I haven't written anything story-wise for three nights in a row. Sunday, I spent the day with my wife; Monday, I ended up editing a story; last night, I had an idea night.
I haven't wasted my time and I'm not out of ideas. I simply don't have a story percolating that must be written right now. I've talked about my difficulties with having a set writing schedule (my Writing Process post). If I'm not inspired, it's hard for me to sit in front of the keyboard and write. So, without a "gotta do it" idea in my head, I haven't had the most productive three days in terms of writing.
But that's okay...as long as those three days don't turn into a week or two weeks.
So, last night I decided to have an Idea Night. I grabbed my trusty old high-school era notebook and jotted down a few ideas for some stories. I do this every once in a while; it's creativity in its purest form, a writer's meditative moment. I came up with four reasonably decent ideas for short stories, although there wasn't one that leaped off the page and screamed, "Write me! Write me now!" Still, although I didn't write a single word of a story, I still had writing on my mind. I think that's the most important thing of all.
I also started to wonder if I was in a kind of mini-slump. Three days. No words. But I thought about it a little bit more: I'm still blogging, which means I'm flexing my writing muscles. I'm thinking about ideas for stories, which means I'm flexing my writing muscles. I edited a story and had it accepted, which means I'm flexing my writing muscles.
Still, the thoughts didn't console me. I needed some actual proof. I've had a tremendous burst of creativity since December. And even though I'm waiting to hear back on several projects, I've had a pretty good run over the last two-and-a-half months.
So here's a quick look at my production since December:
It really has been a productive span. I hope I'll have an inspired idea for tonight so I can post another inane Reggie Miller Writing Continuum update.
