by Drew Daywalt
My muse can be a capricious, nasty little thing. A strangely seductive homunculus, she will appear one day for no reason at all, like a rush of air. She’ll fill my head with a zoo-full of creative thoughts, sometimes stay for another day or two so that I can express the idea into the acorn of a manuscript or an outline, and then disappear before I wake the next morning without so much as a note on my pillow.
It’s okay that she does this, because like all forms of inspiration, she’s fleeting. And once the inspiration is gone, then begins the hard work of building, letter by letter, sentence by sentence, a creative construct that, when done, hopefully recreates the same rush of excitement that I originally felt at the moment of inspiration.
It’s a hard dragon to chase, this moment of inspiration. I’ve given up to the fact that I can’t control it any more than I can control the wind. It comes, it breezes through, and it’s gone again. To continue the metaphor, the only thing I can do is put myself in a place where I know the wind blows.
That’s why, years ago, I created a sort of man-cave-writing room, almost Victorian in it’s styling, but with a fantasy twist, because I love fantasy and horror and really any form of escapist delights. I blame this love on Friday night monster movies from my childhood and all those Dr. Seuss and Sendak and Dahl books I read as a kid. Those other worlds were always so much more interesting than mine. I wanted to be a world builder.
And this writer’s cave has all manner of masks, talismans, tokens and souvenirs from my travels. I love travel. Travel inspires me, and little reminders of travel inspire me just as much. These things I would collect were items that I’d picked up around the world that inspired me at the moment I found them – a goddess idol in Bolivia, a handmade wooden toy from Tuscany, a tribal mask from the Pacific Islands, even a beer stein from Cologne. Worldly trophies and artifacts, representing other peoples’ moments of creative inspiration. I would find these things in some market or stall in some faraway land, I’d pick them up and hold them, and I’d feel the inspiration from the creator, and I’d take it home. I’d store that inspiration in this room, this writer’s cave. As years went by, I even began adding fascinating props and creatures from my films to this bizarre menagerie. I’d fill the room with amazing, strange little curios that would give me the same rush that I felt when I’d first encountered them.
And more often than not, sitting in my cave, waiting for the muse to strike, staring at these strange little items, I would feel the rush of an idea. Like a small breeze. A wind through my mind.
And I would close my eyes and know that my muse had arrived.
Drew Daywalt is the author of THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers and named an Amazon Best Children’s Book of 2013. Find him on Twitter @DrewDaywalt.
149 comments
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November 10, 2013 at 6:38 am
Andrea
Your writing room sounds very interesting. Thanks for reminding me that some of the objects I’ve collected could be a source of inspiration.
November 10, 2013 at 7:53 am
Elaine Kiely Kearns
That is one awesome writing cave, and some pretty cool travels too! Thanks for sharing.
November 10, 2013 at 7:57 am
bleedraper
I was just looking at ‘The Day the Crayons Quit’ in the school staffroom on Friday – I totally emphasise with poor, overworked red. Great book!
November 10, 2013 at 7:59 am
bleedraper
Oops…empathise that should be. Long day! 🙂
November 10, 2013 at 8:01 am
Joanne Sher
So very cool! Love this – and may have to imitate it to some degree. Thanks so much for sharing!
November 10, 2013 at 8:04 am
Sue Poduska
Writer cave. Yay! Thanks, Drew. Find that muse.
November 10, 2013 at 8:04 am
Tina Cho
Where’s the picture of the writing cave? How neat to be inspired by your travels and collections!
November 10, 2013 at 8:07 am
Janet Smart
Fun and interesting! Maybe some day I will have a writing cave or nook or cabin all to myself to let my imagination run wild in.
November 10, 2013 at 8:13 am
Deirdre Sheridan Englehart
Sounds like a wonderful place!!!
I want to see a picture too!
November 10, 2013 at 8:18 am
Freckled Daisy Creations
I connect with the idea of travel trophies to line the walls and shelves of our writing area-my muses usually come in covered in dirt and chocolate of some kind-but quickly leaves to get into more mess!
Thank you for such an a-musing post!
