The Inspiration vs. Perspiration Conundrum
Image from Pablo
Inspiration or perspiration – which does it take to be an author?
That was the question posed to me and my fellow panelists at last month’s “Read Write Local” at the Avon Lake Public Library in Avon Lake, Ohio.
And it was a legitimate question, although in my opinion, it’s less of a “versus” and more of a “plus” situation.
Image from Pablo
The specific question asked by panel facilitator, Dr. Mary Hilare Tavenner (herself an author), was “Do you think producing a book is more about perspiration than inspiration?” And since in one way or another I have been working on books since 2004, I was glad to offer my two-cents worth on the topic.
And it is one that comes up often when I am doing my writing workshops. You have those writers who wait to start their book until they feel “inspired” – until the just right word or description or character comes into their head.
Then there are those who work diligently and consistently on their books, regardless of whether they feel inspired or not. Sometimes, this can result in a productive creative session. Other times, everything they wrote is scrapped the next day when they review it.
So which does it take? Both. Those who wait for inspiration run the risk of never finishing, or possibly even beginning, their book. They believe that, without the Muse to guide them (and she can be a very fickle guide at times!), they won’t be able to find their way. So instead, they stand at the starting line and never move from it.
It takes inspiration and perspiration to produce a book. (Please share!)
And while it’s true that my short stories generally begin with inspiration (thank you, Ms. Muse!), longer pieces such as books or even copywriting for my clients, require me to plant my butt in the chair and write (and rewrite and re-rewrite and re-re-rewrite!) until something results that is workable.
Also worth noting is that inspiration can occur at any stage. You might start writing, not sure what path the piece is taking or if your idea will work and then – Bam! – inspiration drops a gift on your desk and suddenly you are off and running, metaphorically speaking.
And even if you start with inspiration, if you aren’t willing to “perspire” your way through the writing, you will most likely end up with unfinished drafts that never earn the “The End” ending.
When it comes to writing, you need both inspiration and perspiration, just like you need both yeast and labor to make bread. Separately, neither will result in anything. But put them together and you will ultimately end up with a loaf of “bread” – i.e., your book.
Want another analogy? How about this one: inspiration may light the path but perspiration is the act of walking it. True, there are times when the light dims or possibly even goes out, but you have to keep moving, believing that the path will become illuminated again.
Inspiration lights the path but perspiration is the act of walking it. (Please share)
Of course, belief will only take you so far. There are things you can do to help get that candle burning again. For example:
- Write in a different place: for example, in a coffee shop or bookstore if you usually write at home
- Write at a different time of day: first thing in the morning (for night owls) or last thing before bed (for morning people)
- Use a writing prompt to get you started: a phrase or image that has nothing to do with the project at hand but is simply a way to warm up your writing “muscle”
Most importantly, set a schedule. While a foolish consistency may be the hobgoblin of little minds, according to Ralph Waldo Emerson, consistency in your writing practice isn’t foolish but an important and essential element of success. When you set a time to write and follow it, your mind becomes trained to expect to write at that period.
Even better, when you are not writing, that portion of your brain that is your “writer’s mind” will still be working, turning over ideas and making connections that are ready for you to access at your next session.
So back to the original question: does writing a book – or doing any kind of writing — take perspiration or inspiration?
Image from Pablo
Both. Be open to those gifts the Muse brings you but also be willing to do the work to make the most of them.
And keep in mind that sometimes the “gifts” may be buried under a mound of dirt.
If you don’t dig hard enough to sweat, you may never uncover them!
More Posts to Check Out!
I hope you found this post useful. Here are a few others on the same topic you might enjoy!
- New Year’s Resolution: Finding Time to Write
- Tuesday’s Tips: Finding a Writing Hideaway
- Time Management for Authorpreneurs: Guest Post by Sharon C. Jenkins
- Tuesday’s Tips: Tips for Revving Up Your Writing Engine
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The post Tuesday’s Tips: The Inspiration vs. Perspiration Conundrum appeared first on The Writer's Place.