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.