Monthly Archives: August 2009

Why I write – what inspires me

by Janet Lane

I must join the chorus!  Art courtesy of Vitec, fine art bird paintings, http://tinyurl.com/kne5u7

I must join the chorus! Art courtesy of Vitec, fine art bird paintings, http://tinyurl.com/kne5u7

On the heels of yesterday’s post about finding inspiration, Julie Kibler posted an interesting blog today, asking the question, “Why do you write?”

A dear friend of mine, Joya Wonderlight, taught piano to my daughters for many years. Joya is a gifted musician and teacher, with special enthusiasm for children.  She posted a plaque on her wall that said, “Use the talents you possess – for the woods would be a very silent place if no birds sang except for the best.” …Henry Van Dyke

Another quote about birds, an unattributed Chinese proverb, says, “A bird does not sing because it has an answer.  It sings because it has a song.”

The concepts behind these two quotes are why I write.  Writing enriches our lives. I marvel often at the difference between oral and written communication.  Both are vital. Both can inform and inspire and solve problems.  Both can confuse and isolate as easily as they can clarify and unite.

The thoughtful reflection and permanence of the written word fascinates me. It could be argued that whatever the medium, words can be destroyed.  CDs and iPods can melt; digital records can be scrambled with magnetic fields; books, God forbid, can be burned.  Generally speaking, however, with the advent of Gutenberg’s printing press and other media mass production, the written word survives long after a conversation has been shared.

Which birds sing the very best? That’s a subjective question. Each person’s voice and message is unique and who among us would want to silence the forest?  Because I so love the music, I must join the chorus.

The other reason I write is because, in addition to being a challenging, sometimes hair-pulling experience as I try to develop a story and deliver it somewhat intact from my heart to the page, writing is a form of self-discovery.  I have learned much about my hopes and dreams by creating and following my characters’ desires.  We don’t need to always have an answer.  We sing because we have a song.

Why do you write?

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WASH rejection blues away and find inspiration!

Use this strategy to WASH away rejection blues and stay inspired to write

Use this strategy to WASH away rejection blues and stay inspired to write

by Janet Lane

“I have learned, as has many another better writer, to summon inspiration to my call as soon as I begin my days’ stint, and not to hang around waiting for it. `Inspiration’ is merely a pretty phrase for `the zest to work.’ And it can be cultivated by anyone who has the patience to try. Inspiration which will not come at its possessor’s summons is like a dog that cannot be trained to obey.”
…Albert Payson Terhune

Writing every day keeps our literary muscles toned, keeps our inspirational
hearts beating strongly.

But life can be messy. Unexpected. Cruel. How do you find inspiration when you’re emotionally wounded from a rejection, a lost opportunity, or just a case of the blues?

WASH those blues away!

W – walk it off. Take a walk in nature. It refreshes the soul and reminds us that there is a beautiful world out there, one of balance and harmony and beauty. It helps to put your problems in perspective.

A – allow yourself the luxury of licking your life wounds. Wallow in your misery, experience it. Write it down, so you can use it later during black moments in your stories.  It’s good to recognize your suffering, acknowledge the pain. The key to not letting it overwhelm you, to not letting it spoil your beautiful, new day, is to set a timer.  Allot fifteen full minutes to wallow, then tuck it away and come back to the promising present.

S - savor your past successes. Journal three bright moments in your writing. It could be the first time you ever wrote [fiction/poety/lyrics] – the magical glow in which you basked from having created that marvelous [description/scene/chapter.] Read them again with fresh eyes, and acknowledge your talent.

H - honor the talent you have been given. Dare to hope and keep your dream alive.  Treat yourself as you would one of your beloved characters.  Write a note to yourself, filled with encouragement. Hold it to your heart and … write!

What are your favorite blues-busting techniques? Share them with us!

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Filed under get published, success techniques, The Writing Life

Free workshop – stop by and visit if you can

The Montblanc Boutique and Anne Randolph, founder of www.KitchenTableWriting.com present monthly Montblanc Authors Series and book signing featuring provocative writers exploring Creativity, Finance, Relationships, Writing and Fiction from August 2009 through March 2010, followed by Writing Workshop with Anne Randolph.

Free creative writing workshop and book signing Aug 20, 5:30 - please stop by if you're in the area!

Free creative writing workshop and book signing Aug 20, 5:30 - please stop by if you're in the area!

August 20 is a special date for me. I’ll be joining my good friends and critique partners, Pam Nowak and Robin D. Owens, for a book signing at The Montblanc Boutique in Cherry Creek If you’re in the area, please stop by and visit. I’d love to see you. You can also enjoy a free workshop, as well, to stoke the fires of your own creative writing. Here’s more info…

Meet award-winning Women’s Fiction, Historical and Fantasy Romance authors and learn about the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers September Conference at the new Boutique Montblanc Authors Series, August 20, 5:30-7:30 at Boutique Montblanc Denver in Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Book signing is free and open to the public.

Join Janet Lane, author of historical romantic adventures, Emerald Silk and Tabors Trinket, Pamela Nowak, author of Willa Award and HOLT Medallion, Denver based Chances and Choices, and renowned Rita Award Winner Robin D. Owens, author of Heart and Summoning series.

Special bonus:  Join Anne Randolph, creator of Kitchen Table Writing, for a workshop exploring creativity beginning at 6:15 pm, August 20. RSVP workshop info@KitchenTableWriting.com 303-758-3426.

Call the Montblanc Boutique at 303-329-3200 for further information.

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