Starting off this new year, I thought it might be helpful to remind myself why I create. I’ve often said that it’s an urge I have, something inside of me wants to make things and express myself, my ideas, my feelings. I think many others feel the same way.
In 2006, a New York high school English teacher gave an assignment to her students to write to an author they admired and ask them to visit the school. Of all the authors contacted, only Kurt Vonnegut responded. While he was unable to visit the school, he instead sent a letter of encouragement to the students.
A portion of that letter resonated with me when I read it years ago, and it still resonates now.
“What I had to say to you, moreover, would not take long, to wit: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money and fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you, to make your soul grow.”
I love this. Every time I read it I feel the emotion well up inside me because this is really what being creative is all about. We create for ourselves, to express ourselves, to make our ‘souls grow’.
This is also one of the reasons Vonnegut is one of my favorite authors. He didn’t talk about how hard it is to be a writer, or the years of struggle. No, he wanted these teenagers to embrace their creativity – no matter how good or bad – and just run with it. I think that’s fantastic.
You can read the full text of the letter here, if you’re interested. It’s a good read.
What are your plans for being creative in the coming year?
Image of Kurt Vonnegut courtesy of Wikipedia (public domain).
RB
And so it goes…. KV
🙂
….to make your soul grow… That’s why we do it. What are your plans for being creative next year? Whatcha workin’ on?
Ah, glad you asked! I’m working on a few short stories (various stages of drafting), paintings, and planning my garden for the coming spring. I really hope to have a new short story collection ready to publish by fall.
I’m also trying to decide if I’m going to put a few of my canvases in an upcoming show.
Thanks for stopping by, Devonne. 🙂
Thanks for this truly enlightening post.
I really appreciate how you highlighted the importance of that letter.
Thank you, Luisa. I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
As always, dear friend, you are more than welcome!
It’s interesting that he recommended writing the best poem one can, then physically destroying it.
Meanwhile, I have the good habit of not revealing my plans and schemes of the future until they are ready to be implemented or deployed.
I think Vonnegut was a fan of Buddhism. Or at least, it had a bit of influence on him.
And that’s probably a wise course. Can’t become ruler of the world if everyone knows what’s coming.
Wow I m definitely going to carry this from him –
Creating—whether done “well or badly”—is a vital way to explore your inner self and “make your soul grow.” 🥰
Agreed…it’s something that really stuck with me.
Wishing you a productive and creative 20206!
Wishing us a productive and creative year ahead 🌷🌟
I totally loved this, Richard !
It’s an empowering way to look at creativity—not as a job or a performance, but as a form of self-care.
Thanks for sharing this .. 🌷✨
My pleasure, Aparna! I’m glad you enjoyed this post. 🙂
I’ve read a lot of Vonnegut and never loved him. He’s always felt so… pessimistic, especially as he got older, yet he has the most wonderful advice.
Did you watch Unstuck in Time? I loved him after watching that.
I’ve never considered myself a creator, more of a reader searching for conversation and connection. I make things but I follow very specific patterns made by creators. Nothing wrong with that!
I have created a pretty nice life for myself though, and I will keep doing that!
I think he was pessimistic on the surface, but there was always an undercurrent of hope in his stories. I haven’t seen Unstuck in Time, but I’ll look for it. Thanks for the recommendation!
I think you do a great job of conveying your thoughts and ideas on your blog. Perhaps you’re a reader with a creative heart. 🙂
Thank you! 🥰 I certainly try. This year will be even better.
I remember reading Slaughter House #? He does come across as pessimistic. I think one way he dealt with that was through sharing advice to help others who struggle, thereby lightening up for himself.
Very much so. I read him mostly to get insight on my dad who has a similar way of dealing with trauma.
I connect with what Curt wrote you. What really stood out for me was his signature. Just Wow! That’s a piece of art all in itself.
LOL, yes, his signature definitely stands out! I think he included a few of his doodles in some of his novels, too.
Glad to know his words resonated with you.
I have realised that I have more inspiration than time and energy, a thousand times more but making space for the artist in me to thrive is essential for growth.
Some people need to be with others to do their art. I am happy on my own but I must lay my art out in such a way that I can’t resist getting stuck in. It also means making time. So often we fall into the trap of thinking we must fit more things into our day and that’s making time. But for me it’s about taking things out of my days.. the trivial, unimportant stuff like listening to yet another podcast on how to do something instead of getting stuck in.
I think I might have mentioned that I am working towards a community art exhibition (October).
Mostly it’s allowing myself the freedom to show up in unexpected ways. Thank you for asking the question.
I feel that way, as well, Morag. Too many ideas, so little time!
I’m looking forward to hearing more about your creative endeavors in 2026, as well as how you prepare for that art exhibition! Cheers!
🙏👋
I haven’t read anything from him, because I know he is a classic (still a post I am woking on 😉). But you might have convinced me.
The quote resonates with me.
I grew up as a beta kid. Being into maths, science and rational thinking.
It almost seemed like others prevented me from being anything else.
But I am a product of my parents; a very rational dad and a creative mum.
In the start of my career, I explored more of my dad’s side.
I know I was more comfortable with it. Communication by numbers and formulas seemed much easier to me.
But lately, I am enjoying my creative side.
So I agree with Kurt. Dance , sing, write, draw, whatever, do whatever bees and ants do to communicate!
It used be numbers/formulas for me. Now,it is drawings.
I think it’s great that you’ve been able to explore both your logical and creative sides. Especially because I love your illustrations! 🙂
Vonnegut is an interesting author with a very unique voice. You may be surprised to learn several of his stories are science fiction! Hope you get a chance to read some of his work.
Continue to blog and write poetry as it inspires me. I know a local artist and might explore a collaboration with her in honor of a retreat we both like to visit. Keep up the good work, Richard.
Thank you, Pat.
I hope you do find time to collaborate with that artist. I think you’ll create some amazing works (in addition to your wonderful poetry!).
I love this, Richard! 💞 I plan to keep on, keeping on with my writing and see what emerges. I wrote a post a while back that mentioned I write because I have to – otherwise the words circle in my head making me dizzy until I give them an outlet.
I know that feeling, Dawn. I hope you have a wonderfully creative 2026.
You as well 💞