November 10, 2013 at 8:23 am
lindaschueler
I love to travel too. I never thought about surrounding myself with my travel items (for inspiration) though.
November 10, 2013 at 8:31 am
teresamis
Thanks, Drew, for a “zoo-full of creative thoughts”.
November 10, 2013 at 9:08 am
Barbara Messinger
I loved The Day The Crayons Quit! Now I know they were born in a cave! Thanks for sharing!
November 10, 2013 at 9:08 am
Margie Moore
Amen to the fleeting moments of inspiration and what an awesome way to capture it! Thanks Drew!
November 10, 2013 at 9:12 am
aliciaminor
Garage sales is a cheap way to go, but whatever strikes your fancy, that is, and you meet people too who can give you ideas and inspiration so it come as a bonus. Thanks for sharing.
November 10, 2013 at 9:18 am
Genevieve Petrillo
I love The Day the Crayons Quit. Hilarious! I’m glad the inspiration-wind blew through that day.
November 10, 2013 at 9:22 am
Pat Haapaniemi
Your writer’s cave sounds great. I love traveling too – collected a lot of things, including postcards from places I’ve been. Will have to take a second look at these. Thanks for planting that idea!
November 10, 2013 at 9:26 am
Claudia B.
Beatifully written inspirational message (yet not messagy…if you know what I mean). I was wandering around Barnes and Noble yesterday and The Day the Crayons Quit was prominently displayed at the entrance to the kids’ section. Wow! How cool is that.
November 10, 2013 at 9:29 am
Jennifer Kaplan
Hmmmm. I’ve never considered approaching creativity through this method. It usually pops out when I’m least expecting it. I’m excited to dust off some objects and see where it takes me. Thank you.
November 10, 2013 at 9:32 am
storyfairy
Wow, the other day’s guest author gave me an excuse to play with toys, now I have an excuse to collect fanciful artifacts! As for me, I like fairies and unicorns best. I’m not a fan of horror films, but I do love Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak, and Roald Dahl. Thank you for posting!
November 10, 2013 at 9:46 am
Pam Jones
I’m in love with your Crayon book! So clever! 😀
November 10, 2013 at 9:48 am
Sandy Perlic
I love that you collect things you find inspiring, and I’d bet we all do that to some extent. Of course, it might be quotes, other peoples’ brilliant books (I love The Day the Crayons Quit), autumn leaves, scraps of paper… the important thing is to surround ourselves with those little things we connect with and allow the ideas to flow. Thanks for the peek at your process!
November 10, 2013 at 10:01 am
Heather Greene
Thanks for the peek into the cave and creative process!
November 10, 2013 at 10:08 am
cherylsec
“…the only thing I can do is put myself in a place where I know the wind blows.” I love this! I really like the idea of surrounding yourself with objects that inspire you. Wonderful advice. And I especially love the last few lines–it’s a beautiful image. Thank you for sharing!
November 10, 2013 at 10:09 am
Catherine Johnson
What a great idea to get all the interesting knick nacks together for inspiration. I’m going hunting.
November 10, 2013 at 10:21 am
supermario6
Crayons is sheer genius! Congrats on all its well deserved success.
November 10, 2013 at 10:23 am
Mary McClellan
I love your book!! I also love the idea of having fun, odd, quirky things you love around in your writing cave. I’m inspired to collect my fun things and have them in my writing space.
November 10, 2013 at 10:27 am
Teresa Daffern
Thank you Drew! I have shown your post to my husband, who often gives me grief about all of the nicknacks from our travels that I have on display around the house. He tries his best to steer me away from the market stalls where I purchase them – things like animal carvings from Africa and a Turkish sculpture of an ancient rock dwelling made from tufa. I find such inspiration in these items as well! They take me to other places every time I look at them.
-Teresa Daffern
November 10, 2013 at 10:32 am
heather sisson
I completely agree. My workspace consists of swedish details and a beachy feel. Thats where i feel most inspired and knowing you create your own world for inspiration is very admirable!
November 10, 2013 at 10:39 am
LovableLobo
Thanks for the inspiring post!
