I was watching an interview with John Cleese recently and he said something that got me thinking. When asked about his creative process he said, “You cannot bully the subconscious. It simply doesn’t work.” He went on to say that his best work always happened spontaneously.
He still had a process of course, it’s just that the muse didn’t always play ball. Often the work that resulted wasn’t very good. They’d have days where none of the material was used.
He noted, it was usually when they weren’t trying to make something happen – when they were simply messing around – that everything would start to click. Suddenly the muse would come out to play and what resulted was comedic gold.
I often hear bloggers write about the need to have a process. A specific time where you commit to writing each day. A place where you sit down and “punch the damn keys” as one blogger regularly puts it.
Of course if you don’t form the habit it’s much harder to catch that bastard muse when it strikes. Having a process is about creating the conditions that make it more likely to come out and play. Not to mention that you’re committing yourself to improve through regular practice.
That said, I wonder if there might be a little too much emphasis on habit formation nowadays? Something I rarely hear bloggers make mention of is this idea of spontaneity. This idea of being ready for when the muse strikes outside of your normal routine.
I don’t know about you but often when I commit to writing, the muse is nowhere to be found.
I say, “Ok buddy, time to sit down and write. Gotta crack out that weekly post!”
My muse: “Sure thing buddy, just hold on a minute would you…”
At this point he goes into the kitchen and cracks open a six pack of beer before sitting down on the sofa and proceeding to binge watch NETFLIX…
Oh wait that’s me!
Anyway, on the rare evenings I do employ willpower and commit myself to writing, my muse remains silent.
When that happens I end up writing in circles. I’m like, “Hey muse, you wanna help me out here?” Of course he doesn’t. Instead my internal critic starts editing the post well before it’s finished as I become increasingly aware that what I’m writing is complete dog shite. So I go back and rewrite and rewrite and rewrite…
And then what happens?
Not only do I become stressed out, I end up butchering the post in question. I actually create more work for myself trying to fix the mess I made, simply because I didn’t walk away – simply because I was trying to force it.
The lesson?
You cannot bully the subconscious.
At this stage I’ve found the best thing you can do to aid the creative process is not engage in it. Take a break. Go for a leisurely walk. Mess around with your children. Be silly. Have a beer. Maybe, even, binge watch some NETFLIX! (Hell yeah!)
Do this and I’ve found the brain works in the background connecting the dots in ways that it couldn’t when you were trying to force it. So much so that when you do come back to write it’s not only easier, but much better to boot.
There’s something else I figured out too. I’ve noticed it’s when I’m not thinking about anything in particular – when I’m busy doing something else – that my muse gives me my best ideas. In fact he usually visits at 2am when I’m struggling to sleep.
He says, “Hey numb nuts I’ve got an awesome idea, wanna hear it?”
“Not now muse! I’m trying to sleep!”
Then my muse says, “Fuck you, I’m gonna tell you anyway (my muse is a bit of a dick). Here it is…”
At which point he explains in painful detail this amazing idea for a blog post.
So I say, “Ok muse – that’s a good one, I’ll admit. But I really must sleep. Can you remind about it in the morning and let me go back to sleep?”
Of course he doesn’t. He says, “You’ll forget in the morning numb nuts. It’s now or never. Here let me explain that idea to you again in painful detail…”
Eventually I’ll get up in anger and write down as many thoughts about the idea as I can, as quickly as I can. Often I won’t think. I’ll just write. Sometimes I’ll write a first draft in less than 20mins.
It will just “flow” out of me.
When I revisit it in the morning I often go, “holy shit, that’s far better than anything I’ve written in a while.”
Interestingly enough, if I do wait on that idea, if I try to revisit it later on, the writing doesn’t gel nearly as well. My muse – that smug bastard – is usually right.
Sometimes you gotta play when the subconscious wants to, not the other way round.
I’ve noticed the same thing happens to me when I go for a walk around my local park. An idea will pop into my head that’s too good to ignore.
At this point my muse is jumping up and down like a dog in heat as a post will suddenly form in my head. When this happens I take out my phone and simply start writing.
