Writing By Inspiration

Lots of folks whining lately about not being inspired. I gave up the hope of inspiration a long time ago.

It was this quote from Somerset Maugham (along with a healthy dose of Steven Pressfield's War of Art, from whence the quote is taken; who says whence these days? Sigh.)

Someone once asked Somerset Maugham if he wrote on a schedule or only when struck by inspiration. "I write only when inspiration strikes," he replied. "Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o'clock sharp."

This week, my "inspiration" showed up at the same hour.

Yup, I'm on a roll. I've hit the sweet spot in my first draft progress, where it works. Either that or I've decided to go pro and not look back. Something kicked in last weekend and I've definitely crossed over to the other side.

Maugham reckoned another, deeper truth: that by performing the mundane physical act of sitting down and starting to work, he set in motion a mysterious but infallible sequence of events that would produce inspiration, as surely as if the goddess had synchronized her watch with his.
He knew if he built it, she would come.

Most people will point out that I've never written and published a novel. Sure, that's true (not counting the 10 kids books because they shouldn't really), but I had to start somewhere.

It is now. I've gone pro. I'm doing for gold in this novel game.

Anyone care to join me?

Playing on the iPod: Sleeping Sun (Night Wish)