Inspiration comes from the strangest of places. Sometimes, however, no matter how inspired the initial idea, the creative juices don’t flow.
Yesterday, I was working on a scene from my novel, and suddenly the scene began to feel forced and, before I knew it, I’d lost touch with my main character.
No matter how hard I tried, the inspiration was no where to be found.
So, I tried several things, including making another cup of tea, leaning back and staring at my computer (while eating chocolate), and going back to my notes.
Suddenly, there was Henry, my dog, staring up at me with his puppy dog eyes, and I knew it was time for a walk. For someone who barks at shadows, it’s surprising how intuitive he can be. During that quiet walk, my character started talking to me again and by the time we got back home, I’d written the rest of the scene. All I had to do was type it into the computer.
I’ve heard it said that Gertrude Stein wrote poetry while sitting in her car. For me, I find the combination of quiet isolation and movement replenishes my creative juices. Walking my dog not only improves my mood, and my writer’s butt, it frees my imagination. And two of the most successful (writing-wise) ideas I’ve had, came to me while driving.
Considering my driving record, that is a bit scary.
Non-the less, it’s true.
Yet, despite this clear correlation between movement and creativity, more often I stubbornly sit there and try to force my way through. Ah well…as they say, it’s tough to teach an old dog new tricks!
I also find walking does the trick. I wrote an entire novel while walking in Lake Woods Forest Preserve with my golden. My brain was trained to shift gears as we stepped into the woods. I would just say, “All right, Scott. What are you going to do now?” and watch it play out before my eyes as my feet followed the paths. (I got pretty lost in there more than once while seeing the story more clearly than the park.)
I think that the brain works better with that slightly elevated circulation that gentle aerobics provide. Think back to our hunter/gatherer ancestors who spent their days walking and looking for things to eat. It’s probably our most alert time.
Heading out for a walk right now!
lots of ways… walking… changing into a different art form… flower essences of iris and blackberry… self-CCT… and sometimes sitting with what is & going into how that feels… horrible, scary* or allowing the evolution to come as it will. Thanks for sharing!
I like that thought, “…sitting with what is”
Imagine that inspiration develops from extremes, as a natural law, to help re-establish balance. Therefore, try extremely good or bad music, temperature, food, smell, touch (eg, pain), etc.
Ahhh, like Greatful Dead vs Debussy! 🙂
changing activities, connecting with friends, oh – a big one: sleep! (which is hard to do when i’m trying to tie up loose ends…) there’s something about sleep and clarity…
Definitely! John Cleese even talks about how important it is. But it’s not always easy for women, unfortunately.