4×4 Ways to Foster Inspiration for Your Writing
Despite the title and picture, this post has nothing to do with off road vehicles. Instead it is meant to give 4 sections with 4 items each discussing writing and inspiration. I just couldn’t help finding a 4×4 grinding a wall for my post. The prompt comes from Confident Writing. Joanna has an excellent site there offering inspiration in writing and in life. Why not try the 4×4 challenge on your blog?
I’ve been writing seriously since my last year as an undergraduate, 1995. I recall that because I actually starting sending things out in the mail that year. Nothing came of it financially but I can say honestly that those rejections were helpful in every publishing I’ve had since then. I haven’t had a huge number but enough to pay for some fun family stuff and to take my wife out once in a while.
As someone who struggles daily to be a better writer with inspiration, I think I’m certainly qualified to take part in this challenge. This is not really the stage of inspiration but it precipitates that. If these things are done, your best writing will follow. Maybe you will use some of these, maybe you’ll find them all ridiculous but I’ve searched my heart and soul and listed them here. Hop in my 4×4 and check out how this dude fosters inspiration for his writing:
1. Physical Well Being and Rest
When you are stressed or sick or just unkempt, it inhibits inspiration.
- Take a Multi-vitamin before you write with a natural juice (not the sugared kinds).
- When you know you are headed into a writing situation, make sure you have nice clean comfortable clothes hanging up in the bathroom next to the shower ready for you that day.
- Breathe deeply after you get all dressed and showered.
- Make a practice of imagining possibilities before you turn on your computer, or pick up your yellow pad.
2. Harmony and Peace in Your Home
That hillbilly country song “If mamma aint happy, aint nobody happy” is truth like a flood light for writers, especially if you’re a mamma I am sure! ;) Make sure your wife, kids, dog, salesman at the door etc. are all happy and satisfied before you sit down to attempt to write.
- Play with your kids.
- Sit next to your spouse and turn off your computer.
- Talk.
- Laugh and sing as you do the dishes (some of my best ideas have come doing the dishes).
3. Read Biographies
I will simply mention names … these people’s lives have transformed my life and inspired me as they continue to. I’ve written an article on each of these greats which you’ll find linked in their names.
4. Earn Money at the Craft
As you write and hone your craft, seek out ways to make money. You ought to be paid for the contributions you make. Not always, but at least put your stuff out there. Below are 4 linked articles that show you some ways, for example, how to do this. In all, there are myriads more out there, the only limitation is in your mind:
- PayPerPost
- Summary of Many
- Another Slick List of Blog for Pay Companies
- Yes, Bloggers Can Make Money Without PageRank
If any of these touched you, I’d love to hear about it.
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I certainly like 1, 2, and 3 of this 4×4 writing inspiration tool. I could take or leave number 4.
But I certainly agree you should be stress free and relaxed before you begin writing for the day. If I even attempt to write with a lot on my mind, I wind up "forcing" it and upon completion scrapping it. LOL, all that time wasted making myself produce something and I could have been relaxing and thinking of new ideas.
Jillian’s last blog post..Why Don’t You Come Over To My Place? No Real...
That’s fair. I was once against blogging for money myself. The 20-30 bucks here and there started coming in handy for movies and eating out … now I find it part of the whole process. I am sure I wouldn’t stop if the money did though. It is a by-product of my writing, not the sole inspiration. Thanks for your cool comment.
Damien, these are great thanks, I particularly like the ones about managing your state before you start to write, and doing non-writing things like singing as you wash your dishes. Housework and gardening are good writing inspirers for me too.
Will pop back and check your pieces on the bios later - look interesting
Joanna
Joanna Young’s last blog post..Inspiring Words That Connect Us Together
Interesting direction you took this, Damien. Each one is quite valid. I think the last one, for some, is less about we should be paid for our work than just money is a great motivator to sit down and give themselves permission to feel their inspiration - and write it better.
Marcia’s last blog post..NetNewsWire - Free RSS Reader for Mac
Great post, Damien! I have to applaud you for the doing the dishes suggestion. I find that when doing a chore like that, my thinking becomes more organized. I, have come up with some great writing ideas scrubbing the shower!I also think we have to accept our own personal quirks when writing. Even if my family is 100% content, I just can’t write when they are walking around, talking, etc. I am going to give the multivitamin and juice thing a shot, though :)
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@Joanna: It definitely got me thinking. Your projects are always good for that!
@Marcia: That’s very very well said. Thank you.
@Jessica: LOL. Yeah, but by the time you go to the store for the right juice, you’ll have writer’s block. he he he. Nahhh, it really is a good idea. I read somewhere that when your mind is being really creative you should take two multivites a day.
Hey, great article. This reminds me of something Moliere said: Writing is like prostitution. First you do it for love, and then for a few close friends, and then for money. Hahaha.
thebaglady’s last blog post..What Kind of Bonus Excites You More?
@baglady: That is so funny. Hey, I am truly enjoying reading your blog. I’m glad I ran across it.
It’s funny how you mention hang clothes to be ready for you lol… I always try to do that but never succeed. I guess that’s why I’m always running late.
But this is some good advice, even though I don’t think I followed any of these, but I guess my health isn’t that great! lol! I might have to consider washing the dishes for once and sing!
Jay
DatMoney.com
Jay’s last blog post..Converted to WP, Finally! Please Bear with Me!
Jay: Great comment. Also. thanks again for your articles about making money blogging.
Mar 24th, 2008 at 6:01 pm
[...] Damien Riley recently participated in a 4×4 writing project and shared his Ways to Foster Inspiration for Your Writing. As Damien points out, there are numerous influences on your life that can impact your writing that [...]
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