November 10, 2013 at 10:43 am
Christy Mihaly
Some great ideas about finding the place where that wind is gonna blow. Thanks!
November 10, 2013 at 10:46 am
Pia Garneau
My kids and I adore The Day The Crayons Quit! It is so hilarious and is one of our favorite rereads. It is LOL funny. So clever. What a treat to read about your man cave and your muses.
November 10, 2013 at 10:51 am
Mary Jo
Huh. Maybe that’s why surrounding myself with coffee-stained file folders in my writing space isn’t quite bringing on the inspiration that I crave…
November 10, 2013 at 10:52 am
Patricia Holloway
Great inspirational ideas! Thank you .
November 10, 2013 at 11:10 am
Patrick Waldron
Drew, if you focus on specifics it will make for better writing. Good luck.
November 22, 2013 at 1:09 am
Amelia Shearer
I actually was thinking quite the opposite. There is nothing quite like beautifully crafted written word, and this post was a example of just that. “I can’t control it any more than I can control the wind. It comes, it breezes through, and it’s gone again. To continue the metaphor, the only thing I can do is put myself in a place where I know the wind blows.” Felt like reading a good novel. That alone has served as inspiration for me tonight, Mr. Daywalt. Thank you!
November 10, 2013 at 11:13 am
nicole snitselaar
well this place sounds rather scary…
and just thinking about it
I think my sweet muse has striked ! 😉
Thanks ! 😉
November 10, 2013 at 11:29 am
nicole snitselaar
two ideas… Thank You Drew…
In fact reading these articles, each different, interesting
is an inspiring place to come ! 🙂
November 10, 2013 at 11:14 am
Susan Cabael
I’m so curious now what little tchotchke you held when the wind blew for THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT. Brilliant book showcasing such colorful personalities 🙂
November 10, 2013 at 11:23 am
LeeAnn Jensen
This is great! I do the same thing by collecting other artists works that speak to my soul as well and display them where I can see them all the time. And I love your book “The day The Crayons Quit” ! It is so much fun. Thanks for a very fun read.
November 10, 2013 at 11:35 am
Eileen
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a great place you’ve created.
November 10, 2013 at 11:44 am
Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards)
The Day the Crayons Quit! is such a fun book 🙂 Thank you for your post. I also have a creative space, although mine is just around my desk area. It does help me find that elusive muse.
November 10, 2013 at 11:45 am
saputnam
Your writing cave sounds amazing! I don’t have a writing cave per se but write in my living room where I am surrounded by bookcases that are filled with books, sweet grass baskets and incense, photos, paperweights, a small painting of a seashell along with the actual seashell, stones, pine and spruce cones, cut-glass owls, marble eggs, and votive candles.
On my walls are my aunt’s black assemblages, and a Judy Brown gold snowflake matted on black velvet and in a silver and gold frame as well as a black hand-forged latch from the blacksmith shop that was on the farm we owned in Canada. To the left of my writing area, which includes a maple table and chair set that I used as a child and now holds my computer, is a large picture window that looks down the hill to the 2 beaver ponds and the ridge beyond. Under the window are 2 large basket trunks with another 2 baskets kiddy-corner between the window and one of my bookcases. In the window are 6 of my antique prisms and 2 witch balls (one swirled in white the other maroon) hanging on thin maroon ribbons which match my maroon and gold framed Norwich University diploma that hangs on the wall above the bookcase… and on top of the bookcase is a maroon vase as well as a cut-glass vase filled with pussy willows and decorated with a maroon and gold Christmas bow, along with another one of my baskets. To my right are 2 large windows that look out at the ridge behind the house and hanging from the ceiling in front of them are two black iron and prism mobiles and on each side of them are 2 tall bookcases with off-set shelves.
When my muse isn’t swilling margaritas in Cancun she is content to curl up among my baskets and enjoy the sweet grass incense while listening to the background music I have playing on my computer, usually Yanni or classical, as my 50’s & 60’s Rock and Roll (I’m a golden oldies nut) is too distracting for both of us.
November 10, 2013 at 11:54 am
danielledufayet
Very well said. The muse comes like a summer breeze, filling the mind with ideas. Then, the work begins as I try to make sense of it and what it means to me in my heart before I can create something of value.
