For me, writing starts with inspiration. I never know when it’s going to hit me or what it’s going to be. But when it happens, words flow from my pen. It’s hard to make them stop.
When I try to force writing, it comes out forced, formulaic and not very good. It’s technically sound – words spelled correctly, subject/verb agreement – but it’s not what I consider good.
My problem lately has been getting my muse and my writing time to happen simultaneously. My muse hits while I’m driving my son to day care or when he’s snuggled up on my lap. Or when I’m stuck in a boring, pointless meeting at work. But when I sit down with a pad and pen or in front of my laptop, my muse is nowhere to be found.
I have a few ideas about how to remedy this situation. I haven’t tried them out yet, but I’m going to soon.
1. Recorder. I’ve thought about getting a digital recorder to record my thoughts when the muse hits. Obviously this wouldn’t work for the meetings. It could be a little difficult while driving as well, especially when JT starts asking what I’m doing at the top of his lungs.
2. Notes. I’ve used this some, jotting down thoughts in a notebook. But I never have it handy when I really need it. And I would look really silly with a notebook hung around my neck all the time. I will not carry a “man bag” (read man purse), so that option is out as well. Maybe a pack of Post-it Notes. I could put that in my pocket, and keep a pen handy as well. That would work until I forgot to take them out of my pocket and washed them both. Not only would I lose my ideas, my clothes would be ruined with the ink stains. Trust me, I’ve done it. To a load of whites.
So those are the only two options I have right now. Do you have some ideas? Share in the comments section below.
When I try to force writing, it comes out forced, formulaic and not very good. It’s technically sound – words spelled correctly, subject/verb agreement – but it’s not what I consider good.
My problem lately has been getting my muse and my writing time to happen simultaneously. My muse hits while I’m driving my son to day care or when he’s snuggled up on my lap. Or when I’m stuck in a boring, pointless meeting at work. But when I sit down with a pad and pen or in front of my laptop, my muse is nowhere to be found.
I have a few ideas about how to remedy this situation. I haven’t tried them out yet, but I’m going to soon.
1. Recorder. I’ve thought about getting a digital recorder to record my thoughts when the muse hits. Obviously this wouldn’t work for the meetings. It could be a little difficult while driving as well, especially when JT starts asking what I’m doing at the top of his lungs.
2. Notes. I’ve used this some, jotting down thoughts in a notebook. But I never have it handy when I really need it. And I would look really silly with a notebook hung around my neck all the time. I will not carry a “man bag” (read man purse), so that option is out as well. Maybe a pack of Post-it Notes. I could put that in my pocket, and keep a pen handy as well. That would work until I forgot to take them out of my pocket and washed them both. Not only would I lose my ideas, my clothes would be ruined with the ink stains. Trust me, I’ve done it. To a load of whites.
So those are the only two options I have right now. Do you have some ideas? Share in the comments section below.