I don’t mean to neglect this blog, I really don’t.
So, to kickstart some creativity in this space, I’m going to post 31 Days of Inspiration starting August 1st.
I’m talking about what motivates me to write or nudges me to polish a scene or edges me closer to a good idea ON THAT PARTICULAR DAY. People always ask writers ‘HOW DO YOU DO IT?’ How do you sit down and write? Where do the ideas come from? (I like to say Target, in the dollar section.)
“It’s my job” doesn’t seem to be sufficient. We all know it’s more complicated than BIC. (Butt In Chair)
It’s not easy being creative when it’s your job or when you are striving to make it or job or to meet a self-imposed or editor deadline, right?
I might post a bit of advice I share with one of my writers. (I’m an editor and book coach, don’t worry, I will only use non-identifying details.) It might be a photo that relates to my WIP. It might be a movie or TV show at makes me laugh or cry, adding to my arsenal of emotions for my story. It could be a stranger’s gait, or eavesdropping on a conversation that leads to an epiphany for my story.
I’m hoping that August will clue me into the phase of life for this blog — because it needs it, and so do I!
I’ll post here every day and if I can’t post here — I’ll tell you where you can find me using #31DaysofInspiration on Twitter or Instagram.
I’ll also add tidbits of info about writing if I think you’ll like them. The key is to find my way to this blog again, because I miss and all of YOU.
Tell me what you’re writing and what you’ve been up to in the last couple of months!
See you on August 1st.
Amy xo
PS I got this idea from Dan Blank and he’s a creativity guru. Fingers crossed!
Hanging out near Chicago with my stellar literary agent. Books, sushi, lipstick. We love the same things and make a great team. She reminds me how much she loves my WIP and that inspires me get words on the page.
Hanging out in Disneyworld with Daisy Duck. My first real vacation in 18 years inspired me to take time off. The work was there when I returned.
Hanging out with my college buddies near home. It’s new for us after 30+ years and like no time has passed. This inspires me to remember these real connections when I write fictional friends.
Hanging at home with Mitzi, who now can’t really hear anymore at all. Otherwise, she’s a healthy 14 year old dog who’s just much quieter than she used to be. Mitzi inspires me to come up with creative doggie sign language. So far, we’re doing great!
There must be something in the air because on August 1st, I’m officially starting a full month of BIC, Butt in Chair. No more events, just honest to God writing. Here’s the program. Wake up, drink too much coffee, take a walk, shower, and BIC and write the hardest scenes that I’ve been avoiding for months.
I hear you! I’m on deadline and bumping up the productivity so I meet a halfway mark soon on my next book.
I’m hoping this endeavor will give new life to the blog!
GO YOU, Jacqueline!
Hi Amy, I’ve been writing every day. And I blog on Sunday. But in two weeks my middle child is turning 40! so right now, it’s time to put together an awesome scrapbook. Some writing is needed for that project too. But to you point, I am blessed with the time to sit and write. The well has never been dry. Let’s just hope the quality of the words improves every time I’m at the keyboard. Happy August, Beth Havey
Crazy thing is — me too! I’m making lots of progress on the novel but zero progress with this blog, which has been a work of heart for more than seven years!
Happy birthday to your middle child! I’m sure that will be one awesome scrapbook!
xo
I love this post! We all need spurts of motivation from time to time. I just finished my third book and it was hard to commit the time this summer. But I did it! The habit of daily journaling helped to kick start my creative juices each morning. That and lots of good coffee! 🙂
Good coffee is key!
I’m blogging each evening about the day, so changing it up a bit for me, since I’ve always blogged in the morning. Hoping to find my way back to a meaningful space here.
xoxo YAY YOU, NICOLE!
I love this!! I’m just returning from Santa Fe and feeling very inspired!
I bet you are! Anything inspire you in a specific way?
Hey Cuz
Miss you. Glad to have you back. We all understand the demands of every day Life on our time. I write as much as I can while dealing with a lot of family/community issues. Looking forward to the daily inspiration.
Thank you, dear. You’re in my thoughts!
Your Mitzi is soooo cute! I’ve found my dog was a great motivator to at least get my BIC, (my last dog, CoCo Puff, may she RIP, took her morning nap in one of her beds which was under my computer desk, so if I wasn’t at my chair, she would think something was “off” that morning!) Dog’s (and kitties) also set great examples for staying in the present moment, which is another very helpful and much needed thing for writing – only way to get into and stay in the “flow”!
I kind of have the other problem. I find no difficulties with writing something creative for my blog every Friday (and I’m celebrating 7 years of blogging now!) but I find it harder to put my butt on the chair to thicken my WIP. Perhaps if I had an agent to cheer me along, that would help. So far I’ve been an Indie writer and Indie published, and I love the independence of that, but some cheerleader(s) on the sideline would be helpful. However, I did send out the first 100 pages of my WIP to two Beta readers, receiving great encouragement to keep on going. So may we both find more creative juice going forward.