Write Now Newsletter – May 2005

by | May 3, 2005 | Write Now Columbus Essay Archives

“Inspiration is wonderful when it happens, but the writer must develop an approach for the rest of the time. . . The wait is simply too long.” – Leonard Bernstein


Hi Writers:

Time to get honest again. How many of you wait for the muse to show up before you sit down to write? Raise your hands now. Mine’s in the air too. Doesn’t it feel sort of like waiting to be struck by lightning when you’re standing in a basement or watching the lottery results when you don’t even play?

I feel fortunate to have discovered writing practice (courtesy of Natalie Goldberg) early in my writing career. Instead of waiting for the mood to strike, I set the timer, pick up a pen and GO! I keep my hand moving until the timer goes off. When I don’t know where to turn, the answer is the same – write! That’s where I find the inspiration. I don’t have to wait for the muse. It comes to me, but only if I’m writing.

Life is short; the wait for inspiration too long. I don’t want to lie on my deathbed and think, “If only I’d given myself the chance to write.” Those two words, “If only . . . .” might be the saddest I’ve ever heard.

Come with me now. Set the timer. Pick up your pen. GO! It doesn’t matter what the topic is or where you start. Just begin. Keep your hand moving. If you get to know writing practice, you’ll have the approach you need to stay in it for the long hall. Just write. I’m writing with you. We’ll trudge the writing path – together.

Nita(Powerball? I don’t need no stinkin’ powerball!)Sweeney
(c)2005 by Nita Sweeney

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