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| photo by PrincessFroglips |
I've been wondering all day---off and on---about the writing process. Two nights ago, I was stuck. No inspiration. Trapped in a tar pit, I gave up, and (not on purpose) fell asleep on the couch. (All sorts of parts and things were hanging out as I lay in a puddle of my own drool, face-down on the futon.)
The next morning, magically, I was able to make some progress. I don't ever remember my dreams, so if I dreamed about the writing piece, I didn't recall it.
Maybe writing pieces are like spaghetti sauce or homemade chili or vegetable soup. You let them simmer as long as you can, and then put them in the refrigerator overnight. Something happens once the door is closed. The flavors marry. The spices step forward. What was once loose and liquid-y becomes solidified.
Who knows if my sauce was any good...Who knows if I put in enough green pepper or too much oregano...All I know is I had 14 minutes to spare. (And that means I can procrastinate even more next time!)
Hi Sioux,
ReplyDeleteI agree about deadlines. If you get it in by 11:59 p.m. it's on time. Last night aroung 11:30 I submitted a review to my editor that was due that day.
Good luck with your submission. Hope it gets published.
Donna
First, thanks so much for that delightful visual of you face-down on the futon. LOL Second, in Kelly Stone's book "Thinking Write" she says to do just what you did (minus the drooling). According to her, our subconscious mind helps us sort through our writing dilemmas through the dream state, and even if you don't remember your dreams you are still likely to benefit from them. So...cool beans. I kinda like your sauce analogy better, though. :) Congrats on submitting! Good luck, my friend!
ReplyDeleteDonna--Thanks. Katie Gates commented on my earlier post, saying she takes "as long as she has" to write a piece. I guess you and I were BOTH up late last night...Zzzzzz!
ReplyDeleteLisa--Thanks for making what I do sound scientific and researched. However, I think the drooling is an integral part, so I'm stickin' with it. (ha)
My mind does not rest at night, it percolates and when I awake at five, the words pour forth. Guess I am fresher in the morning. Glad you made your deadline. Hope you win.
ReplyDeleteFourteen minutes to spare? You live on the edge, lady! A wild woman, I'm telling you!
ReplyDeleteAs far as sleeping on things, that is a tried (just typed tired instead of tried!) and true method for me. In fact, next month I'll be pulling prompts every night to let them percolate in my brain so I can write about them the next day.
Good for you, Sioux!! Hope you win! And I like waiting fairly long, too, before I submit. I've made many a deadline right at the last minute or so. And if you haven't read any of Kelly L. Stone's books, like Lisa mentioned...they really are good!!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to say that I LOVED this song when I was in high school!!
ReplyDeleteWay to go Sioux. I am marveling at your writing marvels. You are really on a roll, drool and all. The best to you and use those 14 minutes wisely.
ReplyDelete