Rote Work

If you’re looking for more creative ideas in your work, start by doing more rote work.

I often have a little burst of writing inspiration after our annual Cabaret show. I think it’s because I’ve just spent a whole bunch of hours involved in more-or-less “rote” writing. It’s writing, but it’s less creative decision-making. I’m following templates and writing for clarity and in support of someone else’s musical vision.

But that “rote” writing leads, in the weeks to follow, to a big increase in the urge to write and ideas when I am writing.

In short: I find that the creative ideas come from the practice of writing, not the reverse.