Thursday, November 10, 2011

Inspiration is out there

One of the biggest obstacle for an author is hitting a wall during the most crucial moments in her writing career. Some things in life we just can't anticipate or prepare for, but we must gather the strength to move forward no matter how difficult the situation. 

Sure, there are times when there's a rush of creativity, where everything goes beautifully and the sailing is smooth...then there are times when you free fall off a cliff into the deep hole of insecurity, self-doubt, and depression--into a place that makes you question your decision to become a writer. Was it worth all the struggles and tears? If you answered "HELL, YEAH!"...then you are definitely meant to be a writer.

But, but, but....even when everything seems to be caving in on you, there's nothing more refreshing than a touch of inspiration to spark renewed life in your writing...in YOU. Sometimes we find inspiration at the oddest times and from the most unexpected places but it's out there. Inspiration is everywhere and you just have to open yourself to it...in order to find it. It's easier than you think and when you can hold onto that feeling--the excitement--that power will surge through you and you'll know it's the one thing you can control. Your story is a part of you that you're sharing with others. Your writing isn't just a passion but a way to unleash all those emotions. Just remember, your characters, your story is providing inspiration to others..it's true, and someday when you're down, you might get a letter, an email, a facebook feed that will prove otherwise. I guarantee months or years from now when you pick up your published work and re-read it, you'll be proud of what you've accomplished. Overcome. Conquered.


Photo Credit: liz green

8 comments:

Wynter said...

What an inspiring post. And I know several writer friends going through this now. I'll direct them this way;-)

Jax Cassidy said...

Thanks, Wynter! I think so many authors find themselves in this spot and it's true, inspiration is all around. I get inspired just talking to my writing buddies about a project I'm working on. Sometimes it's just people watching in a cafe or hearing a song on the radio that will inspire me to write something I've never thought I'd be able to write. You just have to push all that negative yuck around you for a few hours to write. Then everything feels better :)

Jina Bacarr said...

I've often heard the saying "let the wells fill up again" and it's so true.

When you give your mind a "break" from trying so hard, it's surprising what happens.

It's like that creative muse in you says, "Hey, what's up? Don't you like me anymore?"

She pouts for a bit, waiting to see what you'll do. Then she panics and gets to work and comes back at you with: "Okay, so you think I'll never work again in this town? I'll show you. Here's a terrific idea. There was this girl you see, and she met this guy and he..."

Well, you get the idea. Take a break and then go back to it. Have fun!! And let your imagination soar.

Jax Cassidy said...

Jina--that's so true! The mental break really allows the creativity to flow.

I think my muse has said that to me before. LOL

Michelle Polaris said...

This post was exactly what I needed. Thank you. If you let inspiration in and begin to write it's more likely you'll be healed by all of the best parts of writing, helping the place you walked that made you hit a wall to begin with.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting this. I have convinced a few friends to join me this year on the NaNoWriMo challenge and being their first time, they are always looking for inspiration to help them along. I'll pass this posting to them.

Jax Cassidy said...

Michelle--Keep writing and you'll be happy you made the time and effort to do it. :)

Gary--Thanks for passing this post along. I joined NaNoWriMo this year to force myself back into the writing frame of mind. It's easy to make excuses but it's harder to commit to writing. The challenge only makes you better!

Callie Croix said...

Hey, Jax! Gah, I hate self-doubt and insecurity as a writer. It totally kills my creativity. Thanks for this post.