Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Ask Yourself Out on a Date

lowes storefront
Photo Credit: Renaissance Woman

The next time you are looking for writing inspiration, or a creative boost, take yourself on a date.  I first got this idea from Julia Cameron’s bestselling book entitled The Artist’s Way.  Cameron encourages us to schedule time for a weekly artist’s date.

The kind of date you choose will depend on your particular writing niche.  My most recent date, because I contribute to the home renovation niche, took me to Home Depot and Lowe’s.  I wanted to experience the hottest new home improvement products and gather firsthand information regarding trending do-it-yourself projects.

In addition to sparking ideas for my next home renaissance project, which involves natural ledgestone tile and cable lighting, the date made it possible for me to snap some photos, obtain product samples, and take home everything I needed to immediately get to work on both my renovation projects and related product reviews. 

stone tiles
One of the Hottest New Natural Stone Tile Products
Photo Credit: Renaissance Woman
You may not be a DIY artist, but the same concept applies to any niche.  Your date might take you to a bookstore, party store, craft supply store, electronics emporium, theater, museum, cooking class, local festival, or even an organic foods cooperative.  The point is to go somewhere stimulating.

After last week’s artist date, I was inspired to write about the Dremel Saw-Max, my newest home renovation tool.  To my delight, that review was featured as a Review of the Day.  Had I not gone on my artist date, I might never have written that review. 

Best of all, I now have two new love interests in my life – Max and Ledge Stone.  I’ll be writing more about Ledge, as he is featured in an upcoming product review.  I just know you are going to love his rock solid presence and craggy good looks.  Who knew DIY dates could be so romantic?  Stay tuned to discover who ends up being my Valentine’s Day date.

What kind of creative date might you choose for your writing niche?



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


12 comments:

  1. I love that ledge stone and have been thinking of using it when we renovate our kitchen. I'd like to use it for a back-splash and then pick up the colors in the stone for the flooring, cabinets, and counter top. For my creative date night I think I'll take a trip to my favorite grocery store called Country Produce. They have the best of the best fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, deli meats, and sauces galore. I'm getting hungry just dreaming about date night :)

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like a delicious date night. Now you're making me hungry! The natural ledgestone tile is so gorgeous as a back splash or fireplace surround. It would look so great in your kitchen. So easy to install.

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  2. This is an excellent idea! We all need inspiration and making a date, setting aside the time, is simply inspired advice.

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  3. I look forward to hearing all about your Valentine's date with Ledge (and do hope there's a flashy photo of a fellow or two to go along with it!)

    For my niche date, I will flash back in time to word dance in rhyme with Dr. Seuss!

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    Replies
    1. He's a little camera shy, my new guy, but I'll see what I can do. I wouldn't mind having a date with Dr. Seuss. He's my kindred spirit. Enjoy the dance!

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  4. Love this idea! For my Photo Bug niche I might go to a camera store and see what is new in the way of photography equipment. I might go to the local library which is currently displaying works of a local photographer or perhaps I'll take a stroll in the snow and look for items to photography. All of these date could serve to inspire me in my niche. Thanks for the inspiration!

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    Replies
    1. A camera store, photo exhibition, and photo safari all sound like perfect dates for the Squidoo Photo Bug. Even better, start creating your own exhibition. :-)

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  5. Excellent advice, indeed! Those "dates" have been in my repertoire for quite some time because, as you point out, They Work!! LOL So glad you were inspired and know what's next on your DIY list. Not sure where to go for my next date, but I will keep dating for sure!

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    1. Your dating shows in your creative output. Besides, in your niche, every date is a party just waiting to happen (or in the process of happening). What's not to love about that? :-)

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  6. I do have these artist's dates.... but I don't schedule them. As a result, they don't happen often enough. Love this blog. It made me happy.

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    Replies
    1. Hope you do ask yourself out on an artist's date this week, Dawn. Thanks for leaving such a positive comment. Always love your visits.

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