3/6/09

The Midnight Disease: The Drive to Write, Writer's Block, and the Creative Brain



"Researchers will soon be able to see which patterns of brain activity underlie creativity," (Alice) Flaherty claims. By offering some powerful physiological theories for the creative process, Flaherty debunks the idea that creativity stems from psychological inspiration. A few impenetrable parts notwithstanding, she eloquently translates scientific information into layman's terms, instilling her narrative with fascinating literary and personal anecdotes and practical advice for writers. Citing skimpy evidence, scientists might take issue with Flaherty's claims. Yet Flaherty, who tries to remain impartial, expresses a deep ambivalence about the correct approach to creativity. The book, she emphasizes, is "not meant to be the final word on these complex subjects, but to spur further debate." - Bookmarks Magazine

Link Hypergraphia and Hypographia: 'Diseases' of Written Word. YouTube: Philoctetes Center, The Multidisciplinary Study of Imagination. A round-table discussion between world renowned scholars about this phenomenon.

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