Writing in Motion

I used to think that writers spent every day, all day, writing. In reality, that's sometimes the case. Most often, however, writing is done on the run.

This is an important skill that takes practice. Without it, many writers would never develop their art, never publish their work. I know a Hollywood screenwriter who wrote a feature-length script on Post-It notes whilst working as a hostess. Other writers talk of writing during their commute to work, whilst their children take naps, on lunch breaks, in traffic jams, at the kitchen sink while the kettle boils, on the toilet, in the bath, etc.

Writing in short stints can often prove tantalizing to one's Muse. There's a famous story of James Joyce who, having laboured day and night at his desk, produced a mere seven words. Sometimes, given too much time, the Muse snoozes. Writing is motion. Get your heart rate going, put your inspiration on a clock, and the results can be surprising.

It doesn't take a year-long sabbatical to produce an epic. It takes pen, paper, and persistence.

Image credit: echo_yy111