After the electricity went out last Monday afternoon, I sat on the sofa with a notebook in my lap. Though I made minimal progress on my writing project, much of my time was spent simply watching the trees move. It made me think of how we move forward with a story when under the power of a new idea. Those hurricane-force winds rushing through the leaves made me long for the momentum of a new idea.
As I sat there in the dimming light, not yet needing to light candles, every so often my husband would glance over at me. "Why aren't you writing?" he finally asked. I decided not to try to explain how sometimes writers are most productive when we're working things out in our heads. Instead, I picked up my pen and made myself write. And once the ideas got going, they picked up momentum, until finally I found myself caught up in the power of a hurricane-force idea (okay, maybe more of a tropical storm idea) and let myself be swept away!
Have you been able to lose yourself in your writing lately?
I love stormy weather - I know it's wrong of me to say that when so many people lose so much in storms like Sandy. But I can't help it - the power of nature in a storm just astounds me, and I can watch it all unfolding for a long time, just like you did.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had an amazing idea! I love that inspired feeling!
p.s. way weird! I thought I had followed you long ago, but apparently not ;) So now I have.
ReplyDeleteObserving the world is part of a writer's job, so I'm not surprised how gazing at the trees and allowing things to form in your head could lead you towards a great writing session. Glad to know you're safe from the storm, Ruth. Keep watching those trees. :)
ReplyDelete(My revisions have been rather good lately. Not so much for my writing, though.)
I love when that powerful writing force takes over.
ReplyDeleteI have, just a bit. Hoping to get back at it full force this week. I agree, whether actually writing or not, we are always working. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful to know you are safe and sound. Sandy caused so much devastation. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteAn yay Ruth! The way you describe being swept away is so exciting to all us writers. Because we all know that feeling. Hugs to you, pal. :-)
For all the destruction (and loss of life) Sandy brought, I hope, from my writerly perch, that it will give birth to many stories, fiction and non-fiction. You have to live thru things to write.
ReplyDeleteI haven't allowed myself to just let go and write - I've been too busy revising. But I know what you mean, Ruth. It's that tantalizing time where your fingers can't keep up with your mind! Glad you and your family are okay after the storm.
ReplyDeleteI've just wrapped up a book and am letting it sit for a while before I go through it again. I'm giving myself some time before I try to lose myself in writing, but I so look forward to it.
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Ruth.
What a gorgeous metaphor--I want to keep that one in mind! And how wonderful to be swept away with writing. I'm in the revision process at the moment, so rarely swept away by the writing, but every so often still swept away by my story. I figure that's a good sign!
ReplyDeleteI just love these visuals and metaphors. Isn't it so cool when something inspires you like that?
ReplyDeleteI can't say that I have, of late, and I'm dying for that feeling again! So glad you got the words flowing!
ReplyDeleteNot lately, but I'm hoping this year's NaNoWriMo will get me feeling that way again.
ReplyDeleteLoved your response to the storm -- you gave the impression of being very present with the moment and drinking it all in. Yet you were inspired. Enjoyed your sharing. We should all try that.
ReplyDeleteI love that feeling of getting absorbed in story. Not sure my family members do if I'm writing while they're home. It's hard to get my attention in those moments! Love that photo Ruth--equal parts awesome and scary.
ReplyDeleteI wrote by hand during the hurricane, too. I actually enjoyed that part of the storm. That was the only part though. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm in the "letting my first draft cool before I dig into revisions" phase. I find it's harder to get lost in writing now, but it's a precious state to achieve.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get caught up like that early in the process. I've found I need to think about every facet and outline extensively before I can settle in and write.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your WIP! :-)
It happened to me earlier this week. I was subbing and had 45 minutes while the class was in art. I brought my notebook which is usually wishful thinking since I'm not very productive without the laptop. I ended up filling 3 pages, probably because it was completely quiet without the usual distractions at home.
ReplyDeletePerfect way to explain it! I love getting lost in my work.
ReplyDeleteI love it when that happens. Hope your power has been restored.
ReplyDeleteyes, definitely lost myself. thats when i wonder if i am rambling or writing!
ReplyDeleteI was in Hawaii during hurricane Iniki twenty plus years ago. I'll never forget the palm trees bent so their fronds were practically touching the ground. Wild. Best thing every is losing track of time because your story has consumed you. Such a rush.
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