Meet my friend Pam, a writer and member of my critique group and future NYT Bestselling Author. I invited her here today to discuss how she stays inspired to keep writing.
When asked how she handles writing problems, here's what she said.
I always look for motivation and inspiration from others. Therefore, I agree with author Amy Tan when she says, “The kind of imagination I use in writing, when I try to lose control of consciousness, works very much like a dream.”
Like Amy, I believe a person’s subconscious is a powerful tool. If consciously applied, it can help solve almost any problem. And not just possible plotting issues, but all the worries and heartaches humans encounter on a daily basis. Our dilemma though is how do we tap into this virtual goldmine? Most of our bodily functions are performed on a subconscious level. We breathe without doing anything. Our heart beats, kidneys and liver filter, and eyes blink without us having to lift a pinkie.
So how do we reach this state of subconsciousness that hordes all the answers?
For me, it’s nothing more than getting a good night’s sleep. Right before I doze off, I concentrate on my problem. I even write it down because that what most experts say is the smart thing to do. I believe the magic happens while I dream about the situation. The answer doesn’t always come the next morning. Sometimes days pass before the light bulb in my mind flashes on. But one thing is true--it always does come on.
Give it a try and see what happens.
Bio: Pam writes sensual romantic suspense and paranormal, and in 2007 sold a short story to True Romance magazine. Currently, she is a 2008 Daphne du Maurier contest finalist.
Welcome, Pam! Thanks so much for joining us.
Mamma Mary
Very interesting Pam and I agree with you about tapping into the inner mind while we slumber. That place between wake and sleep is also good for exploring stories. Good idea about writing something down to help prompt those inner workings--hadn't thought of that.
Thanks for guesting with the Fuzzies!
Interseting take on conquering block, Pam. I definitely will give it a try. I use the time I lay down until I fall asleep to plot my next chapter. My daughter bought me a gadget that holds paper and when you pull out the pen from the top, it lights up. I love it for when I come up with a great line for the story.
Congrats on the Daphne final, BTW.
Pam, you ARE an inspiration. Great advice. Our subconscious works even when we're asleep, something I'm severely lacking these days :) Let us know how you do it -- sleep that is :) Congrats on your short story final and your Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense final. Are you going to National. I promise you Death by Chocolate is to die for. Good luck! Thanks, Mary :)
You girls will love Pam! And she'll love you ladies.
Long ago (in the Antediluvian era when I began writing), author Becky Wyrick gave me the wise advice to sleep on a problem and let your subconscious solve it.
Thanks Pam for dredging it from the layers of memory and thanks for joining us.
Thrilled about your Daphne finalist.
Well Momma that was well written. I loved it. I know you will do good in all you do. Smooches!!
that was well said momma, i knew you had depth to you but i didnt know it went that deep. I used to write poetry a long time ago but lost inspiration. i may have to try that and see if it works for me too. I wish you all the best in your future works. Love you
I don't know how many times I have come up with ideas and had to turn the light on and write them down. It must be something about the quiet time, and the resting mind.
Pam,
I agree with your take on the subconscious solving plot problems. I often use this method. Once years ago, after my mom died, I was trying to sew curtains and didn't know how to fold them to make the seam correctly fold. In a dream my mom, who was a wonderful seamtress, showed me just how to do it. I awoke, remember and completed the job!
the other mm