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"No pen, no ink, no table, no room, no time, no quiet, no inclination." --James Joyce
The fourth quarter of the year is upon us (fourth? what happened to the other three??) and I'm determined to read this quote every day for the next three months. Simple words but very motivating. For the inclination (n: disposition or bent; something to which one is inclined) to write truly starts with something as basic as a pen. Add to that then a place, time, quiet...
And the dots begin to be connected, the story picture we have in our heads begins to be drawn. Inclination is fostered, not squelched.
Nothing new here, but reminders are always good!
What dots do you connect to actually get down to writing?
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My writing lives in my head most of the time. Just about anything can get me started. I'm always grabbing for a pen and something to write on. But when I actually sit down to do it (in a quiet room with a table, and pen and ink in the form of a computer), it's not inclination I need but inspiration. Sometimes it's just a matter of sitting there, trying one thing after another, until something works. I love the days when the words just fly, and I finish a whole chapter. Much more frequent are the days when I finish a page or two that satisfy me. But I love doing it, and I guess that falls in the "inclination" column.
ReplyDeletePeggy, thanks for sharing :-) Your line 'it's not inclination I need but inspiration' sent me on a search for more "in-" words and I came up with: intuition, incubation, innovation--and invitation. More dots to connect, maybe? Just playing with more words here. What I really need to do is get back to work! 1-2 pages is truly forward motion...
DeleteI need to connect all the same dots. Most of the time, I get stuck at "no time, no quiet," but my life seems to be leveling off after an emotional roller coaster 14 months. Though I babysit my grandson 30+ hours/week, he's now on a schedule (at 7 months) and I am able to plan for time at my desk. It feels good to get back to work.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I identify with no time, no quiet, but certainly not on the scale you've experienced in the last months. So glad to hear you've been able to get back to work. Wishing you all the best. I need to learn from your time management skills :-)
DeleteIt was so nice to read your comment just now--like coming home to another old friend. I miss all my blogging friends and wish I did it more. Will try to do better! Glad you are well and moving forward!
ReplyDeleteTerri, so nice to hear from you and to be back in touch again! Wishing you well. Hope your writing continues to be a source of encouragement and enjoyment to you :-)
DeleteNice post with very succinct summing up -- a nice insight into James Joyce's thought processes as well. I think all of those things matter to me. But quiet is a big one. And time to still the mind.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, I relate--especially with the concept of stilling the mind. Too often our thoughts are racing, aren't they? We need quiet to slow things down/collect those scattered thoughts. For me it all starts with t.i.m.e. Gotta' make better use of it! Oh, the things we learn in this writing process :-) Thanks for stopping by...
DeleteYes, I've been wondering the same thing - what happened to the other three quarters of the year? :) Writing - time and quiet help me greatly. As does a deadline, sometimes they are the best motivation of all. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteKaren, deadlines do force us forward, don't they? My deadlines are self-imposed at the moment since I don't have any requests for material out there right now--but I've been setting goals and doing my best to keep them! Thanks for the visit. Glad to 'talk' again...
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