on creativity & its timeline.

The moment of inspiration always comes at the most inopportune of times. Usually in the morning, actually, about seven minutes away from the time I'm supposed to start getting dressed for the day. But sometimes, in the middle of a workday, when I find myself scribbling in tiny handwriting on post-its, or perhaps while driving along in heavy traffic, or perhaps when washing my hair in the shower, when all that is really left to do is desperately cling to the idea & hope that it is still there when it's safe to jot something down... when I'm squeaky & clean & have access to ink & paper.

I think I learned a long time ago that there is no planning inspiration. And there is also no laid-out time to expect it. Though this would be ideal, it is just not the reality. And that is why we hear of writers' block, why painters neglect their brushes for months on end, why designers stall out on projects for weeks until they have that a-ha! moment & can go on. 

Being creative involves having a very creative schedule indeed. Sometimes you sit down, raring to go, & still the words will not come. And sometimes, like I talked about up there, you cannot stop the flow of words, you cannot write them down fast enough. And, you know, it is not really the fault of the creative themselves for not producing consistently. It is simply the nature of the beast. Something you learn to deal with, expect, & try to work with. Realizing & accepting that, I believe, is the first step to a healthy relationship with your own creative leanings. If you try to force it, it will not come.

But if you open your mind - & always keep a pen & notebook on hand - you should be just fine. That's how I'm getting by, at least.