For me writing is one way of slipping into sacred space, a way of feeding my soul, a way of showing reverence to this life by giving it my full attention. When I write I never feel lonely…I’m connected to something profound.
—Cheerful Monk, The Joy of Being a Blockhead
Recently, in Do You Approach Every Blog Post like the First Day of School?, Brad Shorr asks us if we approach our writing with the exuberance of children going back to school, with the feeling that we’re on the “threshold of something new and exciting….” Hmm…. I do get that excited, can’t-wait-to-get-up-in-the-morning feeling when I’m solving a problem, when I’ve immersed myself in it long enough that my subconscious mind takes off and starts generating ideas that need to be checked out on the computer. My inner drive is fired up and I find myself pushing for the solution.
With writing it’s a bit different. The feeling is more of a quiet, patient joy. I’m like the girl in the picture above, fascinated by the world and in a state of exploration. I post on each of my two blogs only once a week, so I have plenty of time to play with ideas. When I read or see something that sparks my interest, I start a draft for a new post. I write a tentative title, and I look for quotes and a picture to illustrate the piece…I spend a lot of time on Flickr and using Photoshop.
The pictures and quotes feed my subconscious mind, so it starts generating ideas in the background. When those ideas start popping up into my conscious mind, I mentally start writing while doing chores or, my favorite place, lying in bed in the morning. I start putting words together to see how they sound, and I notice when those words begin to stray from the main idea. Then I mentally step back and try again. Often the parts I cull from one piece will be the start of another.
By the time I sit down at the computer, I already have a good start. I’ll write for a while…as long as my words are getting closer to what I want to say…and when the process stalls I go off and do something else. I can trust my subconscious mind to be mulling it over. It lets me know when it’s time to get back to the keyboard. This process repeats itself until the piece feels right…it feeds my soul.
So that’s the way it works for me. Thanks for asking, Brad!
What about you? What is it like when you write your posts?
Jean, I’m glad my post inspired you to write about your creative process, because you describe it beautifully. It’s interesting how you incorporate images into the early stages. For me, images are generally come last, and I sometimes spend an inordinate amount of time looking for one that exactly fits my theme. I usually start with a very basic idea, but one I’m very eager to share. When I’m at my best, I write with the first day of school enthusiasm I tried to describe.
Brad Shorrs last blog post..Timing Is Everything for Your Blogging Style
I thought I was the only one crazy enough to spend so much time searching for the right photo on Flickr. I’m glad to know that you’re as much involved in the creative process as I am. I’ve just created some new images from old photos and published them on my latest post. If you’ve got the time, do hop over and let me know what you think!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..Planet Of Dreams
Add me to the list of searching for the perfect picture, or quote. Sometimes I’ll know what I want to say, but I really want the right picture and quote to go with it. I guess for me it goes along the lines of a picture being worth a thousand words – and I want that picture to convey the words I’m thinking. Sometimes I’ll start to write, then put it on hold, only to come back to that idea weeks later. And sometimes, what seemed like a good idea to start, just doesn’t work out when I put it on paper (err, screen…).
What I do have when I write, though, is a feeling of “connectedness” in the world, and that is powerful for me. In a way it’s like going back to school – I’m excited to see what kind of friends I’ll make…
Lances last blog post..Sunday Thought For The Day
Jean – I, like you, also never write down any ideas. I just sit down and start typing what comes to mind. I also quit as I feel harder to find words. It normally takes several days for me to finish as I like to write when I’m inspired most.
Shilpan
Brad,
I agree, the important thing is having an idea that we’re eager to share. I also agree that it takes a long time to find a picture that fits. That’s one reason I look for the picture before I start writing…if I couldn’t find one that illustrates the piece, then I wouldn’t be able to publish without substantial rewriting.
Evelyn,
Cool pictures! Thanks.
Lance,
It sounds as if we approach writing the same way. And I liked your comment, “In a way it’s like going back to school – I’m excited to see what kind of friends I’ll make…” I do get excited when people comment, but I try to detach from any expectation when I’m writing. In fact, I didn’t expect much response to this blog…it seemed too far out. I’m delighted to be wrong.
I do get excited about the idea of making friends when I comment on other people’s blogs…I spend as much time doing that as I do writing here.
Shilpan,
There’s nothing like allowing ourselves plenty of time to let ideas grow, is there? It makes all the difference in the world to me.
Jean, since you visit my blog quite often, you would have noticed that my posts are based on real life situations. I either get some information or meet someone or do something for someone and it triggers of a need to share my information or experience. I finish all my day’s chores and late at night sit at the computer and simply write what I had decided earlier to write about. The words somehow just seem to flow. I thoroughly enjoy the process, including when I am planning the post earlier when the matter was still hot.
