(Nimue)
If you want to grow as a creator, then consider looking for a community where you can share your work. This can mean overtly creative spaces set up explicitly for certain kinds of sharing – poetry groups, folk clubs, writers groups, amateur dramatics groups and so forth. It can also mean finding spaces where creative contributions are welcome. Druid rituals, bardic circles and other community spaces may have room for what you do.
Being part of something gives you accountability. Having something or someone to create for may help you focus. I found that recently on a poetry course where there were commenting that being their helped them find the focus to write. That kind of space gives feedback, support and the incentive of getting a good response. I've had similar experiences when attending regular poetry nights, and folk clubs. Having people to perform for helps, it's an incentive to create, to practice, to hone skills.
Encountering other people's creativity is a really nourishing thing. There's so much to learn from what others do – stage skills, subject matter, technical aspects – you never know what gems and insights you might pick up just by being in the room. Being aware of what other people are working on and interested in helps keep what you're doing relevant and protects us all from becoming too self involved or self referential.
The instant feedback of applause is a wonderful thing. How much applause is always informative. Did they laugh when you thought they would? Did they go quiet when you wanted them to? That engagement can be highly educational and can help you hone your work to get the responses you want.
It works for other forms, too. I've been involved with drink and draws, storytelling circles, dance classes… whatever you're doing, the process of sharing it will help you grow. It's also entirely wonderful seeing other people growing. Watching someone grow in a space you've contributed to is a lovely feeling. Knowing that your applause, your support, you having space and time for them has been part of what's enabled them to become more capable is a wonderful thing to get to experience.
Creativity comes fully to life when it's shared. Art needs an audience. For me, the work is never truly finished until it lands with someone else, so finding the spaces where that's possible is important.
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