November 10, 2013 6:30 am
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.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: PiBoIdMo 2013, Picture Books
Tags: Drew Daywalt, The Day the Crayons Quit
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Your writing room sounds very interesting. Thanks for reminding me that some of the objects I’ve collected could be a source of inspiration.
By Andrea on November 10, 2013 at 6:38 am
That is one awesome writing cave, and some pretty cool travels too! Thanks for sharing.
By Elaine Kiely Kearns on November 10, 2013 at 7:53 am
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!
By bleedraper on November 10, 2013 at 7:57 am
Oops…empathise that should be. Long day! 🙂
By bleedraper on November 10, 2013 at 7:59 am
So very cool! Love this – and may have to imitate it to some degree. Thanks so much for sharing!
By Joanne Sher on November 10, 2013 at 8:01 am
Writer cave. Yay! Thanks, Drew. Find that muse.
By Sue Poduska on November 10, 2013 at 8:04 am
Where’s the picture of the writing cave? How neat to be inspired by your travels and collections!
By Tina Cho on November 10, 2013 at 8:04 am
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.
By Janet Smart on November 10, 2013 at 8:07 am
Sounds like a wonderful place!!!
I want to see a picture too!
By Deirdre Sheridan Englehart on November 10, 2013 at 8:13 am
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!
By Freckled Daisy Creations on November 10, 2013 at 8:18 am
I love to travel too. I never thought about surrounding myself with my travel items (for inspiration) though.
By lindaschueler on November 10, 2013 at 8:23 am
Thanks, Drew, for a “zoo-full of creative thoughts”.
By teresamis on November 10, 2013 at 8:31 am
I loved The Day The Crayons Quit! Now I know they were born in a cave! Thanks for sharing!
By Barbara Messinger on November 10, 2013 at 9:08 am
Amen to the fleeting moments of inspiration and what an awesome way to capture it! Thanks Drew!
By Margie Moore on November 10, 2013 at 9:08 am
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.
By aliciaminor on November 10, 2013 at 9:12 am
I love The Day the Crayons Quit. Hilarious! I’m glad the inspiration-wind blew through that day.
By Genevieve Petrillo on November 10, 2013 at 9:18 am
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!
By Pat Haapaniemi on November 10, 2013 at 9:22 am
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.
By Claudia B. on November 10, 2013 at 9:26 am
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.
By Jennifer Kaplan on November 10, 2013 at 9:29 am
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!
By storyfairy on November 10, 2013 at 9:32 am
I’m in love with your Crayon book! So clever! 😀
By Pam Jones on November 10, 2013 at 9:46 am
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!
By Sandy Perlic on November 10, 2013 at 9:48 am
Thanks for the peek into the cave and creative process!
By Heather Greene on November 10, 2013 at 10:01 am
“…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!
By cherylsec on November 10, 2013 at 10:08 am
What a great idea to get all the interesting knick nacks together for inspiration. I’m going hunting.
By Catherine Johnson on November 10, 2013 at 10:09 am
Crayons is sheer genius! Congrats on all its well deserved success.
By supermario6 on November 10, 2013 at 10:21 am
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.
By Mary McClellan on November 10, 2013 at 10:23 am
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
By Teresa Daffern on November 10, 2013 at 10:27 am
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!
By heather sisson on November 10, 2013 at 10:32 am
Thanks for the inspiring post!
By LovableLobo on November 10, 2013 at 10:39 am
Some great ideas about finding the place where that wind is gonna blow. Thanks!
By Christy Mihaly on November 10, 2013 at 10:43 am
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.
By Pia Garneau on November 10, 2013 at 10:46 am
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…
By Mary Jo on November 10, 2013 at 10:51 am
Great inspirational ideas! Thank you .
By Patricia Holloway on November 10, 2013 at 10:52 am
Drew, if you focus on specifics it will make for better writing. Good luck.
By Patrick Waldron on November 10, 2013 at 11:10 am
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!
