Today, I’m going to talk about curiosity and creativity in fiction writing. Are you passionate about your writing? Has it been a dream of yours, perhaps even since childhood, to one day become a full-time writer? What would you give to trade in your day job for a life spent weaving stories, exploring characters, and bringing your ideas to life on the page?
For many of us, that dream has been a constant companion, whispering in our ears through the hustle and bustle of daily life. But often, the dream of writing can get sidetracked by the demands of work, social obligations, and family.
Youth, in particular, can be both a blessing and a curse for aspiring writers. When I was younger, I lacked the discipline to sit down and write the 80,000 words needed to complete a novel. My passion for writing was there, but the focus and maturity were not.
But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to pursue your writing dreams. My passion for writing has found its second wind, and I’ve structured my life in such a way that I now write every day.
The distractions of youth—work, socialising, travel, and raising children—may have pulled me away from writing for a couple of decades, but they’ve also given me a wealth of experiences to draw upon. Now, not only do I have the maturity to sit still long enough to write a chapter, but I also have something meaningful to say.
Curiosity and Creativity
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned on my writing journey is the value of curiosity. Elizabeth Gilbert, one of my favourite writers on the subject of creativity, explores this concept beautifully in her book Big Magic.
In it, she shares how curiosity, rather than passion, can be the true driving force behind creativity. Passion, as Gilbert explains, can be all-consuming but may eventually burn out.
Curiosity, on the other hand, is a gentler, more sustainable force. It doesn’t demand that you throw yourself into your work with reckless abandon; instead, it quietly nudges you to explore, to ask questions, and to follow where your interests lead.
You might start off wanting to write a short story, but curiosity will compel you to see if you can stretch it into a novella. Once you’ve written the novella, you might find yourself curious about whether you can handle the challenge of a full-length novel.
Maybe you become intrigued by the lives of Chinese concubines and dive into historical research, which then inspires your next book. Or perhaps you’re curious about how a young widow might rebuild her life, and you begin to write her story to find out.
Curiosity, in this way, becomes a guiding star for your creativity. It leads you down paths you might never have envisioned, opening up new worlds and possibilities for your writing.
Embracing Curiosity in All Areas of Life
Curiosity isn’t just a tool for writing—it’s a way of life. Don’t feel confined by the career you’ve been in for the last decade. If you’re curious about learning a new skill or exploring a different path, go for it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
For instance, a friend once recommended a book by Robert Kiyosaki to me. Her enthusiasm sparked my curiosity, so I bought the book and read it. That initial curiosity led me to investigate how people follow their instincts to become dancers, public speakers, personal trainers, or property investors. I asked myself, “Could I do that?” My curiosity pushed me to try, and I discovered that I could.
Curiosity doesn’t just add depth to your writing; it enriches your entire life. It encourages you to explore new ideas, take risks, and grow in ways you never thought possible.
Finding a New Path
For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of seeing my book published by Penguin and proudly displayed in a bookshop. But over time, the world of publishing has changed. Penguin merged with Random House, and their bookshops closed.
My dream, however, didn’t die—it evolved. Curiosity led me to explore independent publishing, an avenue I had previously dismissed. But when I stumbled upon Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn, I became obsessed!
Her advocacy for indie publishing piqued my interest. I began researching, learning more, and eventually, the idea took hold: Why not try self-publishing? I like being my own boss, so why not apply that to my writing career?
I’m still at the beginning of this journey, but I’m curious—and excited—to see where it will take me. And isn’t that what writing is all about? Following your curiosity to see where it leads, even if the path is different from what you originally envisioned.
The Magic of Living Ideas
Another concept from Elizabeth Gilbert that resonates with me is the idea of “living” ideas. Gilbert believes that ideas are like living entities that float around the universe, searching for a suitable host. When they find the right person, they stick around, grow, and flourish. But if you ignore them, they move on, seeking someone else who will bring them to life.
It may sound fanciful, but it’s a beautiful notion—and one that can inspire you to act on your ideas before they slip away. We all need a little bit of magic in our lives, and believing in the power of living ideas can keep your curiosity and creativity alive.
Final thoughts
So, what are you curious about? Does that curiosity keep you going, even when your passion for your latest book begins to wane? It’s certainly something worth pondering.
If you’re a beginner writer and need help getting started, I invite you to sign up for my video series, 21 Days of Writing Inspiration? Let your curiosity guide you, and who knows where your writing journey will take you?
Emma Dhesi
Emma Dhesi is an author mindset coach and bestselling author who helps writers let go of perfectionism, self-doubt and writer’s block through her signature programme, Unlock Your Creative Block.
She is the host of the YouTube Channel, Emma Dhesi, where she interviews debut and experienced authors alike.
Through her 1:1 coaching programme, Emma helps new authors start and finish their first novel. Emma provides personal written feedback on their pages and guides them through the emotional rollercoaster that is writing a novel!
