Or, Inspiration and the Question We *Should* Be Asking | Neil Gaiman tells the hilarious story of why writers are so hostile to this question. Here is the real question we should be asking and how it will help us jump-start our own writing when we're stuck.
Mine often come to me right when I am trying to sleep. I meditate everyday before I sleep to calm the brain and that's usually when characters will start telling me their stories. When I don't want them. I used to jot these idea's down right away but these days I just mentally tell my brain to file them away and I"ll do something wit them in the morning. Works a treat.
Subtle but an important shift on how to frame this question. Right after I read your blog I walked to my Aquafit class, the image of my cat looking forlorn as I exited the house. Throughout the walk to the pool I *wrote* a piece in my head about our relationship. I often get my ideas while walking, snowshoeing, hiking. That's one of the reasons why I never listen to music when engaging in these activities.
I've found it more productive being open to ideas, instead of chasing ideas. When you're open to ideas, everything is an idea. When you're chasing ideas, nothing is.
Mine often come to me right when I am trying to sleep. I meditate everyday before I sleep to calm the brain and that's usually when characters will start telling me their stories. When I don't want them. I used to jot these idea's down right away but these days I just mentally tell my brain to file them away and I"ll do something wit them in the morning. Works a treat.
Subtle but an important shift on how to frame this question. Right after I read your blog I walked to my Aquafit class, the image of my cat looking forlorn as I exited the house. Throughout the walk to the pool I *wrote* a piece in my head about our relationship. I often get my ideas while walking, snowshoeing, hiking. That's one of the reasons why I never listen to music when engaging in these activities.
I've found it more productive being open to ideas, instead of chasing ideas. When you're open to ideas, everything is an idea. When you're chasing ideas, nothing is.