I really enjoyed learning about your process. I can only imagine how much it takes out of you, being so vulnerable.
I used to write a bit (still do, but only for myself) and to me, it's very difficult waiting for inspiration to hit. Among other things, I used to write poetry, and it wasn't something I could just "decide" to do. My best poems were the result of feelings that were so powerful I HAD to express them in writing or I would feel overwhelmed by them. At the same time, I think a regular practice of writing (even when you don't feel particularly inspired) helps things to flow more easily when those powerful thoughts and feelings do occur. Someone wise once said, "I hate writing, but I love having written." I would wholeheartedly agree.
Also: "You're very lucky, slave. Only the Emperor can drink your essence!" ;) Sorry...couldn't resist!
I used to believe in the muses, and I wouldn’t totally discount them. But I’ve come to learn after doing this for decades that you have to put yourself into a receptive disposition. If you do that, the ideas will come, but you still have to figure out what to do with them, and I can do it with essays but not yet with full-length books.
I suspect it’s like physical training. The more you do it, the better you get at it. The gym probably stops being something you dread and starts being something you look forward to.
I can't remember if this was mentioned in the past or not, but Stephen King's book, On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft, is really good. It doesn't make any difference if you like or hate his genre or style, or align with his politics. (I certainly don't.) He gives great advice in that book and I found it enjoyable to read as well. (I borrow most of my books for free through the Libby app these days. That one is available from my public library.)
I really enjoyed learning about your process. I can only imagine how much it takes out of you, being so vulnerable.
I used to write a bit (still do, but only for myself) and to me, it's very difficult waiting for inspiration to hit. Among other things, I used to write poetry, and it wasn't something I could just "decide" to do. My best poems were the result of feelings that were so powerful I HAD to express them in writing or I would feel overwhelmed by them. At the same time, I think a regular practice of writing (even when you don't feel particularly inspired) helps things to flow more easily when those powerful thoughts and feelings do occur. Someone wise once said, "I hate writing, but I love having written." I would wholeheartedly agree.
Also: "You're very lucky, slave. Only the Emperor can drink your essence!" ;) Sorry...couldn't resist!
I used to believe in the muses, and I wouldn’t totally discount them. But I’ve come to learn after doing this for decades that you have to put yourself into a receptive disposition. If you do that, the ideas will come, but you still have to figure out what to do with them, and I can do it with essays but not yet with full-length books.
I suspect it’s like physical training. The more you do it, the better you get at it. The gym probably stops being something you dread and starts being something you look forward to.
I’m assuming, because I don’t go. :D
I can't remember if this was mentioned in the past or not, but Stephen King's book, On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft, is really good. It doesn't make any difference if you like or hate his genre or style, or align with his politics. (I certainly don't.) He gives great advice in that book and I found it enjoyable to read as well. (I borrow most of my books for free through the Libby app these days. That one is available from my public library.)
I've heard this before, but I always forget about it. May have to give it a look.