November 10, 2013 at 11:59 am
Robyn Campbell
Hahaha, I believe inspiration comes in spurts and I’d better be ready when it does stop by. I will look for stuff to add to my office that will put my inspiration into high gear! Thanks for a super post and for taking the time to stop in. *waving*
November 10, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Theanna
Thank you Drew! These are wonderful suggestions and you wrote it beautifully. I love the idea of surrounding yourself with things that inspire you as well. My workspace is in my library where I have book shelves filled from floor to ceiling. I also have trinkets of inspiration splashed around the room. I’d love to see your workspace, it sounds very inspirational. I’d love o take mine to the next level. Thank you again!
November 10, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Tracy Molitors
Thank you, drew. I love the idea of being a world builder!
November 10, 2013 at 12:15 pm
creationsbymit
I’m loving the cave idea! I collect things for my studio that inspire me so I enjoy reading that others do something similar!
November 10, 2013 at 12:18 pm
marciecolleen
Magic. Brilliant. We thank your muse.
November 10, 2013 at 12:30 pm
Janie Reinart
Drew, thank you for the inspiring post. Love the idea of storing inspiration in your room. Maybe we could bottle it!
November 10, 2013 at 12:34 pm
katmaz2012
I am a big fan of crayons. Thanks for the inspiration!
November 10, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Debbie Austin
Thanks for sharing your writer cave. I love the idea of placing yourself where you know the wind blows. I don’t have a room for this but my computer sits inside an armoire. I gather quotes, verses, and inspirational words, and I tape them up where I can see them as I type. And now and then a breeze sets them all to fluttering.
November 10, 2013 at 12:45 pm
kirsticall
Thanks for the great post…now to build my inspiring space.
November 10, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Ellen Mott
Thanks for sharing your man cave. It’s time I focus more attention to the objects around me. I sure could use a grandma cave, but it would need at least one window to the outside world.
November 10, 2013 at 1:01 pm
Laura Lowman Murray
I great post on how your writing space, and the energy that flows from the cool stuff in that space, feeds your creative side and invites your muse to visit. 🙂
November 10, 2013 at 1:11 pm
danacarey1
I’m with the others– I’d love to see a picture of this cave. Unless it’s top secret. Loved THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT!
November 10, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Suzy Leopold
A writing cave! How cool is that! Thank you for the inspiration to be surrounded by books and objects that encourage creative thoughts. ~Suzy Leopold
November 10, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Marty McCormick
Thanks for the post, Drew. Need to read your book; the title is fantastic.
November 10, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Denise Bowman
Oh, how I would love to have an inspiration cave of my own! Thanks for the wonderful post.
November 10, 2013 at 2:16 pm
Yvonne Mes
I would love to see a photo of your writing cave! When I grow up I want one too, or maybe I’ll ask Santa. But for now, my writing cave is my living room occupied by two crazy toddlers. Then again apart from my frustration, they feed my imagination as well.
November 10, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Alicia van Thiel
THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT is a gem! Thanks for sharing!
November 10, 2013 at 2:27 pm
Lynn A. Davidson
This post is inspiring all on its own. I am needing my Muse to come visiting asap, and I hope to clear more creative space this week for her to feel at home. Thanks for the encouragement to do so.
November 10, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Stella Jane Stauffer
After reading your post, I see a few things (clutter) a bit differently now.
Really something to think about when it comes to, “things that inspire me.”
Thanks for your post.
November 10, 2013 at 2:33 pm
Sherry Walz
Thanks for sharing about your source of inspiration. Congrats on your book, THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT.
November 10, 2013 at 2:37 pm
MSackman
Inspiration is so unpredictable. And it is so true that the hard part comes after that fleeting encounter, putting that inspiration into words and pictures. It’s nice to know successful authors struggle with the same thing. Thanks for sharing.
November 10, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Joanne Roberts
I love to surround myself with exotic and unusual finds. It helps my creativity flow. I got to read your book this summer. Could you ever have imagined it would be received like this? Exciting and humbling. Congratulations.
