Brian Andreas on Creativity

I've mentioned my love of StoryPeople on this blog before, but I don't think I've ever talked about the creative force behind all of the stories and art, Mr. Brian Andreas.

This is a guy would like to have as a friend and mentor. He seems so enlightened and genuine, and hot damn, can the man can spin simple little sentences into deep and meaningful slices of wisdom. 

He took to Twitter yesterday to talk about creativity, and I just had to share his tweets here, because they made me happy. Short and sweet, just like his stories.

Things I Know About Creativity #1. You can learn to be more creative. Which means you can also learn to be less creative. Don't do that. OK?
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#2: creativity with a small c is easy. It's only hard when it's a Big Word, carved in marble, in a place where everyone talks in whispers.
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#3. There're exercises to get more creative. But, can't do them only on weekends & expect them to work. That's a good way to tear something.
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#4. This is important. Some days, you're just not creative. It's OK. Go read a book. Or take a walk. Don't worry about it. It comes back.
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#5. Oh, it comes back IF YOU LET IT. But if you get all anxious, it won't. Ever. If you want to be really anxious, think about that.

— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#5 A. It's simple. Just remember this: fear & creativity don't mix.

— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#6. Practice feeling safe. You'll be more playful & creative automatically. (Besides, it makes more sense than practicing feeling afraid.)
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#7. Collect creative things around you. Things that get your juices flowing are good. Things that don't go in the garage sale pile.
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#8. Most habits make you stupid & less conscious. A habit of creativity makes you more awake & raises your IQ.
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

#8 A. I don't know if that's true, but if it isn't it should be.
— Brian Andreas (@brianandreas) February 7, 2013

Preach, Mr. Andreas. Preach.

You can follow Brian Andreas on Twitter here, follow StoryPeople on Twitter here, and check out the StoryPeople web site here.