It's kind of perfect timing for me too. I've been really lacking in motivation and positivity lately, so I could use some support! The problem is, I don't know what the problem is. I just have this nagging sense of discouragement following me around. Yuck.
I found a great bit of inspiration last night. I went to the Florence and the Machine concert at the Fox theater in Detroit. (Yes, Detroit. I was scared too, but it was beautiful. I met my first scalper... but that's another story all together). The concert was amazing. The theater is absolutely indescribable. I found myself grinning from ear to ear when I was watching Florence do their thing. The singer is so full of love for what she does. You could tell that A) she was actually singing- singing her heart out, and B) She loves life, and loves sharing that love. I thought to myself then and there that this is what I want- to be able to do what I love with absolute joy.
Simple right?
So, I'm going to try this: reminding myself every time I sit down with notebook or computer that I LOVE THIS. And that one day, if I just keep at it. I can be free to write as much as my little heart desires. AND hopefully when that day comes, I can do something to inspire others to do what they love. That would be amazing.
This month's moral? Go do something you enjoy. Maybe something you've never done before. Then come back refreshed and renewed.
Excellent post, Kaye, very uplifting and inspirational :) I love Florence and the Machine, I saw them at T in The Park festival last year. What a voice she has!
ReplyDeleteScalpers? I am now picturing scenes from inglorious basterds... haha looking forward to reading THAT story! :)
You're so right - we love this writing jazz, and there's really nothing quite as pleasurable as getting into that awesome flow of writing. (OK, maybe one or two things...) It's weird how you can find yourself feeling resistant to just starting, though, ain't it? :-)
ReplyDeleteSome Dark Romantic
Awesome post! You know, that little nagging feeling follows lots of writers around. It is discouragement and leaves you second guessing yourself and your decision to be a writer. I do that a lot, but my husband even tells me I am much happier when I am writing. I'm a good story teller. I have a passion for it and I need to suck it up and do what I love. If I was in a rock band, I'd be struggling and working in between gigs. So why isn't writing any different? I'm struggling, but I've got so much potential, I just need to do it.
ReplyDeleteGreat IWSG post! I agree about taking time to do things you absolutely love. I was feeling the blahs at the beginning of summer - sounds similar to the yuck that's following you - so I participated in a two week short story contest. The stories arose from daily picture prompts, and I avoided anything to do with my current WIP. It was so freeing. My creative juices just flowed, and I came back to my novel refreshed and able to tackle the revision process.
ReplyDeleteugh.... its that time of the year where I'm typically gearing up for Burning Man and this is the first year in 9 years that I can't go. I'm just not healthy enough. I hate not going. It is that ONE big creative thing I do that opens me up for all sorts of creative possibilities. and worse, I'm afraid not going will cause me to lose my edge. I don't want to not be edgy. Anyway... great post!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice! Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves we're doing what we love. :)
ReplyDeleteI hate it when those insecurities creep in. But they do. Thank goodness we have our writing buddies to set us straight. Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteIWSG #179 (At least until Alex culls the list again. :P)
I really love Florence and the Machine. I write to them often :)
ReplyDeleteWe all go through periods where we feel discouraged. You did the right thing, seeking out inspiration. I like to visit the library or bookstore when I feel frustrated. Helps me for a bit.
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