November 10, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Danielle Heitmuller
The muse is indeed fleeting. I have trouble catching her some days, but when she is there it is wonderful. I have some bits and bobs from travel on my desk too. They help guide her to my window, but I think I need to add more now.
November 10, 2013 at 3:39 pm
renajtraxel
I love my writing cave. The Day the Crayons Quit is such a fun book.
November 10, 2013 at 3:47 pm
Lori Dubbin
Aha! I have another very good reason to travel to far away places. Thanks for this post and sharing how you get your inspiration. “The Day the Crayons Quit” is a wonderful read and re-read.
November 10, 2013 at 3:56 pm
Melanie Vickers
My room is full of photos, books, stacks of articles that caught my interest. Not the same as a goddess idol but I can relate to surrounding yourself with the feelings from touching and being around my collections.
November 10, 2013 at 4:07 pm
viviankirkfield
Drew…congratulations on your amazing book! And thank you so much for sharing how you encourage your muse to appear. Your ‘writer’s cave’, filled with meaningful mementos from your travels, is obviously a place where inspiration feels courageous and ventures forth.
Have to run now…I’m off to unearth some of the treasures I’ve brought back from my travels – I think there must be many stories waiting patiently in them.:)
November 10, 2013 at 4:33 pm
Juliana Lee
A friend of mine had just recommended your book to me a few weeks ago. Glad to hear now, how you get inspired to do such wonderful work.
November 10, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Rick Starkey
I’m glad the wind blows here. Sometimes I’m where it is and sometimes I miss it, but there’s always tomorrow. (reminds me of a song)
Great post. My trinkets would be at home in your cave.
November 10, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Ashley Bankhead
Fun post. Thanks for sharing.
November 10, 2013 at 4:49 pm
RaChelle Lisiecki
Congratulations, Drew, on your success with The Day the Crayons Quit. Often times I’m convinced that all I need in my hypothetical writer’s cave is my kids…but now I will think about those inanimate objects as well. Thanks for the tip on inspiration.
November 10, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Jen DuBose
Wonderful post! And wonderful title for a PB. Can’t wait to read it!
November 10, 2013 at 5:03 pm
Dorothy Wiese
Your writer’s cave sounds fascinating. I’m glad it helps to inspire you.
November 10, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Melanie Ellsworth
Saw the photo of your inspired writing room and thought of Dr. Who’s weeping angels – creepy! My giant, fire-engine red desk inherited from my in-laws is something of a muse for me – I wonder about its history. My four year old’s strange works of art do the trick too. She and I love your book, and it’s sitting on our little table by the couch in our “frequently read” spot.
November 10, 2013 at 6:10 pm
Stephanie Shaw
Great post, Drew. Travel — be it armchair or real time — is truly a great inspiration.Thanks for the post (card).
November 10, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Debra
I love “The day the Crayons Quit! Great words of inspiration, too,
November 10, 2013 at 7:00 pm
Kelly Ramsdell Fineman
Love love LOVE The Day The Crayons Quit. Loved this post, too. Thanks!
November 10, 2013 at 7:01 pm
SevenAcreSky
Drew, your post supports the theory that muses are like circuit riders…with several clients to visit. I am glad they come back around. I think that places that make them feel welcome bring them round more often. My writing cave is a work in progress…but nonetheless it’s there. Thanks for your encouragement.
November 10, 2013 at 7:06 pm
svaisnoras
The Day the Crayons Quit is such a great book on many levels. Laugh out
loud hilarious…can’t wait for my muse to arrive. Thank you,
November 10, 2013 at 7:14 pm
Susan Nicholas
Enjoyed your post. Thanks for letting us in on how your writing process works.
November 10, 2013 at 7:25 pm
Christine M. Irvin
I want a writing cave, too!!!
November 10, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Kaye Baillie
Congratulations, Drew on your well loved picture book. Kids here in our town just love it (and me too). I wish I had a girl cave full of inspirational things. I’m still looking for that wonderful space. Although we do have a large loft in some old stables at our place, but we have no ladder/staircase to get up into it. My dream is to get stairs built so that I can go up there, and look down and out at things, with just me and the possums.
