Hello friends. Today I would like to welcome back the talented Misha Gerrick, who will be taking over my blog today. Please, show her some support.
When I was a young writer (okay, I’m still young, but I’ve been at this
writing gig for 14 years now.), I used to believe firmly in writing only when
the inspiration struck. If I felt inspired, I could write thousands of words in
a few days. I not. Well. I’d be frustrated and discouraged and impatient,
waiting for my inspired feeling to return.
As I gained more experience, though, things changed. I realized more
and more that writing is a different kind of magic than the one we’re taught to
expect. It’s not (necessarily—I’m not speaking for everyone here) all passion
and inspiration.
It is, however, the best job in the world.
I’d like to make it my full time job. Right now, I often have at most
two hours a day in which to write. So if I ever had it, I no longer have the
luxury of waiting for inspiration to strike.
Instead, I’ve had to choose “office hours” and show up to write. And
the interesting thing I discovered doing this was that—for me at
least—inspiration wasn’t the thing to look for. It was momentum.
Getting writing as soon as I sit down and adding as many words as I
can, and doing the same thing again tomorrow. I believe that inspiration never
really leaves once it struck the
first time with the story idea. But after we have the first idea that makes us
write the story, it becomes our job to actually write it. If we get stuck, we
need to figure it out. And yes, a new burst of inspiration does help.
I just don’t like stopping my momentum to wait for it. Because more
often than not, the inspiration happens because
I’m on a roll. So I try not to think too much unless I really get truly
stuck. And even then, I just skip over to something else while I wait for
momentum to bring loosen the gears in my mind once more.
About the Book
“First, do no harm.” Blake Ryan swore that oath to become a doctor.
Ironic, given that he spent most of his thousand year life sucking souls out of
other immortals.
Things are different now. Using regular shots of morphine to keep his inner monster at bay, Ryan has led a quiet life since the Second World War. His thrills now come from saving lives, not taking them.
Until a plane crash brings Aleria into his hospital. Her life is vibrant. Crack to predators like him. She’s the exact sort of person they would hunt, and thanks to a severe case of amnesia, she’s all but defenseless.
Leaving Aleria vulnerable isn’t an option, but protecting her means unleashing his own inner monster. Which is a problem, because his inner monster wants her dead most of all.
Things are different now. Using regular shots of morphine to keep his inner monster at bay, Ryan has led a quiet life since the Second World War. His thrills now come from saving lives, not taking them.
Until a plane crash brings Aleria into his hospital. Her life is vibrant. Crack to predators like him. She’s the exact sort of person they would hunt, and thanks to a severe case of amnesia, she’s all but defenseless.
Leaving Aleria vulnerable isn’t an option, but protecting her means unleashing his own inner monster. Which is a problem, because his inner monster wants her dead most of all.
About the Author
Misha Gerrick lives near Cape
Town, South Africa, and can usually be found staring at her surroundings while
figuring out her next book.
If you’d like to see what
Misha’s up to at the moment, you can find her on these social networks:
Misha, I like that you don't wait for inspiration anymore to write. Momentum is a great driving force. Wishing you much success and continued momentum!
ReplyDeleteHi, Murees. :)
Hello, Mason! Thank you for stopping by.
DeleteThanks so much, Mason.
DeleteWait for inspiration and you might wait forever. When I'm writing, it's a couple hours a night no matter what.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the best way to go.
DeleteI had to do the same thing back when I was balancing a day job and writing. If I waited for inspiration, I never would have written anything. But I always had a notebook on me at my day job, so that if inspiration did it, I could record it. Fortunately, I had a job where that was all right.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new book, Misha!
Thanks M.J. I also have a notebook with me to note down inspirations. But a funny thing happened. Because I show up regularly to write, it's almost as if my inspiration waits until I've settled down to get going.
DeleteI like that momentum over inspirations. Makes senses too. Congrats on the book release.
ReplyDeleteJuneta @ Writer's Gambit
Thanks Juneta!
DeleteI seldom feel inspired. I just keep going.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Yeah I think inspiration is usually just the first spark of the idea. After that, it's grafting that gets the job done.
DeleteHi Murees and Misha - well done to Misha for her book tour .. and good luck to you both. Being ready to write each time you sit down and have that chance ... must make it easier to get some ideas out onto 'paper or screen' ... Momentum keeps us on the road - inspiration gives us a sparkle to write something special .. cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi, Hilary. Thank you for the visit:)
DeleteI agree with you. Showing up has actually made inspiration more likely for me. But yeah, I guess I depend less on inspiration and that means I don't put as much pressure on myself to be inspired.
DeleteI am one of the naughty ones that wait for inspiration. Which could explain why I haven't been so successful in completing a few other writing projects. I'm learning now though that one has to write even when you don't feel like it. Consistency is definitely important:)
ReplyDeleteYeah. Even if it's only for a few minutes or a few hundred words every day.
Delete