I have not yet started to insert photographs or videos and shall do so after I get some more experience just blogging.
rummusers last blog post..Standard Chartered Bank’s treatment of a Senior Citizen.
rummuser,
It does make a difference to know that we can share our life in writing, doesn’t it? 🙂 Thanks for coming by.
I mostly get inspired by what I read. I have a small notebook in which I write down, words/sentences. When I have some free time I take one of those as topics and build a post around it.
Shamelle – TheEnhanceLifes last blog post..8 Skinny Habits To Lose Weight Naturally
I don’t have a Website with Posts.
I took Creative Writing in college. The prof. told me I was flunking & needed to write about something I felt passionate about. (dangling participle here) I wrote a short piece about paddling a canoe on the lake & got an A. 🙂 It was smooth sailing after that.
Shamelle,
I spend a lot of time on the computer so I haven’t been using a notebook. I’m going to have to get back to that, because I want to spend more time unplugged. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
bikehikebabe,
I had the same experience in college…oh, all you have to do is tap into your passion. That lesson alone is worth going to college for. 🙂
Even though you don’t have a blog, you do share by e-mail and in comments. Writing, in any form, does enhance our lives, doesn’t it? I miss you when you don’t write.
I found that often I found my present moment while writing, especially when I’m writing the draft; flowing with ideas and no editing. It’s as if I’m conversing with myself, and forming it up, regrouping it into a meaningful conversation that others can look into as well.
I guess we have same “hobby”, Jean! =)
Robert
Robert A. Henrus last blog post..From blogging to public speaking
Robert,
🙂 It sounds as if we do! Only rewriting is my favorite part, not the first draft.
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I almost do my blog posts the way you do. I have it on draft and keep building them slowly. But sometimes, I am all fired up on a single topic that I just sit and write it up in 30 minutes and cannot wait to share.
I love your description on the creative process of writing.
As to writing here as a comment…
I like to be in the spontaneity of it all. Just soaking up the moment and responding fluidly.
I had years ago set out to write a book. And as I have wrote often these years… I had some people who became more of focus of my time… cancer, death, senior aging healthcare issues. Its still there though that desire…to write. Developing inside of me.
Diane,
That’s the great thing about blogging, it’s an easy way to share your writing with other people. It sounds as if you have a lot to say about your experiences. It’s easy enough to set up our own blog, but I spend at least as much time commenting on other people’s posts as I do writing my own. Writing is writing and sharing is sharing, no matter where we do it. Thank you so much for commenting here. 🙂
writing is definetely the way to go, for those who now how to write, and you do, keep it on
Evans last blog post..$9,000 Raised for Trails at 2008 Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k
Evan,
Thank you for the kind words. 🙂
You already know my answer for this one, since you stopped by to read what I had to say. Since this was a few months ago, are you still only making one post a week on each of your blogs?
Mitchs last blog post..National Diabetes Month
Mitch,
Thanks for coming by. Yes, I’m still writing one post a week on each of my two blogs. That, plus commenting on other blogs, is more than enough to keep me busy!
I write in my head throughout the day. I have an internal dialog going on, so I’m never bored while waiting in a doctor’s office. I’m glad and eager when I get to put the stuff on paper or into the computer.
Sometimes I don’t have the internal dialog. Instead I have music in my head. I do not need an mp3 player.
Square Peg Guys last blog post..Wednesday Weigh-In 20090107
Dear Square Peg,
I thought you were a girl-from the “peg” even tho’ I got it otherwise. (I thought you were squarepeg without the guy.) I’m going to look up your Myers-Briggs profile. I used to eat according to my blood type-B- but that seems too far fetched to me now.
I like your stuff & nice to see your picture.
(I wrote this to put on your blog, but was afraid to give Google my password.)
Ah, the “Peg” – girl thing. That’s why I added “Guy” to my moniker when I comment on other blogs. But I think I explained that already.
You don’t need to log in to leave comments on my blog. I don’t even do it. You can choose the Name/URL radio button, like I do, or even post anonymously.
Thanks for taking time to read me and comment remotely!
Square Peg Guys last blog post..Dream: Pink Party Gift Car
Square Peg Guy,
🙂 I agree…that’s the great thing about blogging, one is never bored. Even before I blogged I always brought my journal along. I also had something meaningful to do while waiting.
I was never confused about the Peg. I’m a square peg in a round hole too.
well! i’m certainly not bored having just read this post!
have even been to india and back with rummy.
makes me want a blog even more. i think.
i am a puddle of indecision. but…
i’m not bored!
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