November 10, 2013 at 7:29 pm
Gaye Kick
Over my desk I have a personal “spirit painting” that represents my soul’s journey. The woman who painted it didn’t know I had stopped writing after becoming a single mom of two teenagers and a 5th grader, yet the painting includes a book and a quill pen. My children are now grown with families of their own and I’m finally back on my soul’s journey.
November 10, 2013 at 7:56 pm
kpbock
I have always wanted my own writing space. Right now, it’s the kitchen table, but someday…
November 10, 2013 at 8:09 pm
Penny Parker Klostermann
Love this: “without so much as a note on my pillow.” I have felt that way often!
THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT is genius!
November 10, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Lauri
My library purchased The Day the Crayons Quit a few weeks ago. Great book, super clever! Keep those books coming Drew!
November 10, 2013 at 8:30 pm
lindamartinandersen
There’s emotional attachment to the things you’ve collected. Must be why it works.
November 10, 2013 at 8:31 pm
writeknit
Inspiration is everywhere – too bad we can’t harness it 🙂 Great post
November 10, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Jill Siegel
A writing room, surrounded by inspiring and interesting artifacts and collections from travels, is a great idea! Thanks for the inspiring post. 🙂
November 10, 2013 at 8:49 pm
Lori Mozdzierz
Congrats on your book, Drew!
Your post inspired me to look around my writing cave and viola!
Ideas abound!
November 10, 2013 at 9:35 pm
vijikc
I also have my whimsical figures to inspire. Thanks for the article!
November 10, 2013 at 9:52 pm
Wendy Greenley
Reading this post is even better because I had Drew’s inspiration and a workshop with Tara in one day! Yay!
November 10, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill)
So lucky that you’ve got your own writing cave. Sounds awesome! Love THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT!
November 10, 2013 at 9:57 pm
Lucy
Eeee! saw that book in the bookstore and it made me giggle
November 10, 2013 at 10:46 pm
Jessie Oliveros
This gives me ideas for all those little souvenirs I have stored away in a box in my closet.
November 11, 2013 at 12:17 am
amievc
Thanks for the reminder to invite the muse by having a space worthy of a visit!
November 11, 2013 at 12:22 am
lje1
Travel and souvenirs do give inspiration.
November 11, 2013 at 1:36 am
Sandie Sing
Writing cave…hmm, I yearn for an artist-writer studio. I’m lucky that I have a desk in the den shared with my hubby across from me. Instead of having items from trips or experiences, I find myself gathering my ideas from my childhood, my students or my relatives (children age). I never thought my travel collections would stir me. I should give it a try. Thanks for the inspirational tips.
November 11, 2013 at 2:57 am
dee win
thanks so much for your ideas!
November 11, 2013 at 7:26 am
thiskidreviewsbooks
Cool! Your writing room sounds great! I need one! 😉
November 11, 2013 at 7:38 am
Leslee Anne Hewson
A man cave, love it! Looks a real treasure trove. Thank you for your inspiration and congratulations with the huge success of the Day the Crayons Left.
November 11, 2013 at 8:04 am
RadSheri
Interesting take on creative inspiration and things that help.
November 11, 2013 at 8:55 am
Therese Nagi
Thanks for providing humorous and helpful suggestions. I like your ideas about receiving inspirations but the rest of the story requires work and revisions.
November 11, 2013 at 9:49 am
fashionistaphilly.tumblr.org
The day the Crayons Quit is the most incredible clever picture book to debut this year. I expect it will be nabbing a bunch of awards in the near future!!! How awesome to hear from the author!!!!!
November 11, 2013 at 10:35 am
Quinn Cole
I recently build a fairy garden for the patio. I can see now I need to remodel my office for the muse. Great post. Thanks!
November 11, 2013 at 10:45 am
Marcy P.
My writing cave is currently filled with children and all their STUFF. Which, in it’s own way, can provide LOTS of inspiration 🙂 But I also look forward to the day when I can design in the way I’d like. In the meantime, i’ve taken over a corner of my bedroom and begun to fill it with things that make me smile, feel calm and relaxed, and ready to write!
