An image on Facebook prompted me to write this post. The caption read: “A writer is working when looking out the window.”
“That’s me!” my mind shouted. (I would have shouted out loud, but I was at work and being on Facebook during office hours is frowned upon.) Conscientious employee that I am, I logged out and began my other work, but my mind kept returning to that statement.
Does a writer’s brain have an off switch? (Just for writing/creative thought — I need the rest of it to keep functioning.) Does it know how to power down and re-charge? I dream, so I know my mind is busy even when I’m sleeping! It seems that the more I write, the busier my brain is. It wants to turn everything into a story, a posting, or a caption to a photo I’m about to upload onto social media. Sometimes I’d like to look out the window and appreciate what is there without my brain trying to turn it into something.
When I watch a great drama series like Outlander or Poldark, my brain is constantly looking for something to write about. It’s helped me write blog posts about a beautiful staircase, the use of flowers, and that beautiful pearl necklace in Outlander, along with that little pinky ring Ross slipped from Elizabeth’s finger in the first episode of Poldark.
I wondered why I plunk myself down for an hour of Judge Judy when I get home from work (self-analyzing, if you will). Turns out, it’s the only way I can get my brain to disengage and stop composing things. I guess it’s my way of resting the creative part of my brain before I head to the office for an evening of writing. Sorry, Judge Judy. No disrespect intended.
It would probably help if I only had one writing project going at a time. Seriously, this is borderline whackadoodle land for me. In my defense, I don’t think I’m the only one who does this — I know there are more of you out there! I’m currently in what I refer to as the “drifting method.” Based on my mood or what I’m seeing out my window at any given time, I move back and forth between them, tending to each of them without neglecting the others for too long a period of time. (They let me know, believe me, when they feel it’s their turn). I used to scoff at the idea of having more than one project going at a time — until it happened to me. I’m a believer, and I sympathize.
Which leads me to pose a question that will probably remain unanswered and unresolved. If my creative mind can’t take a time out, can I at least request a dimmer switch?
Sam
You are not alone and have captured how the over-active brain of a creative writer works exceptionally well. Dimmer switch, please!!!
Anne Hawkinson
Yes! Glad I’m not alone! ?
VERONICA Helen HART
I often wondered what the appeal of Judge Judy is. I call at “mindless tv” at the end of part one of my writing day. With two works in progress, plus working for two publishers, the dimmer switch is an absolute necessity. I think that’s the appeal. Sometimes it’s Cops.
Anne Hawkinson
Whatever works, right?
Pat Raia
Hello, Anne – I am a professional journalist and I’m always “working.” In what studio time I do get, I write poetry and I’m always “working.” If you find that dimmer switch, please let me know.PDR
Anne Hawkinson
Will do, Pat!
Anne Hawkinson
Whatever works, right? ?
Heather
You have summed it up perfectly. A writer can never switch off. Everything we see can lead to inspiration for a story. Thank goodness for mindless TV.
Anne Hawkinson
I agree – thanks!
Larry
Even though I’m “retired”, the creative juices flow 24/7. But I harness them between 8 am and 4 pm then I put them out to pasture. I do keep my voice note capability near by – just in case that “brilliant” thought materializes while I’ out to pasture.
Anne Hawkinson
Good plan!
Robin Le Roy-Kyle
Just saw that quote today on Twitter. My reply: As. We. Speak.
Ha! I do try dimming things down, particularly when I pick up a paint brush or other art tool, to switch gears. Seems to help a little, but since writing is in my art as well, I suspect I only ‘dim down’ so much. I don’t mind the chatter, though… I know I’m part of a tribe. 🙂 Great post.. thanks for sharing! I just renewed my membership (long overdue) and yours was the first blog post I read.
Anne Hawkinson
Thanks! Glad you’re back and enjoyed the post.
Sandra Elliot
What a great little piece. More of us are “Whackadoodles” than you may know. Always good to be with friends.
Hal Cohen
Hi, very relevant piece for me. I work with a clown who has 40 years of professional experience. He is extremely creative, always “on”, and consequently, always “tired”. He works 7 days a week, his mind is a whirl, and he is constantly looking to update his performing material, just like many writers. The feedback you received was helpful to a degree, but a lot more must be done to help the many “mind joggers” from crashing and burning too soon. Judge Judy, bless her soul, can’t do it all herself.
Thank you for your article, have a wonderful day.
Anne Hawkinson
Thanks, Hal, for your response. Heaven help us when Judge Judy retires…