’s something we should do together.

    Looks like we ended up inspiring each other this month. Don’t you love it when that happens?

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  21. Never attempted to process my own photos but watching Don McCullin developing his photos in a recent documentary was fascinating (and seriously piqued my interest). He was developing black & white shots to be fair.

    Thank you for the encouragement Roland, it’s much appreciated. Although come summer when I’m overwhelming you with my stuff, you may change your mind 😀

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  22. Sounds like a win-win situation to me! 🙂
    And yeah, I do love that aspect of visiting blogs – probably the best bit ever (and there are a lot of good bits).

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  24. I’m sorry for the terribly belated response. Just found your comment tied up in my spam folder.
    It’s funny the way the latent creative gene hides itself away. So glad to hear that your sister found her fantastic talent!

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  26. Thanks Ronel, I do. It can be a real escape when life gets overwhelming too.

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