Monday, November 12, 2012

NaNoWriMo (And a few of my favourite things...)

Birch Books in upstate NY

Sometimes, I need a little extra push on Mondays. And there's nothing wrong with enlisting a little caffeine help, some brunch pampering and the help of our "favourite things" to get us back on the road to creativity.

As you can see from the logo on the right, I 'm participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). Really, I've used it as an opportunity to formulate some kind of writing routine and to hold me accountable, creatively.

If all goes well, I should be touting a 50,000 word piece of work by the end of November. Though this barrel-ahead approach goes against my personal philosophies surrounding the creative process (in some ways), it forces me to sit down despite any dryness and put thoughts on the page.

Here are some recent occurrences that have greatly contributed to my devotion/ inspiration lately (in no particular order):

1. A recent visit to a massive used book store (Birch books) in upstate NY. There is nothing like shelves and shelves of someone's work to put the wind in my sails again. Each work on the shelf, after all, represents a conscious decision to pour energy into something wild and untamed; each artist threw their caution to the wind and dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to the birth of a work. They deemed said work worthy of their time and effort though it, quite possibly, may not have ever seen the light of day.

2. Breakfast. Don't underestimate the power of a good brunch (eggs, toast, coffee, fruit) served on beautiful platters. Don't short-change the power of the "first fuel" of the day. The day's early light and the freshness of the mind need to be relished and exploited for their creative worth. And as we should with every seemingly mundane task, why not infuse it with beauty? Add a Fall arrangement to the table, invite a friend, pull out un-matching teacups and china. Make your life beautiful! After all, LIFE is a special occasion.

3. Prayer. Writing, just like all things artistic, is mysterious. Creative energies often feel like they come from a place outside of us. This is partially true; they come from the source of Life, the Fount of Blessing, the Holy Spirit, Who dwells in our soul. The more we take the time to connect ourselves with the Creative Power of God, the more He can avail us to the Creative Action of the Holy Spirit. His choicest blessings (inspirations) are reserved for the pure of heart and the truly humble. I know the difference as a reader (inspired writing fosters inspiration in others) and as a writer, the flood gates of creativity are tangibly flung open when prayer is the cornerstone of a work.

4. Music/ Art for the soul. Much like fast food for our bodies, the most available art and music for our senses is full of empty calories and does nothing for the soul. If we want to be nourished through our senses, we have to be prepared to "fast" from "fast food"/ "pop culture" versions of arts and culture and dig for meaningful sources of beauty. Like fostering healthy diets, it takes commitment and perseverance to seek out meaningful artists and sources of inspiration. If our senses become accustomed to goodness, truth and beauty, our interior lives will benefit. As a priest at Madonna House once said in a homily, if one person feeds themselves on true Beauty, we are *all* made better for it. Propagate Beauty in all things that is: connect yourself to the Source; the Author of Beauty.


No comments: