Some evenings I am so pumped up to work on my writing I can’t sit still. I do research, first drafts, correspondence, quotes — my resources are endless. Other evenings I sit like a frozen Popsicle in front of the computer screen, fingers poised to write, nothing coming out.
It’s like the heart is there, but the mind is not. It is in a million other places. And nowhere.
Do you ever feel like that?
How do you get your engine revved up after you finish a big project? Do you have to wait for the next inspiration to hit you before you can move forward? Do you do “busy” work in the background, like clean up photos, arrange or delete or arrange notes until inspiration returns?
My A.D.D. can’t take sitting still, imagining nothing.
My book about going to Paris was so tough — and so pleasurable — I have no idea where to go next. I look back on past work, and I just don’t feel like going back in that direction. Time travel, love, misunderstanding self and the world around them. I don’t feel like making up worlds like a couple of other books. I don’t feel like “visiting” Italy or Japan at the moment. Nor traveling between realms.
Can creative people ever sit still?
Let me know how you deal with restlessness. Where you get new ideas from.
Being locked down in the pandemic, real travel is out of the question. Astral travelling is on hold as well. No spaceships or faerie trains leaving the station for a while. Crystal caves and church crypts are closed for construction now, too. It’s too hot for glam camping, and all the art and music festivals both around here or over at Rivendell or Shangri-La have been cancelled this year as well. All the mythical beasts I can catch a ride with are already booked with other travelers.
I could try and find a few 1930s/1940s movies to take me back somewhere. I wonder where Fred Astaire got off to? Probably having dinner with Captain Kirk or Randolph Scott. Figures I wasn’t invited this time. Maybe one of Al Capone’s speakeasies are still open for late night drinks! Or at least one of those all-nighters like the Mos Eisley Cantina or Quark’s Bar should be open.
Don’t worry — I’ll come up with something.
I always feel this way between projects as well. I feel lost at sea. Fortunately, it doesn´t last!
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Indeed. And I knew you meant a writing book. Ha… keep the ideas flowing!
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A writing exercise book.. we all have our own ways, but the actual writing of a word on a page can be so satisfying.
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I have to ask– a physical exercise book? Or a writing exercise book? And I so agree about physical writing, not typing it. I haven’t done that much lately, but I think I’m going to start. I used to journal… as long as I don’t over emote I think there could be a topic there. Like my wanting to go to Paris led to my latest book.
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Congratulations! Your blog has been included in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2020/08/friday-fossicking-14th-aug-2020.html
Thank you, Chris
My answer to finding inspiration is to open an exercise book/ and just write…there is something about pencil or pen on paper that allows you to let your mind wander, far more than a keyboard, at least for me… If it is just phrases, that’s fine, but I tend to start writing memories and before I know it, I have pages… works for me.
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Oh yes! Always write down those ideas, even if they don’t make sense. You never know how they’ll fit somewhere in the future.
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I try either early.. no.. mid morning to write. My husband works nights a few nites a week, so that is my creative time. IF I can stand the multi tasking…
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This was very relatable! A writer’s block can get pretty disconcerting. I usually make note of thoughts that randomly pop up in my head and then develop on them later. Writing down something immediately, so i don’t end up losing that idea really helps!
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I do that, too! I also have ADHD. My favorite time to write is in the morning.
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What are you waiting for ?:D
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Haha…business stuff.. but I DO have the evening free…..
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WOW !! and today ?
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Ha! I actually planted two coneflower plants yesterday before the storm moved through! Gardening AND exercising!
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Just go with the flow Claudia, it will come, don’t worry. Maybe a bit of gardening ?? Who knws what you’ll “dig” up 😀
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Yes, that’s the reality of my situation… But keeping busy here on WP with my on-line friends is comforting 💙🌏🤗
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You’ve got a lot of online friendships — that helps — but it’s nice to see a real face now and then. Hold on!
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Yes yes. I can’t get down on myself for being “inbetween” projects. Even if the projects are small. Thank you for being with me on this nutty journey!
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I love that idea! I’ve been finding unique artists for my Sunday Art blog, but it’s not the same as WRITING something!
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Cristian Mihai (The Art of Blogging) says to do just what you did: Punch those damn keys! When you don’t know what to write, WRITE! That’s what you did… and we can all relate. Shake that muse!!!
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It is so exciting to be working on a big project. I believe there will always be pauses in between. In reading your response to Ivors, I notice that you do have ways to move forward until The Next Big Thing shows up. The only thing I can add is this: be patient with yourself. Suspend judgement about how you spend your time while waiting.
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Living by myself during these present circumstances is not ideal, but I’m trying to make the most out the oppressing situation… xx
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I know — me too! Love the sign, love the poem. I always find something to do, but I always feel this way between big projects. I know it will always come back, but I hate “making it up” as I go before I get a hint of direction. Your hobbies sound alot like mine. I’m glad we have ups and downs together!
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Haha Claudia, I’ve an imaginative mind that’s always active, even when it’s in lockdown, and shut in at home, or in lockup when shut in at hospital… and even when they’re wheelling me away on the stretcher, my mind is making up jumbled words to throw at my attendants…. I do have too rests my from writing, for my own well being… I still suffer from stroke fatigue…. but I have other hobbies to keep my active mind at play… gardening… an on-line photography group, which has a daily prompt….. and I do some hobby art…. here’s my latest creation…..”Serenity”
https://ivors20.wordpress.com/2020/08/09/serenity-a-sign-of-the-times/
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