Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Joshua Bagby on March 15, 2012 at 12:37pm

I keep a massive note file on my computer that is filled with ideas, story starts, stray thoughts that I duly noted, and links to articles somewhere online that piqued my curiosity. If I am ever stuck for inspiration (pretty rare) I always have this resource to prime the pump. 

Permalink Reply by Jan Lazo-Davis on March 15, 2012 at 12:48pm

I sit at my computer and begin putting words into the processor. The first words to come out usually are edited fairly soon. However, if I stay at it long enough an idea emerges and takes shape. Then I am motivated to continue. For me, the worst thing to do is not write at all. Then I lose confidence and nothing comes out for weeks or months.

Permalink Reply by jeff herman on March 15, 2012 at 12:52pm

Are there certain "rituals", prayers or routines that help you and perhaps can help others? Jeff

Permalink Reply by Joshua Bagby on March 15, 2012 at 1:06pm

I have begun a new practice of writing a letter to God first thing when I get up. During this process I frequently get ideas that I can incorporate into my writing projects, and I do believe that this could be inspiration resulting from my inner conversation with God. It is also interesting to review this material a few weeks after it was written as there are often surprises in store for me when I do that. ~Joshua

Permalink Reply by Jinjer Stanton on March 15, 2012 at 1:12pm

If I'm really blocked, I go to the old stream of consciousness: writing down every random thought that crosses my mind until the thoughts start to link and make sense together.

If I'm working on something and I'm not sure where to go next, I go back a few pages and start reading and by the time I get to the naked screen (page) the next step has usually become obvious. If it hasn't, it means I need to work on something else or revisit the stream of consciousness.

Permalink Reply by Jinjer Stanton on March 15, 2012 at 1:17pm

Truth to tell, I seldom am blocked. However, I often allow myself to be distracted. It is a far larger problem which is only remedied by shutting down the browser and the email application and opening Pages!

Permalink Reply by Joshua Bagby on March 15, 2012 at 3:26pm

Ah, yes, Jinjer! Distraction from too much virtual stimulation is my biggest challenge, too! Also nice to see that someone else uses Pages, too. 

Permalink Reply by Jan Lazo-Davis on March 15, 2012 at 7:22pm

Been there - done that!!! Distraction hits me as well. But sometimes I distract myself so the other side of my brain can sublimate. It does this for me in the unconscious.

Permalink Reply by Jinjer Stanton on March 15, 2012 at 7:27pm

That's a good point!

Permalink Reply by Jan Lazo-Davis on March 15, 2012 at 7:24pm

If I am writing a Christian piece for a Christian audience I will pray. This usually inspires me and gives me a fresh take.

But sometimes I just need to activate another part of my brain as a diversion and then when I go back to pages the writing flows.

I do pray about those words which are going to a secular market. Just different prayers. Hard to explain.

Permalink Reply by Lorelle Taylor on March 15, 2012 at 8:54pm

Ask and you shall receive. I have been taught to ask "What would love do now?" and the first answer that comes to you is the correct one. If the answer is to write, then you know that is what you are supposed to be doing. It could be that there is something else you need to do first. Maybe you have thought of something to write, but your logical mind has dismissed it. I was introduced to a good exercise for loosening the writing flow. Start writing "I remember ......" .  I found that this focused my mind on just the thing I needed to be thinking about. Just keep writing "I remember ....." and just let whatever comes, come. This may not be what you need to write about, but it will get your mind flowing, which is where it needs to be rather than stuck on a blank page.

Hope this helps.

Permalink Reply by Marilyn A. Hudson on March 16, 2012 at 10:47am

When I am in that space I practice writing smaller, more detailed pieces - maybe just a description of a shoe!   It can be a good time to simply get up, get out, and get inspired.  Writing can be a very static process, everything settles until you feel you are sitting on your brain!  Shake thing up.  I keep a file of these little micro pieces and have found them very useful as I gained more purpose or a plan in my writing. 

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