The Inspiration Vacation

Have you ever wondered, as a writer, why we have those moments when nothing looks right on paper, our vocabulary slips, and our motivation refuses to comply to our pressing demands? There must be a reason for this, and there is. Some call it Writer's Block, others say that their Muse is missing, but I have a new theory...

Inspiration Vacations.

This is when your engrossing inspiration feels pushed to the limit and wants to vacate from your mind, A-SAP, leaving you to wander aimlessly as you attempt to paint that perfect scene in you mind or figure out if Jimmy should throw the magic ruler at the Evil Overprinciple or escape into Recess Land. This may not be a simple lack of inspiration, but a matter of seasonal affect. When do you write the most? When do you write the least? After eleven years of harnessing this craft, I've come to the personal realization that I can't write diddly-squat in the Summertime. I've never been able to. Everything that I type up feels forced, jumbled, and totally unorganized. However, the Spark returns when the leaves fall, and this carries me through until the budding of spring. So, no worries. Inspiration cannot take a perpetual vacation. It has to return eventually. It sure has a lot of work to do!

Updates: Still drafting chapter 7 of the collaboration, and though I'm happy to be into the first chapter break, I feel that this installment may turn into a rather extensive one. Standing at 3,600 words so far, it may become the longest chapter in the book yet. Concise. Think concise.

There is nothing new to report on The Dragon's Heart, except that, again, more children in the neighborhood are eating it up like hot fluffy scones. I missed the writer's meeting last week, and I apologize for my absence. However, I discovered a new critique group organizing in my area, so I went to the first meeting last night. Very nice. A weekly critique group is what I could use right about now.

In other news, I spent the last weekend shampooing the carpets at my place, watched some fireworks, attended a fun family reunion, and made my first attempt at cooking an authentic Oriental dish; Homemade Miso Ramen. So... Good...

That's all for this week. Be sure to check in now and then, because...

"You never know what the tide will bring." - Castaway