thinking about inspiration in re creative pursuit

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I think everyone involved in creative pursuit goes through colder periods. It feels so good when things are rolling along; I think that people often quit working when things are not rolling.

"I'm blocked!"

It happens to everyone -- things are good and then not as good.

I am 100% convinced that the way to get through it is to keep working. Inspiration is lovely, but perspiration -- or perseverance, at any rate -- is just as important in creative endeavor as any other part of life.

Since I've been blogging, I've gone through this cycle every year. That experience has taught me that the way to turn a fallow period into "a period," rather than letting it be(come) "a way of being," is to keep going.

Work anyway, "inspired" or not, and the inspiration will come back.

Wait for "inspiration" and it may not show up for a long time........



I don't *enjoy* this up-and-down swing, but it's happened often enough that I take it as part of the process rather than as a terrible (fatal?) blow to the whole plan.

I watch too many creative people just quit when things get tough, thinking that they have to feel inspired in order to get anywhere.

I believe this is totally bogus.

Keep working.  Whether you are excited about what you produce or not.  Expect that some of the work will suck.  Keep working.

It's the best way to get back into the zone........................



For your eye candy, go have a look at what Alisa Burke is up to.

Those red berries.  Swoon.
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