Wednesday, April 2, 2008

The more you think about it, the harder it is.

If I ever had to have a fully rendered image of what I was going to write before I started, I’d never open another document. This took me a long, long time to figure out. Some writers speak so romantically of The Muse, of nighttime dreams that turn into four-pound manuscripts that, in a fluke, are read by important agents, sold for hundreds of thousands, and then become best sellers. Stories like this will make you want to create a seductive environment for The Muse and then wait for her to appear.

For me, The Muse never comes when asked and certainly never drops by; I have to chase Her down with all the intensity of a celebrity stalker. I have to capture The Muse, tie her to a chair, put the chair in a pit, and then, if the bird feeders are full, I can write. Because I’m a writer who doesn’t really know what’s going to happen until it does. Sure, with my current manuscript I have a general idea of plot line, but I also know what I have planned for tomorrow and I’m quite sure that life will interfere and what I imagine will happen will not really be what happens.

Each day I force myself to sit in the chair, force myself to open the document, force myself to hunt and peck my way into a story. And that, my worldwide blog audience of six, is my writing process.

So if you are sitting around waiting for The Muse, I encourage you to just get your butt in the chair. She may not come, but you’ll be there. Put your hands on the keys and begin…

2 comments:

Kelly Hudgins said...

'bout that bird feeder..

In Charleston, over break, I found a fabulous monoprint/collage of a goldfinch.

I bought it to look at when I write.

If I can't go to the goldfinches...

Disco Mermaids said...

Hi Christy!

Welcome home from the Nueva Age trip. Sounds like it really was a trip.

We seem to have the same writing process...which makes me feel so much better. I'm so sick of hearing writing instructors and famous authors tell me that I have to outline everything before beginning...my brain just can't handle it. It feels too forced and weird.

Love your blog! Just checked out your group blog too. Man, you are disciplined!

Eve