By Amelia Shearer on November 22, 2013 at 1:09 am
well this place sounds rather scary…
and just thinking about it
I think my sweet muse has striked ! 😉
Thanks ! 😉
By nicole snitselaar on November 10, 2013 at 11:13 am
two ideas… Thank You Drew…
In fact reading these articles, each different, interesting
is an inspiring place to come ! 🙂
By nicole snitselaar on November 10, 2013 at 11:29 am
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 🙂
By Susan Cabael on November 10, 2013 at 11:14 am
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.
By LeeAnn Jensen on November 10, 2013 at 11:23 am
Thanks for sharing. Sounds like a great place you’ve created.
By Eileen on November 10, 2013 at 11:35 am
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.
By Loni Edwards (@LoniEdwards) on November 10, 2013 at 11:44 am
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.
By saputnam on November 10, 2013 at 11:45 am
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.
By danielledufayet on November 10, 2013 at 11:54 am
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*
By Robyn Campbell on November 10, 2013 at 11:59 am
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!
By Theanna on November 10, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Thank you, drew. I love the idea of being a world builder!
By Tracy Molitors on November 10, 2013 at 12:10 pm
I’m loving the cave idea! I collect things for my studio that inspire me so I enjoy reading that others do something similar!
By creationsbymit on November 10, 2013 at 12:15 pm
Magic. Brilliant. We thank your muse.
By marciecolleen on November 10, 2013 at 12:18 pm
Drew, thank you for the inspiring post. Love the idea of storing inspiration in your room. Maybe we could bottle it!
By Janie Reinart on November 10, 2013 at 12:30 pm
I am a big fan of crayons. Thanks for the inspiration!
By katmaz2012 on November 10, 2013 at 12:34 pm
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.
By Debbie Austin on November 10, 2013 at 12:36 pm
Thanks for the great post…now to build my inspiring space.
By kirsticall on November 10, 2013 at 12:45 pm
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.
By Ellen Mott on November 10, 2013 at 12:48 pm
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. 🙂
By Laura Lowman Murray on November 10, 2013 at 1:01 pm
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!
By danacarey1 on November 10, 2013 at 1:11 pm
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
By Suzy Leopold on November 10, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Thanks for the post, Drew. Need to read your book; the title is fantastic.
By Marty McCormick on November 10, 2013 at 1:32 pm
Oh, how I would love to have an inspiration cave of my own! Thanks for the wonderful post.
By Denise Bowman on November 10, 2013 at 1:57 pm
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.
By Yvonne Mes on November 10, 2013 at 2:16 pm
THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT is a gem! Thanks for sharing!
By Alicia van Thiel on November 10, 2013 at 2:23 pm
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.
By Lynn A. Davidson on November 10, 2013 at 2:27 pm
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.
By Stella Jane Stauffer on November 10, 2013 at 2:32 pm
Thanks for sharing about your source of inspiration. Congrats on your book, THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT.
By Sherry Walz on November 10, 2013 at 2:33 pm
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.
By MSackman on November 10, 2013 at 2:37 pm
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.
By Joanne Roberts on November 10, 2013 at 3:15 pm
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.
By Danielle Heitmuller on November 10, 2013 at 3:32 pm
I love my writing cave. The Day the Crayons Quit is such a fun book.
By renajtraxel on November 10, 2013 at 3:39 pm
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.
By Lori Dubbin on November 10, 2013 at 3:47 pm
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.
By Melanie Vickers on November 10, 2013 at 3:56 pm
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.:)
By viviankirkfield on November 10, 2013 at 4:07 pm
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.
By Juliana Lee on November 10, 2013 at 4:33 pm
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.
By Rick Starkey on November 10, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Fun post. Thanks for sharing.
By Ashley Bankhead on November 10, 2013 at 4:43 pm
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.
By RaChelle Lisiecki on November 10, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Wonderful post! And wonderful title for a PB. Can’t wait to read it!
By Jen DuBose on November 10, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Your writer’s cave sounds fascinating. I’m glad it helps to inspire you.
