Psychologist Robert Maurer cites research: "if you have people have to mix during the course of their day, they will sometimes create ideas they would never do as they’re isolated in their cubicles.”
Elizabeth Gilbert addresses a number of topics related to being creative, including dealing with fears.
In an essay from her book on creativity, she notes: “I made a decision a long time ago that if I want creativity in my life – and I do – then I will have to make space for fear, too.