We’ve all heard the admonition to get our butt in the chair (BIC) in order to get our writing done. It's great advice, and I'm not going to suggest you don't do that.
Well, okay, I am going to suggest you don't do that.
At least every once in a while. Let me demonstrate why Butt Outta Chair (BOC) is so important to your writing.
A large portion of writing is pondering, staring out the window, absorbing information around you. The urge to write is a desire to give your interpretation of the world in story form. In order to do that, you need to have some raw materials, and let's face it, the brain gets drained on a very frequent basis thanks to our everyday obligations.
So we need to refill and refuel our brain cells, and that can't be done with your butt in the chair. Unless you're writing about hemorrhoids, and seriously, good luck with getting that novel published. I probably won't be reading it, but I wish you all the luck in the world.
I don't listen to music very often when I'm at home. I prefer to hear the quiet, because that's when a lot of my crazy notions pop up, when I'm listening to the birds chirp outside, and the only other accompaniment is the fridge firing up to make sure my half-and-half stays cold.
I like to drive around, and I listen to music when I do. While I'm out giving my brain a little more room to breathe, I can focus on different lyrics from the random songs that come on. Honestly, it's like one particular phrase is highlighted in neon (well, the audio equivalent) and it slaps me until I pay attention. I've been inspired in this fashion so many times.
One historical I wrote had some inspiration from a country song called All My Old Flames Have New Names, by Mark Chesnutt. In Every Maiden's Dream, my hero had just returned from a year-long spy mission in France, and now he's ready to resume several dalliances. After hearing this song, I thought how fun it would be to have this hero in the same situation as in the song: to his dismay, he's been pretty much forgotten by the women of London, or they've married and moved on.
This all happened because I took my brain out on a play date and let it soak up whatever was around.
So here's what I want you to do: Get your butt OUT of your chair and go play. Have some fun. Look around. Listen to what people are saying in the coffee shop instead of doing your best to tune them out. Smell the flowers (if your allergies permit it). Have a life. Your characters do--and their life will be richer because you took the time to absorb new experiences.
However, if having fun, especially away from your writing chair, makes you feel guilty, then consider this an assignment, and half your grade for the semester will be based on it. We'll even find a way to get it put on your "permanent record".
Whatever it takes, incorporate BOC into your writing time. Your butt will thank me for it.
While I struggle way more with BIC time than BOC time, I'm glad to be reminded that the latter is still importatn!
Posted by: Abigail Welborn | June 03, 2010 at 12:39 AM
Abigail, I know about the struggle - with BIC and BOC. LOL Sometimes I think that's why I write certain topics, as a reminder to ME! LOL
And BOC time is very important. I think our brains need "play time" too, and they're a lot more cooperative if they have that kind of reward. :)
Posted by: Donna Cummings | June 03, 2010 at 09:35 AM
Ha! I should have come here this weekend before my divorce from writing. Could have spared myself some guilt *before* my divorce. :)
Posted by: Jan | June 09, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Well, Jan, it did sound like your "divorce" was a good one. LOL You came back after those 5.5 hours all refreshed and raring to get back to writing. I would have loved to save you from feeling guilty though! Maybe next time! LOL
Posted by: Donna Cummings | June 10, 2010 at 08:27 AM