On every first Wednesday, it’s time to rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
The awesome co-hosts for the May 3 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Diane Burton, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or a story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Remember, the question is optional!
May 3 question – When you are working on a story, what inspires you?
In the beginning, the freshness of the idea is inspiration enough to start writing down the first words.
When I reach what I think is the middle, I need to boost that inspiration–I think of it as enthusiasm–by walking a lot while I talk to myself. This “talk” is often dialogue between characters, or it’s me berating myself for thinking I could ever write a book.
As I cross the finish line, I’m usually inspired by the checkered flag, even though I know I’ve only completed the first draft and there’s a lot of work ahead.
I’ll be interested in reading what others use as inspiration.
My newsletter goes out on the first Thursday of the month. If you’re interested in reading it, you can sign up HERE. You get one of my “spooky campfire” stories as a gift when you do. This month’s topic is “Why Readers Stop Reading A Book.”
Quote of the Month: Don’t wait around for inspiration to zap you, go find it for yourself in whatever way works. (Notice that there are no quotes around this one. It’s mine–not original in thought, but my words.)
Damyanti Biswas says
Thanks for sharing your writing process!
Hilary Melton-Butcher says
Hi Lee – lots of fun ideas here – the most important being getting out and getting fresh air … also talking to oneself – I thought we were meant to be mad if we did that? I haven’t recently counted the hairs on the palm of my hands?? I talk to myself … but the brain doesn’t hold those bright ideas – something to work out at some stage – for now – fresh sea air is what I need. Thankfully only a few yards away … lucky me. Cheers and definitely keep writing … Hilary
Toi Thomas says
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I use walking to distress, but I see how it could be helpful to move forward on a project. Nice quote!
Anna says
Loved the bit about ‘why you ever started writing the book’, I land there more than not. hehehe
Louise (Fundy Blue) says
It’s so much fun to read what inspires others to write, Lee. I will hear my characters speaking in my mind. I’m often surprised to hear what they are saying, because it is usually not what I was expecting. It’s one of the fascinating things about the process of writing. I like walking to clear my head too. Immersing myself in nature is always inspiring. I wish I could eat a lot of chocolate sundaes ~ lol! Have a great May!
Sonia dogra says
Hi Lee! I am surprised I hadn’t subscribed to your newsletter. Well, I have now. The middle of a story is tough to pass by, but I like your idea of having a conversation with the characters. I also hope this comment comes through. There seems to be some kind of issue.
Sonia dogra says
Hi Lee. I am surprised I hadn’t subscribed to your newsletter. Well, I have now! The middle is the tough part to keep yourself motivated. I like your idea about conversation with the characters.
Sandra Cox says
It’s a process for sure and your results are always amazing. Keep walking and talking to yourself, it definitely works:)
C. Lee McKenzie says
I like being outside. It keeps me alert. Thanks, Sandra.
Yvonne V says
I love that you work on writing while you walk!
C. Lee McKenzie says
The miles go by very quickly that way.
diedre says
Hi there!
You’ve got the walking down. Now listen, breathe. You must be working on something to be so anxious. Wonderful! You know you’ve got this, I know you do too! Looking forward to your next masterpiece 😉
C. Lee McKenzie says
Ha! Love the masterpiece, Diedre. I’ll aim for that.
Natalie Aguirre says
I like your original quote. I have trouble staying inspired in the middle too unless I really know the direction of the middle chapters and I can keep the plot moving.
C. Lee McKenzie says
That middle is so long, isn’t it? And it always come…well, in the middle when you’ve lost your initial excitement.
Olga Godim says
I like your quote. It doesn’t lose its punch because it is yours. Just the opposite.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Olga.
Liz A. says
It sounds like you’ve got a routine, although you can skip the “not a writer” part. You’re definitely good at the whole writing a book thing.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Love how you write, Liz! You’re darned good at stitching words together to tell a story. I see that on your blog.
Patricia says
I feel similar to you in how I keep inspiration going. Although, usually walks are with hubby so I may not talk about my writing, but in the middle, I do spend plenty of time talking to myself about the story and what needs to happen.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Sharing those walks with someone you love is probably very inspiring!
Elephants Child says
Trying again. My first comment apparently failed. As did my second.
I would like to have a chat to that voice in your head. You CAN write – for which I am grateful.
My selves talk to me too (or at me).
C. Lee McKenzie says
So sorry this WP is giving you trouble with comments. I have no idea why it goes “wonky” once in a while. Keep those “selves” chattering away. They are good voices.
Arlee Bird says
Inspiration or enthusiasm is something I have in abundance in my mind, but it can all peter out pretty quickly for me. I get frustrated, bored, or distracted and then there goes all that inner energy. I just need to get down to work and focus. Maybe a cabin in the woods might help.
Lee
C. Lee McKenzie says
It seems you’re pretty human when it comes to keeping up that inspiration and enthusiasm, but you do a lot and have for years, so you might have better retention than you believe. However, I love a cabin in the woods idea.
Victoria M. Lees says
Oh my gosh, Lee! I take walks a lot while talking to myself, too. It kept the kids away, anyway. Of course, now they just call anytime, day or night. I’m so blessed. But it is difficult, sometimes, to get my thoughts on the page.
You can write a book. You’ve proved it time and again. All the luck with it.
C. Lee McKenzie says
If the kids still call, you did a great Mom job!
This book writing is like climbing a mountain. Each time I wonder if I’ll make it to the top.
L. Diane Wolfe says
I like to see that waving flag, too.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Isn’t that the best?
Loni Townsend says
Having a vision of where I’m going often inspires me. Lot like that checkered flag at the end.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I like having the end in my head, too. That gives me a target.
Jacqui says
Sounds like a good plan, Lee, and it has certainly worked for you.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I believe in doing what works.
Jeff says
We do need different types of inspiration throughout any project. I like your ending quote!
C. Lee McKenzie says
Thanks, Jeff.
joylene says
I have my story play through my mind like a video, stopping where there’s a problem with the script so I can finetune it. Strolling through nature is another great way. Nature helps in so many ways. Happy IWSG Day, Lee. Best to you.
C. Lee McKenzie says
Nature does the trick so many times. I’ve seen your special nature spot and it’s a perfect place to whip up enthusiasm for finishing a manuscript.
Thomas Edward Anderson says
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
Happy May, dear friend! I appreciate your quotable Quote of the Month. Sometimes, inspiration comes to you, but I believe if you travel to new places, see new things and meet new people, you will find inspiration in abundance. I can understand how you arrive at the middle of the book doldrums and need an added shot of inspiration to work through to a satisfying conclusion. I find that rewrites of drafts come easily once I have laid the groundwork.
I wish you a safe, happy and successful month, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
C. Lee McKenzie says
I’m sure your experience has taught you a lot about writing and rewriting, Shady. Thanks for the encouragement.
Jemi Fraser says
Playing piano often works for me when I need to clear my head and let the characters figure out next steps 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
Oh, how wonderful that you can play the piano. I’m sure it’s a perfect way to clear your head.
Elizabeth Seckman says
When I hit the middle, it’s time to mow a yard or clean out a closet. Mindless, boring tasks often spark my brain to think of something more fun than the task at hand.
C. Lee McKenzie says
I absolutely understand!
H. R. Sinclair says
Walking helps me too! For stories, for clearing me head and filling it back up. 🙂
C. Lee McKenzie says
They are the perfect antidote for ennui.
Alex J. Cavanaugh says
Walks are good for clearing your head.
C. Lee McKenzie says
And then I can eat a lot of hot fudge sundaes!