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| Where does my iPad plug in? |
By Darren Kehrer
Ok, so you might be wondering if this is even possible (or you might be thinking that I just sit in my garage or in my backyard on my tractor while writing). Now I’m not saying that this is a guy thing, but when I’m out mowing the grass, the world fades away and my mind clears. My only task is to follow the grass lines, avoid running into trees, and watching out for a previous visit by one of the many neighborhood pets.
Through out the act of mowing the lawn, the stress of my day flows away and my right side, brainstorming mind has a chance to breakthrough the storm clouds of a stressful day. Actually, many times, I just starting writing “what if this happened” scenes in my mind. Other times, on the movie screen in my head, I start filming the motion picture adaption to something I’ve already written (awesome surround sound, outstanding special effects, and the cast of my choice at no cost to me).
Stress is to creativity what water is to fire. Stress kills your ability to create, it blocks the flow of ideas, and it extinguishes the flame and passion of why you write. For me, my daily (non-writing) work life soaks up most of my time, so I’m happy with whatever, wherever, and however creative writing ideas get a chance to fan the creative flame.
But the other day, yes while mowing, I found myself wondering if any other of my writing friends might have “strange” or “odd” places that they brainstorm. That said, I wonder what your answer might be to that question, keeping it family friendly (of which I had no doubt).
Nothing writes like a Deere. :)
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, I like to mull over my plots and characters while driving on an interstate with the radio turned to low volume. Staying in my lane and avoiding contact with other vehicles requires very little brain energy. It distracts me just enough to let the creative thoughts wander.
It may be just me, but John Deeres and speculative fiction aren't two things I think of in the same sentence.
ReplyDeleteI have a job that allows me plenty of time to work out plots, character development, letters to the editors, songs, etc. I also have a friend who composed his best song while operating a forklift in a dreary warehouse.
Jeff
Jeff, my John Deere is equipped with laser guides, weed detection scanners, hovercraft modes for wet terrain, and missile launchers for piles of you know what...in my case, nothing flies like a Deere...
DeleteIf I'm not working on a book by writing I'm always consumed with thinking about ideas. I've written some really great songs in the bathtub. Once I wrote a song while dusting. Anything menial tends to let my mind create. I probably should be cleaning more!
ReplyDeleteKarla, next time you need a burst of creativity, my home is at your service! ;)
DeleteThese days I do my best creative writing at a nearby state park or overlooking the lake from my garage. Regardless of weather, the worlds in my head take over. I really think I need to spend more time on promotion and selling than writing. Nice post, Darren.
ReplyDelete