It may seem like I haven’t been writing–but I have, just not here other than a few appearances for Friday Fictioneers and Write Club Fight Club (if you’re unfamiliar with these, please check them out!). As I near the halfway point of my graduate school program, the looming prospect of coming up with a thesis is starting to feel real. I have a novel that’s been in the works for a year and a half that I’d really like to use as my thesis, and all my writing energy (when I have it) is there. I have the luxury of a captive audience in my classmates and assigned workshops, but I don’t know if this manuscript would have ever had the potential it does without critique.
Writers talk a lot about discipline–and it’s important, crucial to creating and finishing good work. But, I think we also tend to beat ourselves up when we’re not writing–when the words are elusive and life happens. Sometimes, rather than tormenting ourselves for missed word counts or scrapped drafts, we just need to let go and live.
I’ve gone to three concerts in the past two weeks–two for bands I’ve seen before, and one for a brand new band–and it never ceases to amaze me how music just makes everything fall away. I saw Bear’s Den last night and several of their songs are the kind that make you inhale involuntarily, because you forgot to breathe, because you forgot that your body existed, that there was anything other than the music and the stage lights.
Vers Les Etoiles 
It’s a fine line between discipline and going in search of inspiration. Music is always a nice place to start.
Definitely—discipline is important and sometimes you just need to buckle down and push through “lack of inspiration” or writer’s block. But I think (for me personally, at least) forcing it only makes me more frustrated sometimes. Music is always a good cure!
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Music is never a bad thing!
Finding inspiration for writing comes from many different places and outlets. I oft time forget that I can’t write constantly with no inspiration. I feel guilty when I’m not writing or creating something but I forget that the words flow because of the things I see, feel, and come into contact with daily. Discipline and balance are difficult to find and hone as a writer. Hopefully I’ll get a handle on it someday.
Very graceful post, this was my first visit and I enjoyed what I read.
http://www.dreamersanonymous.com
Posted the wrong link. Oops.
http://www.dreamersanonymous.net
I think knowing that you need balance is half the battle–thanks for stopping by, hope you have a chance to read some more on the site!
Yes. Ill definitely be reading more on your site! I love it!