During our author interviews, I interviewed Chip Stewart of the Schieffer School of Journalism. One of the things that Chip discussed I found to be a very important part of being a successful writer.
"When the light turns on, write like crazy."
Writers block is easily the most detrimental aspect of the writing process if you let it be that way. Writers block comes when you least except it, but can clog your thinking space up so much so that you feel like you'll never be able to get an effective point across. The thing about writers block (however chronic and restraining it may seem in the moment) is that it isn't forever. There's a gateway in the writing process -- that's when the light turns on.
Dr. Stewart said he spent a lot more time thinking about what he was going to write, doing research, and learning before he ever even wrote anything down. He called in "sporadic," "irrational," and "unorganized," but he was just waiting for the light. Which, isn't that what the writing process is all about?
I love it when the light turns on. When words just begin to coincide together and fall into place. Tweaks and edits are still definitely necessary, but there's a sense of liberation and freedom that comes the moment when it's just you and the pen, pushing into this creative sphere that no one can interfere with.
The funny thing about Dr. Stewart's comment is that when he said that, toward the end of the interview, I knew exactly what he meant. I knew that feeling. I spend so much time thinking about how I can put my thoughts and ideas into one piece and when I finally can feel it, it's like a homerun. It doesn't even matter what you're writing - that much is irrelevant. It's all about the light - grabbing it, running with it, not stopping until it's turned off again. It's a beautiful, beautiful process and one that I think can unite every writer to one another.
Great post Andrea, I enjoyed reading it. I like your use of the phrase "the lights turn on" because I completely identify. Often when attempting post for this class, I feel as if I have nothing to discuss, but after writing a few thoughts down I am able to find one to expound further on. Then boom, i'm off.
ReplyDeleteThis post really captures my writing style perfectly, especially the word "sporadic." Oftentimes, I feel like I just sit in front of my computer or notebook gathering random thoughts, and it isn't until I find the one thought that ties the others together that I can actually begin to write. It is at that point when my writing no longer feels forced, but free and becomes that beautiful process you talk about. Great post.
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I was there with you to interview Chip, I noticed some of the things he mentioned and tactics he used that I could really relate to. When he mentioned how he enjoys going to Einstein's to write and collect thoughts, I could relate and I think as writers and readers we all have "our thinking and writing place" that we go to. Sometimes I feel like when I "think" I'm ready to write something I just sit in front of my laptop and wait then wait oh yea, then wait until something comes to me but nothing does. I had to learn how to find a way to gather my thoughts and I find that I write my best when I have an actual pen and legal pad in my hand. when I have that all thoughts merge together and I just write. Good post! :)
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