This post originally appeared on November 18, 2007. I’m recycling it after editing to shorten and tweak it a bit (link up at the end):
I was asked why do I write, what do I enjoy about writing, and what don’t I like about it? Let me tackle these one at a time:
I don’t write. I procrastinate. Oh wait, this isn’t the time for confessions. Let’s try again. I write because I can process the huge amount of chatter going through my brain. I write because I love creating lives and plots and new places. I write because when I’m hurting, it brings release. I write because I’m passionate about something, and I want to share that passion with others. I write because God gave me a desire to create poetry, novels, articles and books. I write because I can’t help myself.
What do I enjoy about writing? I love giving my mind something to focus on, and to give voice to my thoughts. I love creating new and exciting people, places, and settings. I love exploring the depths of characters’ emotions and vulnerabilities as they fight against their weaknesses, and find new strength. I love sharing information, and I love encouraging and ministering to people.
What don’t I like? Fear. Procrastination. Distraction. The same things that I think help me to be a good writer, also hold me back. I fear my writing might not be funny or good. The many streams of thought rushing through my head each day can distract me, overwhelm me, and then I procrastinate. I have a hard time focusing sometimes. So I guess I hate some of the struggle, but then, isn’t the struggle what it’s really about? How can I grow stronger if I don’t have anything to overcome?
Ahhhh – something to ponder.
Muse:
n. a source of inspiration; a poet.
v. to reflect or ponder; to gaze thoughtfully.
Mondays are perfect for finding inspiration as writers, artists, musicians…creatives. And who doesn’t like to reflect, ponder, and muse about life, and all it encompasses? That’s what A ‘Muse’ Me Mondays are all about. It’s a place to link up your thoughts on writing, music, and creativity. Share something that has inspired you: a novel, a song, an art piece. You can link to reviews of books or music. Anything related to writing (or reading), music, and creativity is welcome.
I’ll add a prompt or ‘muse’ each week. If it inspires you in some way, feel free to come back later in the week. You can share in the comments, by linking to your related post, or on the Facebook page.
PROMPT: Grace.
Use it to spark a poem, a song, a character, a theme for a novel…what would grace look like on a canvas?
Linking Up:
Motivation Monday
Mrs. Sarah Coller says
Thanks for the opportunity to link up! I had fun writing my post LATE last night…ha!
Audra Marie says
Yea, my first post for the link up. I enjoyed your post. 🙂
Cheryl's Excellent Adventure says
A new meme? Cool. I keep an art journal and will be studying and writing about “Personal Geographies” by Jill K. Berry in future postings. Hope I qualify.
Cheryl’s Excellent Adventure recently posted:Dangerous Terrain
Audra Marie says
You definitely qualify. I hope we can see pictures of your art journal (I want to start one soon) and anything writing or reading related qualifies, too. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Ashlie says
Hey Audra! Girl, I so relate…when you said the things that make you a good writer also hold you back…I get that. I struggle with procrastination, and sometimes just being so perfectionistic that all inspiration goes flying out the window! I’m glad God gives us lots of grace to pick it back up and keep going. Thank you for sharing your heart!! 🙂 Visitng from Write it, Girl.
Ashlie recently posted:On Being Scared, Weak, and Stepping Out
Audra Marie says
Hi Ashlie, thanks for coming by. Yes, God’s grace and nudging is wonderful when it comes to jumping back in, and keeping on. Through him, we can overcome these weaknesses. 🙂
Leah H. says
Beautiful red flowers:)
Visiting for RT-2! Hope you can stop by:)
http://www.sweethomephilippines.com/2012/03/car-collection-hot-wheels.html
Leah H. recently posted:Car Collection- Hot Wheels
Audra Marie says
Thanks, Leah, and thanks for coming by. 🙂
Debra says
Hi Audra! Once I spoke at a writer’s conference with Maya Angelou. Beforehand the conference coordinators gave me a topic on which to speak: The Struggle to Be. Can you imagine being asked to speak on such a vague topic? Ironically, my biggest struggle at that moment was trying to come up with something to say on that subject of ‘The Struggle to Be.’ I know now what I’d have said, though 😉
Debra recently posted:Those Peculiar People
Audra Marie says
LOL – an interesting topic for sure, Debra. I think I know what I’d say, too, but would love to ponder it first. 🙂