By Dorothy Wiese on November 10, 2013 at 5:03 pm
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.
By Melanie Ellsworth on November 10, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Great post, Drew. Travel — be it armchair or real time — is truly a great inspiration.Thanks for the post (card).
By Stephanie Shaw on November 10, 2013 at 6:10 pm
I love “The day the Crayons Quit! Great words of inspiration, too,
By Debra on November 10, 2013 at 6:53 pm
Love love LOVE The Day The Crayons Quit. Loved this post, too. Thanks!
By Kelly Ramsdell Fineman on November 10, 2013 at 7:00 pm
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.
By SevenAcreSky on November 10, 2013 at 7:01 pm
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,
By svaisnoras on November 10, 2013 at 7:06 pm
Enjoyed your post. Thanks for letting us in on how your writing process works.
By Susan Nicholas on November 10, 2013 at 7:14 pm
I want a writing cave, too!!!
By Christine M. Irvin on November 10, 2013 at 7:25 pm
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.
By Kaye Baillie on November 10, 2013 at 7:26 pm
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.
By Gaye Kick on November 10, 2013 at 7:29 pm
I have always wanted my own writing space. Right now, it’s the kitchen table, but someday…
By kpbock on November 10, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Love this: “without so much as a note on my pillow.” I have felt that way often!
THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT is genius!
By Penny Parker Klostermann on November 10, 2013 at 8:09 pm
My library purchased The Day the Crayons Quit a few weeks ago. Great book, super clever! Keep those books coming Drew!
By Lauri on November 10, 2013 at 8:20 pm
There’s emotional attachment to the things you’ve collected. Must be why it works.
By lindamartinandersen on November 10, 2013 at 8:30 pm
Inspiration is everywhere – too bad we can’t harness it 🙂 Great post
By writeknit on November 10, 2013 at 8:31 pm
A writing room, surrounded by inspiring and interesting artifacts and collections from travels, is a great idea! Thanks for the inspiring post. 🙂
By Jill Siegel on November 10, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Congrats on your book, Drew!
Your post inspired me to look around my writing cave and viola!
Ideas abound!
By Lori Mozdzierz on November 10, 2013 at 8:49 pm
I also have my whimsical figures to inspire. Thanks for the article!
By vijikc on November 10, 2013 at 9:35 pm
Reading this post is even better because I had Drew’s inspiration and a workshop with Tara in one day! Yay!
By Wendy Greenley on November 10, 2013 at 9:52 pm
So lucky that you’ve got your own writing cave. Sounds awesome! Love THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT!
By Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill) on November 10, 2013 at 9:56 pm
Eeee! saw that book in the bookstore and it made me giggle
By Lucy on November 10, 2013 at 9:57 pm
This gives me ideas for all those little souvenirs I have stored away in a box in my closet.
By Jessie Oliveros on November 10, 2013 at 10:46 pm
Thanks for the reminder to invite the muse by having a space worthy of a visit!
By amievc on November 11, 2013 at 12:17 am
Travel and souvenirs do give inspiration.
By lje1 on November 11, 2013 at 12:22 am
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.
By Sandie Sing on November 11, 2013 at 1:36 am
thanks so much for your ideas!
By dee win on November 11, 2013 at 2:57 am
Cool! Your writing room sounds great! I need one! 😉
By thiskidreviewsbooks on November 11, 2013 at 7:26 am
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.
By Leslee Anne Hewson on November 11, 2013 at 7:38 am
Interesting take on creative inspiration and things that help.
By RadSheri on November 11, 2013 at 8:04 am
Thanks for providing humorous and helpful suggestions. I like your ideas about receiving inspirations but the rest of the story requires work and revisions.
By Therese Nagi on November 11, 2013 at 8:55 am
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!!!!!
By fashionistaphilly.tumblr.org on November 11, 2013 at 9:49 am
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!
By Quinn Cole on November 11, 2013 at 10:35 am
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!
