By: pam

pam — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:07:45 +0000

Love that the voice from above was Madonna. Okay, so I have about 100 reactions to this post.
First, from the dream interpretation angle – betting that Herta Muller is a “rock star” to you, and it was she who was calling about your book, albeit dressed up as Madonna.
Second, try not to set mental deadlines about creative stuff that doesn’t have any real deadlines (yet). Creative types struggle with head trips – impending deadlines are just another opportunity for your focus to take a detour and your flow to tighten up.
Third, from what I can tell – your impetus to write IS for what writing can do for you. But I’m not talking about fame or a pool – I’m talking about that really great frame of mind when you are exercising your craft. Even though it can be challenging/frustrating/aggravating, writing gives you that-thing-that-you-can-get-from-nowhere-else. Before anyone else has read a single word you have written, writing gives this to you. The pool is gravy.
Fourth, there’s a moment in dance class. You are 8, love dancing and in a pink leotard, but a little tired, class is getting harder, maybe you’re getting a little self conscious – and you let yourself look down the row at all of the other leotards. And in that moment of comparison, you have stopped being a dancer and become a spectator. Resist the temptation to compare – this is fraught with detours.
Fifth – you know all of this. No one ever accepted an award by saying, “It was really easy, I didn’t really have to try.” All the good stuff comes with blood, sweat and tears. Looking forward to reading it

By: Danny McLemore

Danny McLemore — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 19:58:42 +0000

Right on sister! I’ve been there. The moment you start serving anything besides your muse, the creative flow is stifled.
I can’t wait to read your novel. Can I proof it?

Comments on: Desperately Seeking Madonna

By: pam

By: Danny McLemore