The phrase "on a roll" sounds like a period of sustained writing – the momentum to keep going or a time of high productivity. In the realm of creativity, it sounds like the moments when inspiration flows effortlessly, when everything seems to "click" – writing in the right place, with the right idea, and at the right time. I’m on a creative roll. The phrase likely originates from dice games, where a roll refers to a single throw of the dice. A player who is "on a roll" would be experiencing a streak of positive outcomes, continuously rolling a winner after a winner. The phrase carries a sense of riding a wave of luck or fortune. Creativity is often described as unpredictable, much like the roll of dice. Being "on a roll" suggests a convergence, the alignment, of factors that foster creative productivity, including ideas, focus, inspiration, and external circumstances – ideas tumbling out effortlessly – striking that elusive balance between preparation and spontaneity. But, with dice, comes the image of gambling, underscoring the idea of chance and, of course, of risk. Much like rolling dice, creativity involves risk-taking – trying new ideas, experimenting with unknown methods, or embracing unconventional paths. Being "on a roll" doesn't just mean productivity and success but also the impetus to keep rolling even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s about maintaining momentum through the unpredictability of the process. Where does this momentum come from? For me, the end-of-year vacation gave me the rest and the subsequent energy to burst from the writing block. Second, the “flow state” – of being immersed and focused – came from the flood of new ideas, stemming from what I had just read or heard or the song I had just listened to. But, over time, "on a roll" implies a short-term streak of productivity rather than a prolonged state. These "rolls" might last hours, days, or weeks, but they are finite. "On a roll" perfectly encapsulates the highs of creativity: those rare moments when inspiration seems endless, progress feels effortless, and everything aligns. The streak might be short-lived, but its impact can be profound if harnessed wisely.
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Tuesday, 21 January 2025
NEW PARIS BOOK IN PROGRESS IN 2025: ON A ROLL – Blog 33
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