Due to a wicked bout of the flu PLAGUE that hit the whole family, I went running on Monday for the first time in weeks. I knew my first run back would be a little on the slow side, but I was just anxious to get out there. Why? Because running releases more than just sweat. I love this picture because it’s actually how I visualize what’s happening to me when I run. Except, there is another component that I see in my mind’s eye. It isn’t always just what I leave out on the road that’s important–it’s also about what I find along the way.
On Monday I also finished the first draft of my second novel, THE OPPOSITE OF GRAVITY. *happy dance* For me, drafting is a long and painful process. I can not adequately express the joy I feel right now to have a very functional draft to work off of. I LOVE revision and now I’m finally there–sort of. Because for me, writing has it’s own kind of heartbeat. It’s own rhythm. When one thing ends–another begins. The closer I draw to the end of one book, the more the next book starts to move, stretch and grow inside my head. So, as I run, I do this thing that I sort of think of as “unhinging my mind.” When I’m running, I turn off the logic setting and I let my mind travel at random. I allow it to move from one thought to another in the hopes that my subconscious will be the compass–leading me to my own truth.
BINGO!!!!
The plot thread, that was missing from book #3 CHASING ADAPTATION, just appeared in my head along a number of other cool and interesting possibilities. And as my feet pounded the pavement, I had this insane feeling that as I was actually running through the collective conscious, with my mind open like a butterfly net, collecting ideas at the same rate as I was dropping “garbage” behind me. And it felt amazing.
Where do you look to find clarity and inspiration for your writing or your life? What sends your internal compass in the right direction?
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I love that picture, too — I just wish I had the knees for it. Alas, fast walking is my pace. Fortunately, it doesn’t take much effort to unhinge my mind. 😉
Congrats on finishing your draft of THE OPPOSITE OF GRAVITY! Whew! Great feeling, huh?
Awesome!!!! Sorry about the knees and unhinge we must!!!!
First thing I do when I get up in the morning is walk about 1.5 miles. I spend the first half of the walk praying and thinking about all the things I’m thankful for, and then (halfway up that first hill, which is a killer), I turn my mind to my WIP and brainstorm until I get back to the house. Then, I grab my laptop and write for about 40 minutes. Then it’s into the shower and off to work (sigh)….
What a wonderful and thoughtful way to wake up and transition into your writing world. I think we should always count our blessings. ((((hugs))))