Summary

Francine Fallara shares her personal creative process, which is deeply influenced by her surroundings, particularly nature and urban environments, and how she captures her inspirations in a notebook with a refillable HB pencil.

Abstract

Francine Fallara, an author and Medium contributor, discusses the importance of her environment in stimulating her creativity. She has found that writing in a notebook, rather than on digital devices, allows her to express her thoughts more genuinely. Her favorite places to write are in nature, especially near water, and in culturally rich urban areas where she can observe and photograph her surroundings. Fallara believes that her first drafts, written manually, are the most authentic and require minimal editing. She finds that the beauty of sunrises and sunsets, as well as the tranquility of water, are particularly conducive to her writing process. Additionally, she draws inspiration from the cultural elements of cities, such as architecture and street art. When traveling, the views from airplane windows provide her with a sense of boundless creativity. Fallara's writing is often accompanied by her own photography, which she selects to complement her stories.

Opinions

Francine Fallara values the authenticity of handwritten drafts over digital ones.
She believes that spending time in nature, particularly near water, is essential for refueling her creativity.
Urban environments rich in culture, such as those with interesting architecture and street art, also serve as a source of inspiration for her writing.
The act of observing and photographing her surroundings is an integral part of her creative process.
Fallara finds that the views from airplane windows during travel expand her creativity and provide a unique perspective for her writing.
She has a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of sunrises and sunsets, which often inspire her writing ideas.
The author emphasizes the importance of a supportive environment, such as her home with a view of the St-

What Tickles My Creativity?

Where Do You Write?

For a long time I thought I never would have enough time to write every day.

What tickles my creativity?_FrancineFallara_2018–12_QuebecCity

Once I started writing on Medium, I invested in a carry everywhere notebook and refillable HB pencil.

I am a very technological girl. But my drafts and first pitches are done manually. The fact that I can just cross-over any phrases helps my flowing writing to be efficient.

I rarely edit my first drafts because I personally think first versions are always the truest unforced expressions of my writing skills.

I bring the notebook everywhere. It works for me very well. I am an outdoor girl who spends most of her free time hiking. My favorite hikes are in nature. When I pause, I just take my notebook out and let my writing flow take over.

What tickles my creativity?_FrancineFallara_2018–09_Témiscouata Lake trails

Hiking triggers my creativity. Spending several hours outdoors refuels my brain’s ingenuity. Fresh oxygen swipes away any worries grounding me to a positive attitude.

During outdoors adventures I try to surround myself with water. Rivers, lakes and oceans are magical.

The movement of the water cradles me, calms me and inspires me. Time slows down and I take this opportunity to observe my entourage.

After a heartbroken separation, when I moved to another region of the province of Quebec, I managed to settle in right on the St-Lawrence River shores facing south.

The open area windows offers a complete 180 degrees view on the river. Hence, facing daily, the sun’s path from east to south to west. Facing east, I have placed a bistro table and chairs set by my bedroom window.

The blinds are never closed, my facing neighbor is Quebec City’s own natural agricultural garden, Orleans Island. I wake up to the greatest sunrises. Having my coffee and notebook usually inspires most of my draft writing ideas.

At night, both the reflections of the sunsets on Orleans Island and the rising of the moon are my per diem blessings.

What tickles my creativity?_FrancineFallara_2018–07_QuebecCity

While I cannot escape in nature I enjoy walking in urban jungles. Cities spots to refuel my inspirations for writing and enjoying photography are found mainly in cultural rich areas.

These include architecture, sculptures, graffiti and murals. I adore enriching my urban exploration walks down culture rich streets. Settling in a pub or cafe and just observe again the street’s influential movements. Usually, jotting down ideas in my notebook.

What tickles my creativity?_FrancineFallara_2018–06_Montreal

I often plunge myself back in nature even if trapped in any city. Botanical gardens are metropolitan magical places for me. I can, for hours, slowly walk and take hundreds of pictures not seeing the time go by. So many shapes and colors to process.

What tickles my creativity?_FrancineFallara_2018–10_Montreal

Finally, my last ideal writing spot is when I travel. Looking out to the infinite horizon from planes windows gives me an infinite opening to my own creativity.

What tickles my creativity?_FrancineFallara_2017–05_Quebec City

Again, while relaxing, I usually turn my body towards the window in a comfortable position.

This way my brain surfs, flying over the world, while capturing all the Earth’s beautiful panoramas.

These priceless images harmonizes all my texts. When I write I usually know, right at the start, exactly which of my photos are going to illuminate my new tale.

Francine Fallara 2020

Author of “Inkling Whispers” eBook edition and Paperback available on Amazon and Kindle.

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