The Writer Files: Writing, Productivity, Creativity, And Neuroscience

Have you ever wondered how prolific writers summon vast stores of creativity without seemingly breaking a sweat? I would like to introduce you to a guest segment where I enlist the help of a neuroscientist to give us a tour of The Writer s Brain. I've invited research scientist Michael Grybko — of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington — to help me define creativity from a scientific standpoint. He will help us to pinpoint where exactly in the brain creative ideas come from, decide if you can teach an old writer new tricks, and test the theory that writer s brains are similar to professional athletes. In this 22-minute file Michael Grybko and I discuss: How Science is Expanding Our Definition of Creativity Why Memory Plays Such a Big Part in Writing Don’t Take Your Typing Skills for Granted Where Creative Ideas Come From Can You Teach an Old Writer New Tricks? Why Staying Curious Is So Important to Creativity Are Prolific Writers Like Pro Athletes? Why “Write What You Know” Is Go