November 11, 2013 at 11:39 am
nimbooz
Yes! One day I hope to have a space of calm where I can just let my thoughts flow out onto the page or canvas.
November 11, 2013 at 11:45 am
Kathy Cornell Berman
Love your book! Thanks for sharing your ideas.I think I will create my writing cave within my mind, that way I don’t have to worry about cleaning it.
November 11, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Linda
No room for a much desired writing cave, but I really could use someone to create waterproof dry erase markers and the appropriate shower tiles for them!
November 11, 2013 at 12:23 pm
laurimeyers
What a lovely thought how one artist’s creation begets another artist’s creation. Just like how one writer’s words spark an illustrator’s pictures in ways you never would have imagined.
November 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Susie Sawyer
I need to make me a writing cave.
November 11, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Kirsten Carlson (@kirstencarlson)
I am curious if that’s the writer cave behind Drew…there’s some interesting stuff back there! Love the wind metaphor because it mixes well with a sailing motto I know: The wind is free. I totally relate to collecting ‘stuff’ that inspires me, and I like that Drew thinks of it as inspiration carried over from the creator (adopting that idea!). Another awesome post full of inspiration (I’m getting spoiled).
November 11, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Laurie L. Young
I struggle daily with the inspiration/time constraint/hard work paradigm. Good to hear how another deals with this, thanks!
November 11, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Laurie Young
Thank you so much for your blog. I found it pretty inspirational 🙂
November 11, 2013 at 7:33 pm
Brenda Harris
Looks like a very dark (feeling) writer’s cave. i think if I had one, it would be rather sunny and joyful. Interesting.
November 11, 2013 at 8:11 pm
Cathy C. Hall
So, yeah…I had to go look up homunculus–it’s amazing what you learn here during PiBoIdMo. 🙂
November 11, 2013 at 9:17 pm
Karen Mae Zoccoli
thanks for this post Drew, and I like your thoughts about your muse. Mine seems just as mischievous and unpredictable!
November 11, 2013 at 9:27 pm
dzipeto
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I could visualize both your cave and the elusive ideas just starting to show up.
Diana Zipeto
November 12, 2013 at 12:30 am
bucherwurm65
My writer’s cave is an attic office that is slowly filling up with my inspiring treasures. Thanks for the post, and if you find yourself in Cologne again- or Düsseldorf- I’ll fill a Bierstein for you!
November 12, 2013 at 7:00 am
erin
Thanks for sharing this, Drew!
November 12, 2013 at 9:56 am
Nancy Churnin
Drew, thank you for your post and for your book, The Day the Crayons Quit. I hope your crayons have appreciated the effort you made for understanding on their behalf and are supporting your next creation with equal passion and fun.
November 12, 2013 at 10:04 am
wendymyersart
Oh, now I feel like redecorating my cave! I actually love my weird all green room (ceiling is green,too!). It’s oddly inspirational, and I don’t even really like green all that much. But it glows and somehow inspires. Thanks for the inspirational post.
November 12, 2013 at 12:19 pm
Ann Birnie
Ann Birnie – So true Drew about those inspirational snipits being so fleeting and elusive. I practically sleep on a piece of paper and pen so I can write it down before it flits away. One of these days I’ll find something written on the bed sheet, but that hasn’t happened yet and sometimes in the morning I can’t read what I wrote. Ann
November 12, 2013 at 3:09 pm
katemeixner
The title of your book is genius… I already know I would love it!
November 12, 2013 at 10:04 pm
Shannon Abercrombie
I keep telling myself, “Someday I’ll have a writing room all to myself.” For now, while my littles are running wildly through the house, that private space is measured in a few hours a couple times a week at coffee shops and book stores. But someday…
November 13, 2013 at 12:18 am
klmcmorranmaus
I love the idea of creating a writing cave. I only have a nook now. Thank you for sharing.
November 13, 2013 at 2:45 am
Perfecting Motherhood
Oh, I wish I could dedicate one of the rooms in my house to be an art room or a writing room. My kids LOVE The day the crayons quit, by the way. Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations all in crayons are a perfect match to the story.
