The Art of Flow
Thursday, October 11th, 2007
When the work is flowing, it will feel like a river coursing, a wind blowing, a door opening – with the creator herself having become only a conduit, a tube, a funnel, a hinge. Even if it bears the marks of her own personality, her own time-bound existence on the planet the world’s impetus comes from a mysterious source outside the self.
~Erica Jong~
~Erica Jong~
I can move through life for weeks without one inspiration, then at the very last moment I expect it my muse strikes like lightening. I’m sure you all have experienced the same phenomenon. You’re sitting in a restaurant with your family and unexpectedly, you see a flash of the perfect solution to the scene you have been wrestling in your mind for weeks.
My ultimate high is sitting in front of my computer after a revelation, typing as fast as my fingers can move, as the words flow from my mind to the page. That moment is when it all comes together, when every word that I type seems better than the last.
It’s like magic.
Trying to explain to a non-writer what it is like to create the perfect scene is difficult. It’s why we need to share our experiences in support of our craft.
Athletes get high on physical performance. Pirates get high on the pillage of hidden treasure.*g* Politicians get high on the campaign and the smooze, but writers get high on the articulation of words.
In the operating room when my entire day has been as proficient as clock work the satisfaction is about a job well done, but putting the finishing touch on a story that I have created is so much more. Writing is something that I do solely on my own. I don’t depend on anyone for the equipment to do the job but me.
This brings me back to the subject of my fickle muse.
My muse and I can be either best buds or mortal enemies, but when she really comes through for me, she gives me the best gift of all.
The right words to get the story told.
When your muse checks in after a long dry spell, do you feel the same high?