Once again it kinda flows out of me. I feel this usually results in my most interesting, if not my best, work.
It’s for all the above that I take a somewhat freer approach to my writing nowadays. I still try to write at the same time everyday, but I don’t force it anymore. I take a daily-ish approach. I’ve become much better at recognising when to walk away – when It’s clear that a little NETFLIX will actually do me some good.
I’ve also come to recognise the importance of writing when my muse is busting a gut. Unless it has to wait, practically speaking, I will try to sit down and write as soon as that idea has popped into my head.
While you cannot bully the subconscious, it can, on occasion, bully you. My experience is, when it come to the creative process, you should let it.
(Over to you dear readers. How do you engage in the creative process? Do you have a particular time and place where you sit down to write? Or do you take a more freestyle approach? What works bet for you and what other tips do you have? As always I’m very keen to hear your thoughts. Warm regards, AP2.)
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You can find AP2’s personal blog here at: https://clear-air-turbulence.com
I have experienced the same annoying problems with my own creativity. And then I spend too much time trying to invent a better way to have something handy to put the ideas down when they do hit. I’m not the type to know how to develop an idea though so I’ve resorted to carrying a notebook in my purse (bonus of being a chick) and trying to get more comfortable using the text to speech feature on my phone since I suck at typing on my phone. I did conclude recently though that write better in a program like notepad where the software is t constantly showing me all my typos. I can get more out if I’m not seeing squiggly red and blue lines under every other word.
I simply take my phone out when an idea pops into my head and type into the notes app. I’ve not tried text to speech although that might be a great idea. Sometimes I think faster than I can type. I like your point about typos as well – the perfectionist in me can’t help but edit as I go. I’ve the learnt the hard way that this simply disrupts the flow. You gotta keep writing to conclusion and then edit later on! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it. 🙏
I use my phone too! I use the notes app often, whether I’m out walking or just laying in bed at night and the idea comes!
Later I can share it to my email where I can copy/paste it easily into a post!
I use this method for writing my books too! Since my phone is always with me, even in the bathroom, this has proven far more reliable than a notebook, which I used to write in!
The drawback of a notebook is that everything still needs to be typed up after, and when I was writing my first book, this was very lengthy!
I find it far more effective to type into my notes app!! 🥰😎😎
Yeah – I use a note pad but only when I want to outline the main points or think ahead a little more – otherwise I write straight into my notes app. I actually do most of my writing in it. When I’m really serious I’ll transfer it to Scrivener. I find I can’t write fast enough to keep up with my thoughts in a regular notebook. Find it’s best to just type as well. Thank you for sharing your tips 🙏😎
😎😎
That’s true with me too “I think faster than I can type”
My creativity is planned, which doesn’t sound very creative haha. I set goals to write each day and do my best to follow through with them.
I think that’s important. I believe you learn a lot from simply showing up – muse or no muse! If you don’t set goals everything can end up a little aimless. I set goals and try to write at the same time everyday. Still, I also try to pay attention to those moments when I have a great idea outside of my normal routine. I find that making allowance for that spontaneity to happen to be very useful as well. Thanks Ang! 🙏
Absolutely!
I sort of do the same thing. For freewriting, I set a goal to write three handwritten pages at least five days a week (only takes about fifteen to twenty minutes) or if I’m going to type, seven hundred fifty words. This helps me to keep the habit without pain and dragging my feet, but frees up time to let the subconscious do its thing.
I like that you set a specific goal – I think that’s important. I’m less concerned with the amount of words as I am with writing something I really value. Much of what I write I never post. That’s part of the process of course. After a year of writing consistently I’ve found my hit rate is increasing which is pleasing. That’s come from showing up and learning what works for me and what doesn’t. I guess the process/what works is different for everyone. Thank you Hetty Eliot. Wishing you well 🙏
First of all, when did this blog post occur to you?! I bet it’s 2 am because it’s so accurate. I do read those blogs where they guilt trip me into writing daily but my creative side or my muse refuses to come out. I have even thought I don’t have what others have. Other times, I amaze myself. I have 50+ draft posts and may have only 10 actual posts. I can understand now. Thanks for this post!
