Writing with the Tarot
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In the vast and often chaotic world of creative writing, there exists a hidden treasure chest—a reservoir of inspiration and knowledge known as "brain pickings." This term evokes an image of selectively gathering ideas, insights, and sparks from a vast field of experiences, transforming them into the fuel for your creative fire. But what does it truly mean to pick your brain? And how can creative writers use this process to elevate their craft? Let’s dive in.
Brain pickings refer to the process of harvesting inspiration and knowledge from various sources, both external and internal, to ignite creativity. It’s a mental rummaging—a deliberate and mindful exploration of ideas that spark curiosity and wonder.
For writers, this process can involve:
The beauty of brain pickings is that it’s a deeply personal process. It allows you to connect seemingly unrelated ideas to create something entirely new.
Creativity thrives on curiosity. To pick your brain effectively, you must first cultivate a curious mind. The best writers are insatiable questioners, always seeking to understand the world in novel ways.
As much as writing comes from within, external sources provide a vital spark. Inspiration doesn’t have to come from literature alone—writers can borrow from art, science, history, and even everyday conversations.
The most potent inspiration often lies within. Your thoughts, feelings, and experiences are a treasure trove waiting to be unearthed.
The magic of brain pickings lies in connecting disparate ideas. For example, a writer might combine their fascination with medieval history, a recent news story about artificial intelligence, and their own struggles with identity to craft a unique narrative.
After gathering your pickings, it’s essential to reflect and let them percolate. Creativity isn’t just about gathering ideas; it’s about allowing them to simmer until they transform into something meaningful.
Every writer’s brain pickings process is unique, but the underlying principles remain the same: stay curious, explore both within and without, and connect the dots creatively. Make this practice a habit, and you’ll find that inspiration is never far away.
Remember, creativity isn’t about pulling something out of thin air—it’s about piecing together fragments of the world and your imagination into something beautiful, thought-provoking, and uniquely yours.
Happy brain picking!
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