Forcing Inspiration . . . Sometimes

In response to my last post, I received this comment:

...Assuming I have everything in my head, how do [sic] I get it OUT of my head?

Inspiration comes hard to a lot of people - even seasoned writers. The elusive Muse that artists so highly covets is not so much a burst of inspiration as a moment of extended motivation. I am constantly getting ideas for stories; I think a lot of writers are the same way. Ideas are what drive a writer and most writers are constantly coming up with ideas. Sitting down to put those ideas to paper is another matter, because there always seems to be something else of dire importance to get done before you sit to write. (Like making sure the cats are happy, or the plants have been watered for a fifth time, or you've checked your email yet again this hour).

I believe motivation - that ability to sit yourself in the chair and get writing done - is a much more difficult thing to master. For me, having a specific time to write every day helps. It gives me a deadline. Also, I hold myself to writing goals each month. Writing groups are also good, because it forces you to give material to your peers. Writing challenges are good, too. See a few of the links below for ideas.

I think, too, that many beginning writers feel that their first drafts are "never quite good enough." That tendency to want things to be just right the first time around is common, and I think that pushing yourself to just get it down is very tough.

So here's your challenge: just write. Forget about making it sound great the first time; forget about worrying that it doesn't quite gel or that the plot isn't solid. These are the things that polishing takes care of.

Resources:

• Writer's Digest Writing Prompts
• WritingFix Writing Prompts
• For those on Twitter, you can follow @mkeworkshop for our Daily Challenges