I think it’s important to form the habit. However I think it’s equally important to know when to walk away. Blogging/writing is meant to be an enjoyable process. When I’m not enjoying it, I know something is wrong. That’s when I walk away and come back a little later. This usually does the trick.
You sound like me – I also have a gazillion half finished posts. My mind usually comes up with far more ideas than I actually have time for. So I try to stick to the really good ones.
I came up with this idea while sitting down at a cafe to write. Last week’s post was formed at 2am however!
Thank you for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I’m glad I’m not alone on this. Wishing you well 🙏
Thank you. Nope. You are not alone 😀
Inspiration kicks at midnight,so I make sure I have my pen and journal near my side table every night,some often comes from being inspired by the word of the Lord,from People (profound leaders,bloggers,and the surroundings)I pay attention to to detail haha
Paying attention to detail – great tip. Having a pen and paper nearby is always a good idea. Never know when the muse will strike. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏
This is so me! And I’m still waiting for the muse to come alive ..
I think the key is to have a process but also give yourself the freedom to mess around and see where it takes you. It’s when I’m not trying so hard that I usually produce my best work. Thanks friend – wishing you well 🙏
Ah! The creative process.
Now you[‘ve got me started. This is something hard to resist.
For me, it’s definitely spontaneity. But regular writing aids the effort and decreases the time invested. It’s like practice. The more devotion you show to it, the more the outcome shines and impresses. Not others but oneself. When you’ve got creative glory down in words, it’s tough to hold back the tears of joy.
Be prepared to catch the moments and creative sparks that may fizzle out if not duly noted. It’s happened to me at the most unexpected times and places. Many times in the bathroom. And I curse myself for not having a pen but plenty of toilet paper.
And bullying the subconscious or conscious will just get you a creative concussion. And that won’t be relieved for some time. I also like to start at a specific point when writing, but often meander off to unknown lands only to find my way back with unexpected finds and treasures. It’s like an adventure in itself.
So, creativity is fed by passion and diligence and the excitement of wandering off. Your posts are great reads with lots of food for thought. Simply wonderful!
Thanks for sharing this! 🙂
I love your perspective Terveen! Going off at a tangent with the mind when you write. Often I’ll start with one idea and as I write I find myself going in a different direction. I end up changing the title as a result – it becomes a completely different – often better – post than the one I originally intended. I agree with you that regular practise while giving yourself the freedom to write when inspiration strikes is key. Let the fire in your belly lead the way. It certainly is an adventure! 🙏🙂
This hit me on a basic level—I experience this all. the. time. My most prolific (though probably not best quality) writing period was when I was a teenager before I had my license and before I had a smartphone—I would consciously utilize the liminal headspace of car rides and walks and waiting for people to go over story ideas, feelings, and characters in my head. Then, when I actually got somewhere I could write, I had something in motion and could keep that momentum going for hours. Now, the moments of in-between time are far less often because we’re made to feel guilty about “wasting” time daydreaming, and entertainment is literally in hand’s reach all the time. Then when the muse does distinctly approach me, I find myself making an excuse by trying to find something more “productive” to do instead of sitting down and writing it. Why? No idea. Basically, I need to stop it and obey the muse. It’s the old “don’t quench the Spirit” admonishment, except with the writing spirit.
Great post!
Often writers are labeled as “lazy”, but I wonder if that’s simply the nature of creative types? – I wonder if that’s what allows the subconscious do it’s best work? I have read a lot of studies that suggest “boredom” is good for sparking creativity. In today’s world I guess we have to actively make the time to simply be. As you say there are too many distractions – it’s too easy to fill in the time – not to mention how er are made to feel (guilty) about not doing anything. Really excellent points you raise. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏🙂
I love love love this post, thank you for sharing. I try and stick to my morning writing routine. lately I’ve been trying a different outlook when I become frustrated with my writing. I shift my attention back to the “why” and the “What.” “What do I want?” And “why do I want it?” This has actually helped me tremendously because the “how am I going to do it” and the “When is it going to happen” questions are so incredibly easy to get stuck into, which tend to create a negative spiral. Anyway, those are my quick tips. Thanks again for your post!