November 13, 2013 at 11:37 am
Lynn Ann Carol
When I checked out your book from the library, the librarian said, “Oh, this is a really popular book.” Somehow that doesn’t surprise me.
Lynn
November 13, 2013 at 10:28 pm
MichelleLynn
It is always fascinating to explore where other people create. My area is small but mine. I surround myself with sentimental mementos that remind myself who I am and where I came from. Thanks for sharing.
November 14, 2013 at 2:42 am
angiekarcher
I totally Understand Drew…my muse always shows up when I can’t find a pen, pencil, crayon or anything to write with…Thanks for sharing your process!
November 15, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Donna L Martin
Hi Drew!
I actually call my “writing cave” my sanctuary because I’m the only one allowed in that room for more than 5 minutes. It’s light and airy and filled with all kinds of beachy things from a sand castle tart burner to the sand and seashells scattered across the mantle with a huge Yankee Candle with the scent of…you guessed it…Sun and Sand…
Great post!
Donna L Martin
November 15, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Kathryn Ault Noble
Catch that fickle muse, Drew, and put her in a 19th century box! Thanks for giving me permission to be a “collector” of all things not so bright and beautiful. Like my flat toad. Roadkill.
November 16, 2013 at 10:53 pm
Dana Atnip
My muse is also a bit of a tease but I’m always thankful for the visits, no matter where they may be or how long! Sounds like you have quite an interesting writer’s cave! My collection of toys is not quite as exotic (Toys R Us, anyone?)
November 17, 2013 at 10:00 am
Jewel Sample
I love being surrounded by things children play with, such as ABC blocks, dolls, a school bus, cars, trucks and airplanes and of course Mickey Mouse. Like a windsock hung in an open space, one never knows which way the wind will lean against it and give you an new perspective about the moment…the set up makes the difference…Thank you for sharing what sparks your muse.
November 19, 2013 at 2:08 am
Dani Duck
I would love, love, love to have my own room to write and draw in. That’s ages away, but still something to dream about. I’ll have one some day! Yours sounds awesome!
November 20, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Priya Gopal
Easy…easy..easy….when things don’t go well
November 22, 2013 at 1:29 am
Amelia Shearer
“I can’t control it any more than I can control the wind. It comes, it breezes through, and it’s gone again. … the only thing I can do is put myself in a place where I know the wind blows.” I loved reading this tonight – it had the feel of sitting by a fire reading a melancholic memoir, and it reminded why I love the written language. Thanks!
November 22, 2013 at 9:19 am
littledbl
Love your book! Thanks for sharing your Man Cave.
November 24, 2013 at 5:11 pm
Debbie Faith Mickelson
Sometimes ideas are a slight wind and on occasion if you’re lucky, a gust comes through.
November 29, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Tracey Jackson
Great ideas! Have ordered my copy of “The Day the Crayons Quit.’ Brilliant idea. Thought you might like to know it was recommended by a local indie bookseller at a recent dinner that I attended in Sydney a few weeks ago! Good news travels far but I heard about first here on PiBoIdMO! All the best with it.
November 30, 2013 at 9:24 am
Jeanette
Love The Day the Crayons Quit! Thank you!
November 30, 2013 at 11:50 am
carolmunrojww
Yep. Sometimes atmosphere draws in the muse. I have a friend who’d love to redecorate my office (read: make it a “House Beautiful” professional and efficient space), but I need those piles of rocks and the stick that look like a snake and that little Fat Albert figure and the Shrek ears on my clock and…
November 30, 2013 at 9:18 pm
Matthew C. Winner
“a creative construct that, when done, hopefully recreates the same rush of excitement that I originally felt at the moment of inspiration.” I love that! Thanks for all you do, Drew! And especially for The Day the Crayons Quit and for making sure to include a naked crayon. That gets the kids every time!
December 1, 2013 at 1:15 pm
blanchebaxter
Excellent suggestions! The Day the Crayons Quit! is hilarious, I just had another read-a-loud of it! Thanks!
December 2, 2013 at 11:39 pm
Laurie J. Edwards
Thanks for the great ideas!