The last week has been full of creative input. Since last Thursday I have been to a writing convention, scoped out a possible performance spot with a friend who is a great singer – getting to enjoy some live music at the same time, some of which was perfect writing music – and been to my writing group (which focussed on books with unreliable narrators today!).
None of these things were impossible before my career break, of course, but I value them more now than I could before, because they have a different impact on me. Prior to my break I would have enjoyed them and moved on. Now, creativity stimulates my mind and inspires me to write. Even just the memory of a piece of music I heard yesterday brings a specific scene to mind.
When we are in the normal routine of going to work, looking after families, doing the housework and so on, we don’t care about the creative input. Sure, we might have the radio on when we wash the dishes but it’s just background noise. But I learnt that the more aware I am of the world around me, the better I can express that world in words.
The more the input, the better the output.
So the next few days I will be reflecting on what I have seen and heard this week. Not just the creative input either, but the sights and sounds of daily life which grab my attention and keep it there.
I hope some of it will feed into my series of poems but if not, it might appear in another guise, at another time.
That’s the thing about input – if you value it, it can last for years!
Happy writing,
EJ
🙂
Becoming a writer 
First off I want to say superb blog! I had a quick question in which I’d
like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear
your mind prior to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my thoughts
in getting my thoughts out. I truly do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10
to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to
begin. Any suggestions or tips? Thank you!
Hi, thank you, and sorry for the delay in responding! My best tip is to sit somewhere quiet, and just start. Don’t worry about focus or context, just put pen to paper. If you aren’t sure what to write about, start by describing the room you are in, changing details as you like. Then put some people in the room – who are they? Why are they there? Are they talking? Keep going, and see what comes up. You might not think it’s going anywhere but it could be the first point in a scene, or a poem could form from the conversation (or lack of it). If nothing else, you’re building a habit of writing!
Good luck 🙂