Let Inspiration work: Have someting to say

by Kevin Scott Collier
Author and Illustrator

One thing I have repeatedly said in interviews in regards to the question,"What advice would you give writers?" is "Have something to write about."

It may sound cruel, but it is honest.

Writing groups are full of "writers" who wear a badge of commitment by proudly telling all, "I spend 5 hours a day writing my novel." What they often do not say, is they are not contracted to a publisher, or they are still struggling with ideas, seemingly making it all up as they move along. Inspiration is a thing that doesn't require starts and stops, seeking pathways, or trying to craft a conclusion. Inspiration places a unique adventure of purpose in your mind in an instant, and your only duty is to record it all by pecking at the computer keys.

Too many people seek to find their identity through writing. It's akin to the person who plays a guitar in a garage band and imagines himself a songwriter. They hunker down in a basement and pluck strings trying to come up with a song. Actually, songs, an expression and art, first are heard inside of your head. Only then, do you pluck the chords you hear in your mind to bring the song to life.

I think the very best writing is accomplished by the select few who spontaneously crank out a book in record time. It's when ideas, themes and purpose overwhelm a person. It compells them to write. They must write. Not for self purpose, but to add purpose to the lives of others.

I am not one who you will ever see posting in some writer's group, "I put in my five hours of writing today." Don't just make writing an exercise. Don't make it a thing of personal self-worth. Make it a result of inspiration.