Finding my way
Today I’m going to go down a slightly different post path. As the weariness of blogs by writers becomes more and more apparent, I feel the need to talk about what I’m doing as a possible means of clearing the clutter from my brain.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my WIP. That’s a good thing because a few weeks ago all I wanted to do was leave it stuffed in a drawer. I still haven’t brought myself to edit anymore or even continue working on the sequel…but I’m feeling better about moving in that direction.
This morning I drug out my old playlist for memory triggers. One of the problems with leaving a WIP for a while is coming back to it later. Finding the same inspiration you left weeks or months before isn’t a guarantee. Listening to playlists is a sure-fire way back in for me. Granted, that doesn’t mean I’ve started writing yet. Only that I’m walking the path again.
The truth is, novels take so much emotional strength to create–and sometimes I simply run out of it. Staying in a particular mind-set for weeks on end–well, let’s just say consumption isn’t always a good thing.
So after riding that dreaded bike of mine for 10 miles this morning, my brain flooded. Without a prod or push, it flowed freely. That hasn’t happened in a long while. So here it flows, onto this page. And again, I’m being guided by that voice in my head. The one that for over a year refused to shut up. It woke up. Or maybe I did. Either way, I’m closer.
Listening to:
Angus & Julia Stone: Down The Way–The Devil’s Tears
Broken Bells: Broken Bells–The High Road, The Ghost Inside
Silversun Pickups: Swoon–The Royal We, Draining, Catch and Release
A Silent Film: The City That Sleeps–You Will Leave a Mark
Blue Foundation: Life of a Ghost–Stained, Enemy, Talk to Me, Watch You Sleeping, Hero Across the Sky.
Placebo: Running Up That Hill
The Fray: How to Save a Life–Look After You
Washed Out: Life of Leisure–Feel It All Around, New Theory
Temper Trap: Conditions–Sweet Disposition
Just to name a few triggers that helped to unlock the vice this morning.
How bizarre! Sweet disposition is one of my favourite tracks for getting my enthusiasm back- I really feel like wow, I can DO THIS when I listen to it!
I’m so pleased you are feeling positive about the direction you are moving, you know you can do it, but I also believe time out is very important. We have so much pressure to keep up everything, yet many well paid, well received authors only write for 3 months each year. Definitely worth bearing in mind when we are feeling rubbish about our own dedication
October 27, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Ha! That is funny–it’s a great song.
Thanks for keeping the enthusiasm up, it means a lot;) And no, I did not know that little fact. Great one to bear in mind because I have been beating myself up over the lack of focus.
I was beginning to think that working on the same piece for too long could be dooming. That is until I remembered…..The Sorcerer’s Stone (Philosophers for you) took FIVE years!! Craziness– But lends perspective.
October 27, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Great post today thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed reading it.
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October 28, 2011 at 3:38 am
Thank you very much and for stopping by;)
October 28, 2011 at 6:33 pm
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August 25, 2014 at 6:00 am