On Bigger Problems

I have a problem.

That problem is, unfortunately, balancing projects and ideas.

I have, at the moment, the following projects under way:

• A novel of semiautobiographical nature [currently on hiatus]
• A short story entry for the Writer’s Digest’s contest, and therefore, profit [currently in progress]
• A song about self-absorbed guitar guys at open mic nights [not in progress]
• A short story for fun [not profit, on hiatus]
• Two comic book series ideas [for relief during novel]
• Readings and Writings for Graduate School [currently in progress, less enjoyable than writing for pleasure, but far more enjoyable than root canal]

Unfortunately, I need to give highest priority to that last stuff. I will be happy beyond words when my Strat Comm class is over; the readings are dense, and self-involved to an unhealthy point.

Speaking of that, I think academics truly need to get a grip on themselves; if I couldn’t make references to earlier papers I’d written in the course of writing a new paper, why should they be exempt from that rule?

I’d rather spend my time exploring my ideas, but as long as I stay on top of my work, I’ll be able to make time. I believe I can see a future for myself as a consultant while pursuing the dream; many things seem insurmountable, but as long as I keep perspective, it’s hardly that intimidating.

(Except for that whole organizing thing. I think it’s very frightening, and if I still had a stuffed animal, I would crawl under my sheets at night clutching it tightly, knowing that it served as both comfort and instant effigy if the need for escape presented itself.)

-Brian

Inspiration on Demand

So, before that New Blog Smell wears off, let’s get in post #2, shall we?

This is the one wherein I talk about that most crucial part of the writing process – finding inspiration. If you’re any kind of writer, amateur or professional, and have been writing creatively for a period longer than, say, six months, you should be stifling laughter right now.

(I am, and I’m writing this blog!)

Inspiration is notoriously fickle. Tapping into your muse is difficult, but here’s what works for me:

1) lots and lots of notebooks, easily accessible.
2) always having pens on me.
3) being prepared.

I’ve heard of musicians having guitars everywhere within their apartments or houses, so that they can get ideas out whenever they have them.

I view the writing process in the same way; when you’re searching for inspiration, you can get it anywhere, at any time, and notebooks are infinitely more portable than guitars.

I also try to do a few other things as well :

1) Associate it with something.
2) Slow things down.
3) Be descriptive.

Normally, ideas rush through the head, and in an instant, they’re gone. Try to make them last, or be more tangible.

• If you can Associate an idea with an image, a taste, a sensation, ANYTHING, you’ll be able to recall it easier later on.

Secondly, Slow Things Down. Sometimes ideas come fast, but you always want to get as much out of an idea as possible.

• If you can take the time to think an idea out, it will be better developed in your head.
  You may miss a couple small parts, but if you’ve still got the central idea, they may come back later.

Lastly, Be Descriptive.

• The more effort you put into your ideas – is the character tall? How does he dress?
  How would he sound in real life? – the more you can hold on to, the longer your idea will last.