I think the why is so much more important than the goal itself. If we have a strong enough why then the mind will work how to achieve the goal. Excellent advice. Thank you shannonrose 🙏🙂
Conscripted creativity is oxymoronic
I think you’re right although you can’t always wait for the muse to strike – sometime you’ve got to get started and then see where it leads. Somedays it works out – other days it doesn’t. Of course if you don’t do anything you’ll never find the muse. I often think its good do some work and then take a break – allowing the subconscious connect the dots for when you come back to finish. Thanks for weighing in. 🙏
I’ve made a habit of writing and drawing in the mornings because that works for me. I’m a creature of habit. If I’m taking a break between projects, I’ll play and create a flash fiction story. With larger projects, I tend to think more seriously, about what makes sense in the flow of the story. I think you and John Cleese make a good point. If you’re open to messing around, ideas can spring up. Like when you’re a kid, and you think of all sorts of wild possibilities. Unfortunately, when we grow up, we can tend to think, “Oh, that’ll never work. That’s silly.” But if we explored it, that silliness could grow into something quite cool.
I big fan of being silly and messing around. I tend to think that a bit of both is important. Having a routine is important – otherwise we’re liable not to do anything. I also think it’s we need the habit for sticking to/finishing goals. However taking a break/scheduling free time allows the subconscious to connect the dots in ways it otherwise couldn’t. Thank you Dave – I appreciate your thoughts. 🙏
Lately, I’ve been struggling with creativity. Mainly, I believe to me forcing myself to be creative when I’m not feeling it. Like you said, it often flows when I’m not trying to focus on anything. Sometimes, my best ideas come to me when I clear my mind.
I feel this great desire to create something that resonates with others, but then, I also realize I have to allow my creativity to come at its own pace.
Hi Isabelle. I don’t think we can force creativity – I think it should come about naturally. I tend to find I have peaks and troughs when it comes to being creative. That said I still try to write everyday but if it really isn’t working for me I’ll do something else or stick to non creative work – instead of writing, I’ll network or tinker with my blog instead. I’ve found that reading can work well for inspiration too! Thank you for sharing – wishing you well 🙏
Love this post AP2 & may I add John Cleese is a bloody legend!! His words are so true – you cant force the creative process. If I stress out about having to write everyday its pointless overthinking (sorry 😉) and I’ve been there. Ideas tend to come out of nowhere & in my opinion thats when you should jot down & go with the flow, let it pour out. The aul notes in my phone gets a battering at times. This was a great read. I do love a binge watch on netflix 👍
Exactly Bernie – that’s where you end up – pointlessly overthinking! (Well put) Creativity is about expressing the inner self – you can’t force that. My notes app also gets a battering at times. At other times it remains untouched (because I’m binge watching Netflix!) Wishing you well 🙏🙂
Couldn’t agree more! Really entertaining to read too ☺️👍
Thank you so much 🙏🙂
This is brilliant! I’ve found the same for myself in every area of my life where creativity is necessary.
Thank you so much 🙏
Classic example of productivity v. creativity. Not many can do both. Those who can lead the field.
Most jobs demand productivity, quantity at a standard level of workmanship. And writing a blog is often just a job.
Yes the combination of the two is key. Good point. Blogging is a hobby for me. Maybe one day I’ll get serious about trying to make some sort of money from it but I fear that might ruin the fun of it. The last thing I want to look at is just a job. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Fred 🙏
I enjoy your blog’s creative perspectives AP2. Keep on keeping on!
Brilliantt i really like the mothed
Brilliant i really like the mothed
I absolutely hate routine; it makes my mind go blank. If I force myself to have a set time or place to write or do my art, I come up with nothing. My ideas – and execution of them – only happen when I’m doing other stuff. When an idea pops into my head I grab a notebook and pencil to jot it down, often abandoning whatever it was I was supposed to be doing (be it hoovering, cooking tea or chatting on the phone) to devote as much time as I can to nurturing that idea.
I’ve found routine to be important over the last year and a half stuck at home. But I’ve also come to realise we desperately need breaks in those routines. The mind – especially the subconscious- needs that down time to process ideas. I’m like you in that if I have a really good idea I’ll stop what I’m doing and go with it. Thanks you for sharing your thoughts. Wishing you well 🙏
The last time I saw him live it was a tour to earn what he needed to pay off an ex wife.
He was very bitter and twisted.
Suffice to say the reason behind the creative piece may drive matching results..
PS be nicer to the muse within and he might be nicer back 😉
Ha yes – that’s the problem with getting angry at yourself, the muse refuses to help you out. I think using/working with m your emotions can lead to some interesting work. I like to say that emotions are a writers best friend. Perhaps he was trying to work with those difficult emotions on that tour? Thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙏
I can so identify with this. I get my best ideas when I’m taking my morning walks while shopping and at night just before falling asleep so a notepad and pen are my best companions. I have tried the routine and it doesn’t work for me, trying to force myself to do anything is mundane, there has to be a flow or it simply doesn’t work.
I agree. Routine is overrated when it comes to creative endeavours. There should be a certain flow. I’ve certainly found that results in the most interesting work. Thank you for sharing 🙏
I think forcing creativity is impossible, the muse strikes when it wants to. That being said, I think keeping in touch with your creative side on a regular basis – whatever that means for you, could be reading work you enjoy, looking at art, doodling – definitely gets a flow going and makes ideas come to you more often.
Perhaps that’s the trick? To be consistently spontaneous. Keep practising your art or craft but allow yourself the freedom to experiment with it. Great point. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏
I work on 2 sites on my days off, usually in the same spot, same time.
However, if something pops into my head just as I’m ready for bed (which happens) or when I’m driving, I’ll record it. I just quickly make quick notes, because otherwise I won’t remember. I tend to ALWAYS get stellar material, at least to me, when I’m trying to fall asleep. But in the past, I used to think I’d remember it, though that never was true. I might recall parts but not everything, so I got into the habit of jotting down inspiration that came to me. It took a few times for me to realize that’s what I needed to do, bc you’re right. You can’t force creativity.
Yes me too! The muse always comes while I’m trying to sleep and then I can’t help but get involved with the ideas in my head. Only problem is I then have even more trouble falling asleep. I worked out that the best thing to do is get it down on paper straight away. Thank you 🙏
Noel Gallagher said you only need 3 chords and a true story to write a classic song. I guess it depends how you look at creative genius. Roy Wood’s band the Move, from 1960s, were heavily involved with acid and their songs reflected this. I can hear the grass grow and flowers in the rain
Of course art is very much in the eye of the beholder. I’ve no doubt that drugs can help unlock the creative genius within. Doesn’t take a hard look at many artists to work out that drugs were a major influence on their work. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏
Sometimes using the word drugs can be a detrimental factor in the way that it is being suggested that it can help. You have microscopes and telescopes to assist the scientists in looking deeper and then working on what they have seen. Instruments for learning. Just as certain drugs can be used. As instruments. You have to use correctly for the benefit of course. Just as a scientist doesn’t have his or her eye on the lens of the microscope 24/7.
You mean 24/7 drug abuse isn’t the answer? 😂 I’m given to understand there are a lot of interesting advances in psychedelic assisted therapy for treating disorders such as depression and PTSD. I think you’re right that in certain circumstances certain drugs can certainly be used to aid in the creative process as well. Thank you for raising a great point 🙏
Yes, you’re right. They are looking at micro dosing LSD for depression. I have been in the situation with depression were you need a little help to get through the door of the supermarket or to pick up your phone and answer the call.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=fCM1ZRklVlE&feature=share
So true! An idea always strikes when I am not even in a situation to write. I have often tried to force writing but have always found myself on a dead end. And when i write when I have an idea in mind, it just flows effortlessly!
Just go with the flow as they say! Thank you for taking the time to read/comment. 🙏
I think my muse is related to yours – LOL. Or they play by the same rule book. My muse also likes to wake me up in the middle of the night. And usually gives me two or more scenarios for my WIP. Also, I don’t always get up and write things down (at night) so most times those ideas are lost. When my muse appears during daylight hours, I always have a pen and paper handy. All writers must abide by that rule! Eventually my desk is cluttered with scraps of paper with ideas and scene notes and I’ll need to take a day to sort out everything. Happy writing/blogging!
Yes to having a pen and paper handy at all times! I too have a gazillion ideas – often more ideas than I do the time to turn them into posts! One day I’ll have to be organised and go through them all as well. Thank you for taking the time to read/comment. Happy writing/blogging to you too! 🙏
This is a wonderful post and so true. Writing on bad days just takes work, discipline, and when you sit down to the keyboard, sometimes just junk comes out. Other days the junk sparks into something worth it, and on the best days the juices just flow. But I have found that the more disciplined you are on the bad days, the fewer of them there seem to be.
I agree – We shouldn’t neglect making/having a habit when it comes to our creative endeavours – at the same time I don’t think we should ignore the muse when it strikes outside of that routine either. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.
Totally agree. I find that if you don’t go with the muse when the muse appears, you lose it…but the discipline of daily writing also means the muse comes to visit more often.
AP, a very relatable and practical post. I have similar experiences and approaches to those you have described. One thing that I often do that helps is to jot down ideas when they come to me. It is nice to have a list of topics and a few drafts in progress to use when I am ready to write. As you say, the muse often wakes me up, and I scribble down a rough draft and go back to bed. I have read so many posts about posting schedules and driving and disciplining yourself. I am retired and pretty much beyond ambition, so I only write when I feel like it. 🙂
I view blogging as a hobby – I still have a routine because I’m keen to improve and want to see way the road leads, but for the most part I prefer to write as and when I feel like it too.
It must be a nice feeling to be “beyond ambition”? – I suspect that’s where peace is found.
Thank you Cheryl for always taking the time to read and leave such thoughtful responses. Wishing you well 🙏🙂
I can totally relate to this! My best writing is stuff that I haven’t planned at all! Here I am 2.30am – grabbing my phone to capture my ideas after getting a strike of inspiration 🙂
I have absolutely no writing routine whatsoever – I can be driving or walking around a supermarket or overhearing someone else’s conversation in a queue. All of a sudden I just get inspired, and my mind goes into over-thinking mode while I carry on with my day. Then as soon as I have a spare few minutes I just jot things down, and somehow all that pointless overthinking means I can get a couple of pages down in 20 minutes. It may not be refined and not everything will be used but it’s much more meaningful than forcing myself to write something for the sake of it!
Although I think there is value in writing to a schedule – especially if you’re writing in a professional capacity – for the best ideas/the most meaningful post I think your strategy is best. Let the muse come to you instead of the other way around. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts 🙏
Nice post!
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I just write, the muse is with me all the time:) I find inspiration in everything and creative ideas creep up to me without a time or schedule. I love how it makes my thought come alive.
Yes ideas arise often for me as well. Often it’s forcing the idea that’s the problem – when my mind wants to go left and I keep telling it to go right – It doesn’t work. I find writing without over thinking it leads to the most interesting results. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. 🙏
Hello, thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope you enjoy poetry:)
Indeed vGood
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Very interesting article. I like your ‘daily-ish’ approach. Personally I think discipline and habit formation are absolutely crucial if you do anything in a professional capacity, including when you are a professional artist. Ensuring that you repeatedly engage with creating in your art of discipline every day (or whatever regular interval you decide on), helps you avoid being at the whims of inspiration or, even worse, motivation. Your results will br regular and more consistent. Even at these moments when nothing seems to work or flow, the unconscious still works in the background and makes notes are you rightfully say. At the same time, every creative person knows that there are times where creativity and inspiration simply force themselves upon you, whether you like it or not. So you should keep yourself open to your muse and supplement these daily habits with additional activity whenever the muse strikes. It’s not either or in my view, you need both. Thank you for the insightful post
I’m in full agreement with you. I find having a daily-ish mindset just allows that little bit of leeway, however if one wishes to do something professionally – to reach goals, etc. – we need to make it a habit. Motivation is overrated. In fact it’s often after taking action we find motivation, not the other way round. Thank you for leaving such a thoughtful response. 🙏
I enjoyed reading this 🙂
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This is me. I recently started my blog and once a week I use a “complete the story” format. Sometimes I don’t know what to do with the prompts but I’ve been making myself type and it’s been interesting what shows up. The tone in my last complete the story is my subconscious filtering my emotional state last week through a lens of fiction. It’s kinda cool. I too struggle with the issue of ideas at night that aren’t as free flowing in the morning. I find that it’s better to write it as is even if it’s not as good and then come back later and in the editing process I find I get re-inspired and it all comes back to me. It’s been a fun learning experience so far.
