:: grin ::

I noticed my writerly gaffe after I had written it. I suppose I should hyphenate it to “writing-books” or use the more stodgy “books on writing,” but I kind of like the double-take it requires.

Of course, that’s mere rationalization for bad writing. But, I have to leave it like it is, now, thanks to your erudition because, otherwise, your comment will no longer make sense.

:: mock put-upon sigh, mixed with a gallic shrug ::

Thanks.

Rich
BlogRodent

In your first paragraph, you write, “That’s why I enjoy writing books like Stephen King’s memoir on writing…” I’m guessing that you either meant that you like reading books like that, or you’re breaking some contractual agreements for ghostwriting.

God bless.

I hear you. But, secretly, deep inside, you must be at least a little tickled that someone actually paid attention when reading your post? I know it tickles me when it happens. Come on, admit it. :: LOL ::

I know not a lot of writers seem to talk about the joy of re-reading their own work. I do, all the time, especially when it’s still fresh. And then, later, after some time has passed and I’ve forgotten what I’ve written, I rediscover a post, an old email, or an old forum post and I’m surprised again.

I say surprise, because my writing is, really, a stream-of-consciousness thing. I don’t always know where I’m going to go when I start writing — even the stuff I’ve written for paid publication. I may have a general idea, I may even have a sort of bulleted list of topics I want to address or a conclusion I want to reach, but really, I don’t write from an outline. I don’t do multiple drafts, I don’t do a heavy re-write (except when it’s really called for). I just open a vein and start bleeding.

Later, after the words have dried and left their indelible stain, I rediscover the thing I have created and I’m surprised. I often think, “Gee, I wrote that? That guy was a lot smarter on that day than I am now. How did that happen?” I mean, this happens all the time. Because I learn by writing, I process my thoughts through words. So I am even taught by what I’ve written before and am caught unaware by whatever inspired me.

This is probably what many writers mean when they talk about their “muse.” It’s inspiration, really. Something breathed into us by our unconscious, by the Holy Spirit, or — for those less-fortunate — by other powers perhaps.

I haven’t faced writer’s block yet. My biggest problem is inertia. Once I start writing, though — anything, anything at all — the words come. They just flow. And I get a huge kick out of seeing what comes out.

Anyhow, now I ramble. Thanks, again, for stopping by.

Rich.
BlogRodent