Cathy Lamb
If I waited until I was "inspired" to write I would never finish a book.
I believe that you have to sit your butt down and work. Inspiration is delightful but most of the time it's a matter of analyzing what you wrote the day before and diving in head first.
I do, however, try to have an active life with my family and friends, the interests I listed above, etc. Walking, especially, helps.
I also plan for hours of time alone every day. It's one of the reasons I am rarely in bed before two o'clock in the morning.
But I believe that writing is work and even when you don't feel like writing you must work anyhow.
This is how novels are written. Not always pleasant, not always easy, (in fact OFTEN not pleasant or easy) but it is what it is.
There are deadlines after all. This is a job.
So. Sit down and tell "Inspiration" to get the heck in your head. If "Inspiration" doesn't arrive, or refuses to, write anyhow. You can always edit it later.
I believe that you have to sit your butt down and work. Inspiration is delightful but most of the time it's a matter of analyzing what you wrote the day before and diving in head first.
I do, however, try to have an active life with my family and friends, the interests I listed above, etc. Walking, especially, helps.
I also plan for hours of time alone every day. It's one of the reasons I am rarely in bed before two o'clock in the morning.
But I believe that writing is work and even when you don't feel like writing you must work anyhow.
This is how novels are written. Not always pleasant, not always easy, (in fact OFTEN not pleasant or easy) but it is what it is.
There are deadlines after all. This is a job.
So. Sit down and tell "Inspiration" to get the heck in your head. If "Inspiration" doesn't arrive, or refuses to, write anyhow. You can always edit it later.
More Answered Questions
Jenna
asked
Cathy Lamb:
Cathy, Have your friends or family ever been offended or called you out on anything they assumed was about them? I have a great idea for a character in my head and can just imagine certain the drama that certain statements would make if people I knew interpreted certain things to be about them. Please keep doing what you do! Your writing is so unique and your stories have moved me. Jenna
Angel Gillaspie
asked
Cathy Lamb:
I don't want to ask a question, I want to tell you how much I love your autobiographical summary. So much so, that I wish I had written it myself. What an inspiration to know that someone who is so like me is a successful author. I can't help but think, "If she can do this, why can't I?" Thank you for giving me that little bit of motivation that it will take to get me started writing. Cheers!
Pam
asked
Cathy Lamb:
I have to tell you that I absolute love all of your novels. I look forward to reading many more. It's always sad when you find a favorite author only to have them stop writing. I hope you don't stop writing any time soon. I have The Language of Sisters coming and can't wait to read it. Do you have plans for more novels?
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