Writer's Wednesday : I've learned that…

30 December 2009 ~ View Comments

Writer's Wednesday : I've learned that…

Imagine this:

You set aside the time to write. The house is finally quiet. Every responsibility is tucked out of sight.

You sit down at your computer… and don’t feel like writing.

There are few things that are more frustrating to an author. Often, these moments happen right when you must get something written.

I’ve learned that this only happens when I need a break for inspiration.

Inspiration? We tend to think of inspiration as a creative spark, possibly coming from outside ourselves.

But look at the word.

Wikitionary defines Inspiration as:

The act of inspiring or breathing in;
breath
(physiology) the drawing of air into the lungs, accomplished in mammals by elevation of the chest walls and flattening of the diaphragm.
The act or power of exercising an elevating or stimulating influence upon the intellect or emotions; the result of such influence which quickens or stimulates; as, the inspiration of occasion, of art, etc.
A supernatural divine influence on the prophets, apostles, or sacred writers, by which they were qualified to communicate moral or religious truth with authority; a supernatural influence which qualifies men to receive and communicate divine truth; also, the truth communicated.

I’ve learned that when I’m stuck or feel the ‘don’t wannas’ I need to get moving, get breathing. I get up for a fast walk in the neighborhood, a run in the park, fifteen minutes of chasing Rose around the house, dancing in place or even some fast house cleaning.

When I return from inspiring air, low and behold, my writing inspiration has returned.

Recently, my twitter buddy Lyn Thorne-Alder, writer of Addergoole, was on deadline and stuck. I encouraged her to try my walk inspiration trick. After a quick walk around the block, she easily made her word goal for the day.

Works every time.

What works for you?

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Jameil

Ooh! Good to know!
On a Limb w/ Claudia

Brandi - What a great way to engage your kids and get inspired - great thinking!

Tami - What an interesting idea! I'd love to see what words are in your interesting word can. I bet there's some cool stuff there.

Cajun Vegan - Whooo hoooo!! I'm excited to hear what works for you! Congratulations for taking the step to figure it out.
cajunvegan

One of my goals for 2010 is to figure out what works for me. This post is one step in that direction. Thank you for continuing to inspire me.
Tami

When I was taking a poetry writing class, the instructor suggested getting a can, cutting a small slit in the top to fill it with words we find interesting. So, whenever we came across a word we loved, we were to write it on a slip of paper, and drop it in the can.

I've kept up with it ever since. I find words so interesting, as I'm sure all writers do. A single word can inspire a whole stream of thought and ideas. Of course, walking away from what you're working on is always freeing as well.

Thank you Claudia for the definitions of inspiration. I had no idea one of them was breath or the act of breathing in. I find those descriptions very interesting. I've been told inspiration is your spirit guide whispering in your ear, and you actually "hearing" it, being tuned into it.

I guess it doesn't matter what it is just so long as we all find it.
Brandi

Exercise does it for me. I pop on the Wii Fit and challenge the kids to a run or an obstacle course game. By the time we're done, I'm inspired and the kids are ready for a nap...both of which are equally beautiful results of the same activity. =)
On a limb with Claudia

Karin - Isn't that interesting? The most commonly used definition is the 4th best. I'm glad to help get you kickstarted!

Iceel - What type of music works the best for you? I listen to a variety of music depending on what mood I'm in or what I'm writing.
lceel

Music. Music works for me. When I'm ready - when I feel the pressure - I find a tune on my iPod that suits the mood I want to write in and strap on the headphones and WRITE!!! Works every time.
Karin

Wow! 5 definitions for one word and most people (myself included) tend to focus on the 4th one as the only or best definition. I love the idea of a walking break when you can't fund your inspiration or focus - it's good for the body, mind and soul.

I'm so glad you're doing Writer Wednesdays, it gives me a little kickstart every week!
On a limb with Claudia

Sheryl - "Not knowing what to write" - such a succinct way to put it. yes, that happens to me too! :)

Dana - I love the idea of breathing in spirit. I love the idea of puttering (washing dishes, etc) = conjuring. What a great metaphor.

TWMark - It's in these comments that I see the poet in you. Not because they're poetically written but because poets can sit down with the world on their shoulders and use it to create beauty. What a gift.
TWM

Actually the word breath in Hebrew is Nephesh which has been translated as soul not spirit. But then pilpul is not german to the question.

OG I just park my behind in the char and write. But then I have no necessary pressures to weigh on me. I will set a deadline for myself but in my mind I know there is no rush; no stress no pressure, no pressure no block.
dana

the word breath means spirit.............. we walk, we breathe in new spirit. It's a holy thing.

Yes, I do that too......... or I go off and do something basic and mundane, like wash dishes or fold clothes and it frees my thinking. The BEST way for me to conjure up ideas and let the words flow is to go for a drive.
Sheryl A. McCoy

I know that feeling of not knowing what to write. It has nothing to do with not having anything to write about. A quick walk around the block can do wonders.