What I'm Watching: American Idol (I'm so not into American Idol but there's something about the auditions that is too fun not to watch!)
A few days ago I read a post by Jamie over at Bookmom Musings reflecting on the "why" of her writing. Why do we write? Why do we put ourselves through the
Her post prompted me to reflect on my own writing journey. Currently I've hit a very rough patch in my current work in progress and when I consider the "why" of my journey as a writer, I feel like this:
The why for me is not always clear. I have stories to tell but sometimes the effort of getting them out and onto paper is so difficult that it seems almost impossible. So what makes me sit down at the computer and keep trying when it seems that I'll never be able to get the words right?
Maybe it's the hope that someday I'll be able to find the right words, or maybe just the words that work in the moment. Maybe it's because my characters are so real I need to breathe life into them and allow them to exist independent of my own imagination. Mostly, though, I think my "why" lies in the fact that I'm driven to write and have been most of my life. I need to write the way I need to breathe or eat or sleep.
Or, there is the distinct possibility that I'm absolutely out of my mind crazy. I mean, you have to be...at least a little...to put yourself through this process on a daily basis, right?
Oh yes, crazy is definitely a part of it. Well, for me anyway, but I think we all go through these rough patches. Stress can really play a part in that, too. But you'll find your way through it. I know you will, especially because you obviously feel strongly about your characters. So, you just have to let them out. Just write write write, and let yourself screw up. No matter how bad it's getting, just keep going. You might be surprised what happens. Forget about trying to rhyme with cherry pie. Or, you know...ham on rye, cherry pie...so what if it doesn't make sense?? Just go wth it. Your song will be edited, and it wll be beautiful. But you'll never get there if you can't get past cherry pie.
ReplyDeleteAw, Carolina had great advice! We all feel crazy, just hang in there and keep your goal in mind :)
ReplyDeleteI have an award for you on my blog today, if you want to come and play. There, I rhymed. Just for you!
@Carol: You're right about the stress affecting writing for me. It's been crazy stressful this week and my muse? Has gone into the witness protection program. And I've never received better advice than to not worry about the Cherry pie...I get stuck right there. The editor in me expects perfection. I keep trying to tell her that she'll get her turn but she's a pushy old broad and wants in on the action during the writing phase. *FYI? Contrary to what Sesame Street might have taught me, banging my head on the keyboard totally doesn't help*
ReplyDelete@Diana Thanks for the support! It's nice to know that I'm not alone in my writerly induced insanity moments. :) And sweet...off to check out my award. I LOVE blog bling!!! :)