Have you noticed inspiration rarely arrives at a convenient time - like now, in the middle of the night, when I can’t sleep because I’ve been inspired to write a novella and can’t turn my brain off? That’s why I’m writing this at 1:00 a.m. I hope the exercise will make me sleepy.
I’ve been working on the new book, pictured at the right, The Great Twitter Adventure – or How 5 Tweeps Saved the World. On this project, the moments when my muse has come to visit have not been when I had nothing to do. Oh, no. Rather, she (her name is Shirley) stops by when I’m at work and have to suppress my urge to write or times like tonight, when I’m so tired I can’t think. She’s been nudging me constantly so that I cannot close my eyes in peace. Luckily, I bought a little hand held recorder last year and I’ve been clicking it on and off for the better part of three hours.
This most recent brainchild, which started out as a short story and quickly expanded to novella size, has come in fits and starts, but tonight all the pieces came together. Yet, I’m physically unable to stay up and write for 24 hours straight. It’s times like these that make me yearn for the old days when I could party all night!
I really shouldn’t complain at all, for the greatest fear and test of any writer is that desolate stretch of time when nothing will come. Shirley has occasionally deserted me, although I have to say that the older I get the less this happens, so there is one advantage to advancing age.
Short, this little musing, I know, but something my fellow writers, every one I’ll bet, can relate to.
I try-- try I say-- never to complain about my muse. One of my biggest problems is to be 80% or more into a manuscript and she, my muse, taps me on the shoulder and says, "Let's write about something else." It's not a question but a command. The good news is I always have something to work on or finish.
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds great! Delving into the world of Twitter is a great idea! I look forward to it, Kathy!
Great post
Dear Kathy: Thanks for the follow on Twitter. I popped in to see what you're all about. Naming your muse Shirley made me love you. I can see that I'll be back.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, the middle-of-the-night inspirations! Think of me the next time you are writing at 1 or 2 a.m. because I am probably doing the same!
ReplyDeleteLOL!
I can relate! The worst is when I do wake up in the middle of the night and I'm too lazy to do anything about the AMAZING ideas (at least that's how they feel at that moment) and I convince myself I will most assuredly remember them in the morning. Of course I don't. Who knows how many great stories I could have written (and not so great), had I taken the time to do something about it. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I could have written that post - it's like you live inside my head. Except for the Shirley part... I had a recorder once, but hate the sound of my own voice so never used it. And @Sean (hi, not stalking you, promise), I forget my middle of the night brilliance too. Great to know we are all in this together.
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