Moving from Inertia to Inspiration: A Few Thoughts
September 12th 2010 05:14
When Inspiration Tarries
No matter how much we may love to write, overcoming inertia and getting started can be difficult because, after all, writing is work -- and often it's hard work. That's why setting goals is so important. Yet, moving from goals to action is something else entirely, isn't it?
That's why employing one or another handy little technique can be just the thing we need to help get us going. Anything that will get us started is a good candidate. For example, jotting down a few ideas for our article or story, researching some aspect of our topic online, or even just beginning to write somewhere in the middle of the piece -- anywhere that suits our fancy at the moment -- can help us overcome inertia and begin building the momentum that can tide us over until inspiration kicks in.
The Key
The key, really, is to get started. I know that's hard to do when we're not feeling particularly inspired, but sometimes that's the only way to get inspired. As we work, our topic, story, or some other aspect of our project will often help inspire us. That means that if we never get started, we'll never reach that point!
Catching the Vision
Sometimes, too, it helps to simply take a moment to visualize what we hope to accomplish through our writing -- to think of a larger goal than the single task before us. Developing this kind of vision for ourselves as writers can help cement our resolve to tackle the task at hand as a means of fulfilling that larger creative vision.
May we always see far beyond the task that lies before us!
Keep reaching higher!
Jeanne
This post is adapted from a comment I wrote in reply to a comment left on my post, Goals and Drives: The Push-Pull of Planning and Inspiration in Writing.
What tricks have you discovered to keep you motivated and producing when you're feeling uninspired?
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Comment by Rajendar Menen
Comment by Lillie Ammann
You're right—whether it's writing or editing, sometimes the job seems overwhelming until you get started. Once you have some momentum going, the work comes easier.
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
I see your point. Discipline and hard work are such an integral part of writing -- and they can mean the difference between getting something written and simply having a wonderful idea that never becomes anything more than that. However, judging from the fact that you call writing an "exhilarating process," I'd venture a guess that inspiration is every bit as important to you as discipline and hard work.
Thanks for your input!
Jeanne
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
To a great extent, editing is an art, just as writing is. Even though certain basic rules of grammar, syntax, and punctuation play a major role in editing a piece of writing, good editing involves so much more. In its own way, editing requires just as much inspiration as writing does -- which gives the editor the ability to preserve the writer's voice, maintain proper tone and style, prevent the work from sounding unnatural or sterile, and presenting the writer -- and the work -- in the best light.
That can be an overwhelming task. But, getting started can help us become engrossed in the process, which definitely makes it easier, more inspired, and often more enjoyable.
Thanks for the visit!
Jeanne
Comment by Anonymous
I Wish This Was 42
Fictional Worlds
Excellent post. I agree; sometimes you've gotta just start.
~Dianna
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Glad you enjoyed the post!
Jeanne
Comment by MPmomof3
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I have actually started carrying a notebook in my purse so I can jot down ideas any time I am feeling inspired.
I have found that my biggest roadblocks to writing are a lack of inspiration and a lack of motivation. If I can make it past those two things, I find the freedom to write.
I have additionally found writing to be very therapeutic. It allows me to express my opinions about the world in a non-intrusive way.
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed the post.
I think carrying a notebook is an excellent idea. We do tend to experience inspiration at the oddest times, don't we?
Since it's so difficult to write when we feel unmotivated and uninspired, anything that can help us get past those feelings can be helpful. I'd think your notebook musings would come in really handy here. There's often something quite magical about rereading something we wrote during a moment of inspiration. As we read, we often begin feeling inspired all over again, and that can definitely help reignite the creative process.
Like you, I believe that writing can be therapeutic, which is certainly one of its major attractions -- and one great reason to stick with it until we make a breakthrough.
Thanks so much for the visit!
Jeanne
Comment by MPmomof3
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Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Please let me know how you'd prefer that I address you. Would you rather I used your entire username, rather than simply MP? Or, how about MPmom? Wouldn't want to use a form you're unhappy with.
Thanks for stopping back!