I also find it helps you to sleep if you quickly get up and write down that idea. I like your complete the story format. Often I start posts but don’t finish them – or end up finishing them weeks or even months later. I get so many ideas I seem to go off on a tangent all the time. Probably helpful to have a little more direction/purpose with it all. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts J.C. Coggins. Wishng you well 🙏
Yeah, I don’t force myself to write to a schedule. But the desire for the discipline to crank out one post a week (my frequency these days) does help. It’s relatively easy for me since I write mostly about music so there’s no lack of material. But stringing together the right words to express what I feel is tricky. I just need a triggering thought which captures the character of the music; once that happens, the words just flow. When that defining thought comes to my mind, I note it down even if it’s not a fully formed sentence. And usually I find that I have a few posts to work on around these. At the heart of it is the fact that I enjoy writing what I do and that I don’t force it.
I try to write to a schedule but I allow myself some leeway. If the muse strikes I will go with the flow. You raise a very important point about enjoyment. Perhaps part of the trick is making sure we are writing about the right things – The very things that inspire us personally? Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 🙏
I’ve enjoyed what I’ve read here so far. Well-written and thoughtful.
To your point, I agree it’s a balancing act between discipline and spontaneity. I’ve brought in the discipline that was missing earlier in me and I use my bursts of ideas with that to have a few posts ready or nearly-ready. It gives me the buffer to release a post once a week. I have right now two ready to go but I’m resisting the temptation to post till this weekend 😀 And yes, it helps tremendously that I write about music which is a big part of my life and that it’s not a job.
My is places creative ideas stay claim mind create your own ideas
Good sharing
Yes a calm stress free mind certainly helps. Thank you 🙏
Rightly said you cannot bully the subconscious!
Indeed. Thank you 🙏
Honestly speaking, I hadn’t ever think about the topic or the ways of how to get effective writing, I just wrote with the flow of my emotions, which followed the stream of tears.
I like to say that emotions are a writers best friend. Often if I don’t know what to write about I start with my feelings about something. I find it’s a useful tactic. Thank you for sharing your thoughts 🙏
Well, Its informative.
Wow really nice, I enjoyed to read your post. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for taking the time to read/comment 🙏
Most days, I only write when I get some form of inspiration. I only force myself to write when I’ve been pushing the deadline for too long.
Hey Emma – you’re not alone. I guess for many who have ambitions to grow their blogs/write books etc – having a regular schedule helps. But certainly if writing is a hobby then I think that is less important. I do believe either way that writing when inspiration stirkes is important for finding the best work within. Thanks for adding to the conversation. Wishing you well 🙏
Posts I find easy to write, fiction not so much. To be imaginative, I need a good night’s sleep, and I need to sit down to ‘work’ as soon as I can keep my eyes open. Caffeine is a given.
If I can’t add to the story, I go back and edit until an idea pops up. If nothing pops up, at least I’ve killed some typos. Music helps too, but ultimately you’re right, it’s all down to the subconscious, and it can’t be bullied into submission. More’s the pity. 🙁
I don’t write much fiction – just stick to brutal honesty and deep pointless overthinking. Caffine certainly helps. I’ve read that morning time is best for creative work – I suspect that has something todo with getting a good night’s rest before hand! I like writing to music too – that’s a great tip as well. Ultimately, as much as we can try to create the right conditions, sometimes it just doesnt flow – the subconcious alwasy has the final say. I enjoyed reading your thoughts – thank you for sharing. 🙏
-grin- yes, we have to treat the subconscious with respect or it bites us! Cheers. 🙂
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So, very true.