Sometimes I find that when I come home from being with writers -- aka "my own kind" -- I am inspired to write. Just being around creative people who are talking about their own projects, struggles to get moving, or lack of time to write gets my creative juices flowing.
At times jealousy sets in such as when my friend, JT, announces, "I had a story idea, I am seven chapters into it and know which publisher I am going to send it to when it's finished." And the topper? She says she will finish it within the next two weeks. I love her, but I am so jealous of her writing output. Instead of bemoaning the fact that she is writing and I am not, I figure, "I'm going to show her!" and I do. I sit down and write. Her success (and output) spurs me toward putting my fingers to the keyboard. If she can do it, so can I is the mindset with which I share her success.
When I come home from my writers group, Ink Spots and Coffee Grounds every month, I want to write. Part of the reason is because I am inspired to have been around writers and part of the reason is because each month we have to announce our writing goals. If nothing else, I am driven to complete a task if I have to say it out loud.
Bottom line, I think is to set outside of your house (or if that isn't possible) or find an on line writers group -- there are as many groups as there are writers and connect with people who can inspire and motivate your writing.
Hi Christa,
I agree. Without my goals written down (like my looming March 1 one!) I would never get anything done. I also need that writerly interaction.
Posted by: Robbi | February 25, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Amen. Though, there's nothing like face-to-face encouragement. I just moved from a city where I'd found a writer friend. It was nice to have someone in the flesh to share with. Goals. Ah. If you don't know where you're going, how will you know when you get there?
Posted by: christa Allan | February 23, 2008 at 02:58 PM