It may be hard for non-writers to understand the obsessive pull of the written word. Ideas, zingers, blurbs, dialogue and profound conclusions come at the most inappropriate times. Like a tooth ache: a dull persistent pain that once pulled will be relieved.
It’s one of those nights for me. 1 a.m., and I’m still up penning a final paper for my magazine writing class. My mind keeps veering off it’s path into Russian Tchaikovsky land. If I don’t produce an essay on him in the next few days I might fall ill.
Every day, almost every hour, I am visited by his melodies. They transform themselves into words the instant they fall upon my memory. I collect them furiously–but distractions (read: getting ready for New York) keep me from fully developing them.
This is not the first time the need to write was strong, but the first time that I’ve been too busy to give in. It is an odd feeling.
2 responses so far ↓
thewritersjourney // December 10, 2007 at 10:08 am
Some have suggested that I carry a tape recorder with me, because I always complain about getting a great idea while driving and no way to write it down, and a memory too weak to retain the idea until I get home. For some reason I resist the suggestion, even though it is a good one. I must find courage.
writingariel // December 10, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I’ve heard that a tape recorder is good too, though I never do it. I write on napkins, scrap paper (ha) anything if it’s strong enough. I hope you find a way of catching all those good thoughts!
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