Inspiration

Inspiration is a wonderful thing. One moment you're sitting, watching a movie, listening to music, drifting off in class, and then it hits you: an idea that really could work. A concept that demands exploration, a plotline that has potential for something great. You have to write it down, on anything, anywhere, as long as it's permanent because such an idea can not be forgotten. It is true enthusiasm. You're tempted to start writing then and there, but of course you're not in a position to. It's a feeling of promise, of hope for the future because you know you can take it somewhere. You won't run into a grand "roadblock."

Of course, after the initial flurry, things calm down. You start writing, and you realize how hard a sentence is to craft. You look at the words and think "This. Is. Wrong." If you think writing is a subjective enterprise, trying beginning a chapter. Trying putting that first paragraph down, knowing it's the first impression someone is going to get, knowing it's the basis for hundreds of sentences to follow, knowing it has to be the best you can make it. It's incredibly frustrating. Even worse, you write a chapter, you really immerse yourself, you're on a roll, lines come pouring out, sometimes sentences worthy of quotation, it's wonderful to finally get something accomplished! Then you read it again. This isn't great. It's... wrong. Or maybe it's just alright. Nothing to write home about. So to speak.

Now, what do you think happens when you lack the initial enthusiasm towards an idea? That's right: writersblock. It's ok when there's no deadline. You're ok. But when there are bills to pay, readers to appease, expectations to be met... It ain't easy.

I blame inspiration. A wonderful thing, to be sure. Just be careful where it leads you.