And So The Mind Reels

An abstract concept. Thinking outside the frame. Or what happens when you've watched too many new-wave French films and then go out to make a vlog?

Sometimes we think too much and need to purge the cache - clear your mind. I have a tip on how you can do this.

Good musicians can teach other artists a thing or two. Some musicians can play a massive amount of notes very quickly but it's how they put them together and the order that is the beauty. The melody they create. The same philosophy applies to writers, painters, and other artists.

Many artists and creative types send their work out into the world and it is met with silence. It is acceptable to let us know what you think! Did you like the song? The Poem? The Story? The Film? The Painting? The Play? Please let the artist know. Good, bad, or indifferent.

Some writers have an issue writing dialogue. There are methods to use that are very simple. Your mind is essentially a tape recorder and all you need to do is hit play!

All creators and Artists have to lose control of what it is they create. How hard or easy can that be? At the same time, anyone who views art is allowed to control what they think of it. Will they get it? Will the band cover the song correctly? Will the actors understand the play they are doing?

Some people are perfectly comfortable finding their niche, their place in life and staying there. Others can display a talent for a particular endeavor and be stuck in a hole they can never get out of. Some creative types never settle for one particular area of creativity and drift from ability to ability because the spirit moves them. I began at an early age loving art: wanting to draw and paint....

In a previous episode I recommended some films from France, Japan, Germany, and Italy that displayed a new take on storytelling and filmmaking. This time I recommend some American Films that do the same.

In a previous episode I recommended some films from France, Japan, Germany, and Italy that displayed a new take on storytelling and filmmaking. This time I recommend some American Films that do the same. Full video on Spotify or Youtube

In the previous episode I mentioned some Foreign films that were worth checking out. In this video version - I expand the topic and make a few recommendations. Films by Fellini, Godard, Kurosawa and Herzog.

A few stories for you to open up your little gray cells to all that is possible out there. First is the story of Keith Jarrett and the Koln Concert - how he was able to overcome some large problems to make everything work and create his best-selling live album when he wasn't sure he could get through the concert. Next, learn how keeping an open mind can help you grow as a creative person and heck...

Sometimes creativity is found by reversing the way you do or look at things. Try approaching something you are very familiar with - the way you write, paint, or any creative endeavor and start at a different point. It can help you see it in a new way.    

Many fields of creative art from writing to acting have some ground rules you should abide by but...  how many of these rules are just someone's own preference or taste.  What rules can you ignore and what rules can you follow. I wrote a book many years ago called Basic On Stage Survival Guide For Amateur Actors that contains Rules For Stage Actors.  Someone contacted me and asked if these rules c...

I took some time off to do something creative. I wrote a book. How did I go about the process? I will tell you the story. Not the short story but the story about the short stories. Yes, that.  The book is called Idle Essence: Tales Of Marvin a collection of short stories 

I spoke with my lovely and charming granddaughter about her love of all things sports; specifically Volleyball. From kindergarten through the sixth grade she has been part of a team in some form or another.  How does sports teamwork translate into everyday life? Can you take the skills you learn on the Volleyball court or softball diamond and apply them to normal social situations? 

In the past, I explained the road that lead me to become a playwright, but I didn't explain the steps that I climbed before that happened. These are some very easy steps to follow that anyone can use to achieve a goal in life. Whether you want to be an actor, a dancer, a filmmaker, a writer - you name it.  Follow me. 

Sometimes a moment of revelation (or an Ephihany) can manifest in unusual places. While taking a hike through the Autumn woods I had a thought I needed to record - fortunately I had my phone and was able to capture my thought as it related to  Creative Thinking 

S2E4  One creed many writers live by is the rule: Show, Don't Tell.  What does that mean? How does that work? What is an example or two?  How can I convey the information I want my audience to know without making it sound silly? Do I need to Show or Tell them everything? Could I introduce elements that have nothing to do with my story? Can I withhold information? Has anyone ever don...

S2 E3 There are some of us who dream of going into the arts and becoming an actor, a writer, a poet, a dancer, a painter, a musician, or a combination of fields. Going into the arts isn't the most respectable profession as some would have you believe - but if you have a strong passion, there are ways to accomplish your dreams. In this episode, your host Lee Mueller will talk with someone who made...

S2 E2  As an example of creativity - sometimes in telling a story you need the audience to know some information: who is this guy? Why did that happen? Was is this person acting that way? - and as a creative storyteller, you need a smooth natural way to convey information to your audience/reader/viewer without sounding too corny. Your host Lee Mueller explores some methods you can use to help...

Season 2 Ep 1.  Should you keep using what works for everyone else or perhaps change it up a bit? Go with the formula or create your own? Should you just look at the world as it is or maybe seek the details and find a difference?  A collection of Lee's plays can be found on Amazon Help Support this Podcast! Click Here

Ep. 12 How and approach to writing plays was developed by the structure of an improvisational performer.   As long as you understand the setting and the flow of  A to B to C, Lee Mueller could free-form a story without planning it all out in advance. How to allow the play to unfold the same way it does in front of the audience.  How to employ the "yes and" method that is a rule...

I have had a few people ask me questions about how the conditions of 2020 are affecting some artists : actors, musicians, playwrights et al..  and what are we doing to cope?  Well, I have a few thoughts. A collection of Lee's plays can be found on Amazon Help Support this Podcast! Click Here