Inspiration and Puppy-love

First of all, I am so proud of Skye for actually posting about writing that I might just wet myself. I am even more jazzed about the fact that she has newfound inspiration. It always sucks when your bestest bud is in the doldrums, whether they be writing-related or otherwise. So yay. Happy joy.

I myself have been struggling madly to get out of the doldrums lately too. Inspiration strikes very rarely in the Land of Sonja, and in its absence, I soldier on without it. I know that's what you're supposed to do and everything, but it's not as much fun. Butt In Chair time is great, but it's never as good as oh-my-god-if-I-don't-write-this-down-this-second-I-will-pop inspiration.

But allow me to share my theory on inspiration: Inspiration is a little bit like having a big huge crush on someone. It feels great, makes you all fluttery and gushy, and will carry you for a little while. But, like puppy-love, it fades. And when it fades, something has got to be there to take its place. In the case of a crush, it's either true lurve or a break-up. In the case of inspiration, I guess it's just commitment to the project. Butt In Chair time. So in the end, even though Butt In Chair time isn't as exciting as inspiration, it's the thing that gets the book done.

Tonight, I'm going to attempt to take my own advice, and put my butt in my chair for a while, even though I'm not really feeling my novel right now. And maybe, as with true love, just being with my project for a little while will inspire those old feelings of inspiration and we'll all live happily ever after.