By Marcy P. on November 11, 2013 at 10:45 am
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.
By nimbooz on November 11, 2013 at 11:39 am
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.
By Kathy Cornell Berman on November 11, 2013 at 11:45 am
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!
By Linda on November 11, 2013 at 12:19 pm
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.
By laurimeyers on November 11, 2013 at 12:23 pm
I need to make me a writing cave.
By Susie Sawyer on November 11, 2013 at 12:45 pm
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).
By Kirsten Carlson (@kirstencarlson) on November 11, 2013 at 1:02 pm
I struggle daily with the inspiration/time constraint/hard work paradigm. Good to hear how another deals with this, thanks!
By Laurie L. Young on November 11, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Thank you so much for your blog. I found it pretty inspirational 🙂
By Laurie Young on November 11, 2013 at 4:39 pm
Looks like a very dark (feeling) writer’s cave. i think if I had one, it would be rather sunny and joyful. Interesting.
By Brenda Harris on November 11, 2013 at 7:33 pm
So, yeah…I had to go look up homunculus–it’s amazing what you learn here during PiBoIdMo. 🙂
By Cathy C. Hall on November 11, 2013 at 8:11 pm
thanks for this post Drew, and I like your thoughts about your muse. Mine seems just as mischievous and unpredictable!
By Karen Mae Zoccoli on November 11, 2013 at 9:17 pm
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I could visualize both your cave and the elusive ideas just starting to show up.
Diana Zipeto
By dzipeto on November 11, 2013 at 9:27 pm
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!
By bucherwurm65 on November 12, 2013 at 12:30 am
Thanks for sharing this, Drew!
By erin on November 12, 2013 at 7:00 am
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.
By Nancy Churnin on November 12, 2013 at 9:56 am
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.
By wendymyersart on November 12, 2013 at 10:04 am
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
By Ann Birnie on November 12, 2013 at 12:19 pm
The title of your book is genius… I already know I would love it!
By katemeixner on November 12, 2013 at 3:09 pm
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…
By Shannon Abercrombie on November 12, 2013 at 10:04 pm
I love the idea of creating a writing cave. I only have a nook now. Thank you for sharing.
By klmcmorranmaus on November 13, 2013 at 12:18 am
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.
By Perfecting Motherhood on November 13, 2013 at 2:45 am
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
By Lynn Ann Carol on November 13, 2013 at 11:37 am
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.
By MichelleLynn on November 13, 2013 at 10:28 pm
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!
By angiekarcher on November 14, 2013 at 2:42 am
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
By Donna L Martin on November 15, 2013 at 1:10 pm
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.
By Kathryn Ault Noble on November 15, 2013 at 3:45 pm
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?)
By Dana Atnip on November 16, 2013 at 10:53 pm
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.
By Jewel Sample on November 17, 2013 at 10:00 am
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!
By Dani Duck on November 19, 2013 at 2:08 am
Easy…easy..easy….when things don’t go well
By Priya Gopal on November 20, 2013 at 9:13 pm
“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!
By Amelia Shearer on November 22, 2013 at 1:29 am
Love your book! Thanks for sharing your Man Cave.
By littledbl on November 22, 2013 at 9:19 am
Sometimes ideas are a slight wind and on occasion if you’re lucky, a gust comes through.
By Debbie Faith Mickelson on November 24, 2013 at 5:11 pm
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.
By Tracey Jackson on November 29, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Love The Day the Crayons Quit! Thank you!
By Jeanette on November 30, 2013 at 9:24 am
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…
By carolmunrojww on November 30, 2013 at 11:50 am
“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!
By Matthew C. Winner on November 30, 2013 at 9:18 pm
Excellent suggestions! The Day the Crayons Quit! is hilarious, I just had another read-a-loud of it! Thanks!
By blanchebaxter on December 1, 2013 at 1:15 pm
Thanks for the great ideas!
By Laurie J. Edwards on December 2, 2013 at 11:39 pm