Sunday, January 31, 2010

Writing sparks

Recently, I've been so overwhelmed with other peoples' manuscripts, that I haven't had time for my own. It's hard for me not to be writing. I've felt cranky, and lost and moody and when I finally carved out some time to write last week, my novel-in-progress felt like a dead flounder on the page, which ramped up my despair level, as well as my need for chocolate. Why couldn't I write? What could I possibly do to work my way back into the writing zone?

But then, I began to finish up one particular manuscript, and it was so good, so breathtaking in the risks it took, and the way the characters related, that I felt that switch turn on for me. I wanted to write! I had dozens of ideas suddenly for my novel, (and my ideas, not this manuscript's) and today I sat down and wrote ten pages. Ten pages!

I have to thank that manuscript and that writer. That's what great art can do. Not just involve you in a whole other world, but to spark your own creativity. That manuscript was like an invitation to join the party, a reminder of that wonderful, magic, tough, rewarding world. And yup, we're all invited.

6 comments:

  1. Fabulous!! So happy for you!! Ten pages is huge. I wrote a total of 4 that I am keeping this week. It's hard. But yes, I am a big believer that other people's work inspires..for me it's usually, music, art, or dance, that sparks my writing.

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  3. So your students are thinking, "OMG, my manuscript is killing Caroline," and simultaneously hoping, "Maybe MY book is the one Caroline loves!" Happy writing, Caroline.

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  4. No, no, no, I am very protective of my students and I adore all of them! This was a private client.

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  5. Lovely post that I needed to read. I too am working on others' manuscripts and feeling spazzy about my own novel-draft-in-progress which others are reading right now for feedback. But a friend of mine sent pages of her novel in progress that were so stunning I had the same feeling! YES, writing is good!

    Can't believe I haven't been to your blog sooner Caroline.

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  6. Well, Jordan, now there is always a chair here for you! With your name on it!

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