Hey friends and other human beings! This week, I am back with another edition of Five Things Friday. This is a list of five things that have been buzzing around in my head this week — be they podcasts, books, news articles, hobbies, games, whatever. This week, I talk about creativity, using short sentences and the photography of Alan Schaller.
Without further ado, here are five things for this Friday:
1. Some uncreative thoughts on being creative
I wrote about creativity this week. The ideas I share have probably all been said before but someone once said originality is all about forgetting your sources. I’ve had a lot of fun thinking about the creative process so I figured some of the ideas might be worth putting out into the world. But who can tell? You can, dear reader, so I hope you’ll check it out if you haven’t already.
2. Several short sentences about writing
Speaking of creativity, a book called “Several short sentences about writing” by Verlyn Klinkenborg has been blowing my mind this week. It was all over the blog post I wrote and will likely be all over many things I write in the near future.
It’s one of those books where I find myself highlighting every other sentence while simultaneously having everything I’ve ever thought about writing being completely smashed to bits.
It’s an easy read as well, so go pick up a copy today! I’m still borrowing one from the Louisville Free Public Library, so you can’t have that one. I’ll finish soon, I promise.
And if you notice me using shorter sentences these days, you can blame it on Klinkenborg.
3. The photography of Alan Schaller
I stumbled upon English photographer Alan Schaller and his stunning black and white photography this week. To me, his work is approachable and astounding, all at once.
In my blog on creativity (did you read it yet?) I talked about how style can be a barrier and how creatives shouldn’t be confined to one style or another. In this case, I find Schaller’s style to be freeing and I’d like to try to mimic it some if I can. Personally, I’ve always found high contrast photography with deep blacks and sheer whites very appealing, and Schaller is amazing at it.
He comes along for me at a time when I’ve been considering sticking to black and white photography only. I guess this is to say: wish me luck. Also you should check out his photography and, if you have the time, enjoy his delightful British humor through his YouTube channel.
4. Song of the week: Minnesota by Harbor & Home
I have very little connection to Minnesota but I really like this song.
5. Words of the week:
Writing doesn't prove anything,
And it only rarely persuades.
It does something much better.
It attests.
It witnesses.
It shares your interest in what you've noticed.
It reports on the nature of your attention.
It suggests the possibilities of the world around you.
The evidence of the world as it presents itself to you.
Proof is for mathematicians.
Logic is for philosophers.
We have testimony.
-Verlyn Klinkenborg
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