Hi, I’m Jenna Kalinsky, the founder of One Lit Place. (Very nice to meet you!)
You’ve probably noticed throughout your life that you’re different from non-creative people. It can be a little alienating when you’re in a crowd of them, but when you’re with other creatives, or alone in the act of simply being yourself, it’s affirming and interesting!
I created this mini course because I wanted to understand the science behind what makes creative people creative (like is it in our DNA? Is it learned?). Then, more specifically, I wanted to learn what makes some people want to write, or have to write, as opposed to using other forms of creativity.
The research was so validating! We can’t help the way we are, but more importantly, being a creative person is a true gift.
When we do what we were born to do and funnel our lives, our inquiry, and our essence into writing, we fuel others by moving them, enhancing and shifting their worldview, and giving them the chance to access their humanity in ways they otherwise would not.
Art, ideas, and writing connect people and unify us all in beautiful, thoughtful ways.
I’m happy to know you are, like me, someone who wants to not only be in the world but to make it meaningful—for yourself and for others.
Thank you for joining me as we explore what drives us to be creative- and to continue to write it all down.
In this short course, we will:
You’ve always known you were “different” from some people. Maybe you are in a work or social setting and trying to chat with someone who doesn’t seem to quite get you, or it feels like an awkward connection.
On the flip side, when you meet some folks for the first time, within seconds you might feel at home with them as if you’ve known one another for years.
It’s not arbitrary that you gel with some people and not others; in fact, there’s a distinct scientific reason for it. Creative people’s brains are wired to process the world differently from non-creative people.
At the risk of sounding immodest, creative people are pretty incredible! We’re intelligent, deep-feeling, and great storytellers. We’re also open minded, risk-takers, imaginative, generally don’t mind a bit of mess, and feel happiest when expressing our creative impulses.
So sure, your desk may be cluttered, but you’re empathetic and curious.
Like with anyone who was “born this way”, a creative person can no more help being creative than they can help the color of their eyes.
Your natural brain function, traits, and behaviors are what make you gravitate to creative work and fields where you can express yourself and share your expressions with others.
(And if your job leaves some creative elements to be desired, you’ve probably noticed you find other outlets*).
Consider all the writers who hold non-creative day jobs (most of them!); some say the fact that they spend their days in less creative fields leaves them much more energy for when they clock out and get to the real work!
Whether you have a career or a writing practice, the writing you do is a natural extension of you using your brain the way it’s designed—and feeling at home in the world.
It’s a special person whose brain works this way. When you learn to embrace your natural proclivities and honor them by acknowledging them through your writing, you’re empowered and confident that you—doing all you do creatively—are doing the right thing.
Our 4-month Mentored Book Programs, Online Courses, & Writing Coaching and Editing Hours. From November 21-27, 2023