Time for creativity, for play

One of the beauties of storyboarding is its flexibility. I'm preparing some talks now for a conference in Edmonton in September, and I've just been asked to speak to a group of writers on storyboarding in Toronto in November.

Sometimes I used a storyboard to free my schedule. To open up time where I can free myself to play, to daydream, to pray and wait on inspiration and insight. If I know I need to write a first draft, it's better for me to free my schedule of many discrete items on a to do list because that seems to activate a different side of my brain.

I am envisioning the talk in Edmonton, envisioning the people that will come, the opportunity to share with them something that doesn't come from me, but comes from the God. That means, as I prepare, I need to spend more time waiting, listening, poring over the Bible, cultivating receptivity.

Sometimes we fly around too busy, too rushed, too pressured to be able to hear what God is trying to tell us. I know that if I want to share something that is more than just my own "cleverness", I need to be still.

When it comes to creating something, if I try to force it, I can sit in front of the computer and nothing will come. If I say, okay, it's play time, then I may find myself opening up the file and having fun and the results in my work are much better.
I'll find that while I'm relaxed, ideas and insights will flow while I'm making supper or going for a walk.