Ah, yes. Let's talk about inspiration.
Some people insist they cannot write unless they feel "inspired." Others insist that one cannot rely on such intangibles in order to be productive and/or professional.
I fall somewhere in between. First of all, I believe that any work that has an ounce of sincerity has somehow, somewhere, called upon some measure of inspiration. Maybe "called upon" is the key here. Of course it's wonderful when inspiration strikes us. It's a gift. Take it and run with it. But when it hasn't presented itself to us for the taking, we need techniques to find it.
One way is to store unused inspiration in a tangible form for later reference. In other words, when you don't use it, don't lose it. For example, every time I think of a title idea, I make a note of it, no matter where or when it occurs to me. Grab your "inspiration" whenever you can and save it! Use a napkin, use a minirecorder (especially great when you're driving), use the back of your hand, just don't use your memory! I am one of the most reliable people I know, but I have learned to give myself a mental slap whenever I say the words, "Oh, I'll remember that." Not. Do the same for concepts, first lines, phrases, visuals, rhymes, observations, melody lines, you name it. Inspiration is precious; never let it slip through your fingers. Just because it's not structured yet doesn't mean it's not brilliant! Then, when you're in need, you can use your own inspiration for inspiration.
Once I (officially) start writing, I always feel I need time. Psychological time. I don't want to feel rushed. One must nurture inspiration. But even if I have a deadline of some sort, I need to feel that I've staked out some turf that belongs to the particular project, however little time it may be. Even if it's a half hour, it helps me if I know it's a solid one. Whenever possible, I close the door, give my answering machine carte blanche, and try to provide myself with some "headroom" to hear my "voice" and allow it to communicate. In truth, I think that if you stay in touch with your desire to communicate with others, you'll stay in touch with your own inspiration (and it will flow outward).
Go To Page: 1 2
