by Anne Marie PaceNovember 16, 2013 9:40 am
Bad news for me: Tara asked me to write about inspiration. I’m not sure if it’s the dreary November weather or my travel-fried brain, but I feel neither inspired nor inspiring.
Good news for you: You don’t need me, not when you’ve got the collective human experience at your fingertips. When I type the word “inspiration” into Google, I get over 130,000,000 hits. Everything you could possibly want is there: dictionary definitions, memorable quotations from Eleanor Roosevelt and the Dalai Lama, Scripture verses, YouTube videos of TED talks, and, last but certainly not least, Kid President.
Lest you think I’m making excuses to avoid writing about inspiration, I’m not. I am going to write. It’s just that I’ve decided to tell you that it’s okay not to feel inspired.
I’ve learned that for me, writing has little to do with inspiration and everything to do with hard work. Don’t get me wrong–there IS inspiration, if you define inspiration as the source of those ideas that seem to come out of nowhere, and I’m happy when those moments come. But that kind of inspiration comes in fits and snatches, and flits away as quickly as it comes.
That word Inspiration is a tricky one. Define it too narrowly, in the sense that Inspiration conjures up Muses and magic and sparkly things, and you might be setting yourself up to wait far too long between productive writing times.
Of course, there’s another way to see inspiration other than as the occasional blessing from a capricious Muse. Let’s define “inspiration” as “something that makes you put your butt in the chair.” (Butt In Chair, or BIC, as you probably know, is from Jane Yolen.)
Here are some things that make me sit my writerly butt down:
Hope
When I started writing, almost all submissions and responses were handled via the U.S. Postal Service. More days than not, nothing came in the mail. Nevertheless, that moment of reaching for the mailbox door every day and pulling it open always felt happy and hopeful. And sometimes there was something lovely in there! I like that hopeful feeling (even though these days I get it when I check CallerID to see if it’s my agent) and I don’t get to have it if I don’t do the work first.
Deadlines
My 18-year-old daughter, faced with a looming deadline the other night for one of her college applications, whipped out an essay in about forty-five minutes, and it was actually quite good. Deadlines mean you don’t have the luxury of feeling inspired; you just have to do the work.
The Ticking Clock
I’m not old-old; I’m not even sure I’m quite in the middle-aged category. But I probably have fewer days ahead of me than I have behind me. As Rabbi Hillel said, “If not now, when?” I’m pretty sure he wasn’t referring to me finishing my hippo manuscript, but it works for me.
My Kids
My four teenagers may think they’re too old for picture books (though they respectfully read mine when I ask them) but they definitely are not too old to see me setting and reaching new goals. When I feel like quitting (generally because I’m depending on a visit from a Muse who has taken off on a one-way trip to Tahiti) I remember I don’t want my kids to see me quit. They can see me struggle, and they can see me change my direction, but I don’t want them to see me quit.
Kid Readers
This. Yes. More addictive—and more important—than chocolate to my writerly soul.
This list is incomplete, of course. I didn’t list the embarrassing ones or the ones I should probably save for a therapist. (I own those; I just don’t think you need or want to read about them.) I’m curious—what’s on your list? What inspires you to sit down and write when your Muse is on Mars?
Despite the oft-quoted adage to write what you know, Anne Marie Pace has never been a bear, a vampire, or a ballerina. She is the author of NEVER EVER TALK TO STRANGERS and A TEACHER FOR BEAR, both published by Scholastic Book Clubs; and the VAMPIRINA BALLERINA series, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, published by Disney-Hyperion. Someday, she hopes to write books about what she does know: whistling, baking blue-ribbon-winning chocolate chip cookies, and schlepping teenagers around in a minivan, if she can find a way to make any of that interesting. She lives with her family in Virginia. Visit Anne Marie online at AnneMariePace.com or the Vampirina Ballerina Facebook page at Facebook.com/VampirinaBallerina.
Posted by Tara Lazar
Categories: PiBoIdMo 2013, Picture Books
Tags: A Teacher for Bear, Anne Marie Pace, Never Ever Talk to Strangers, Vampirina Ballerina
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Very nice post! Thank you for showing us your perspective for writing.
By Patricia Holloway on November 16, 2013 at 9:44 am
You may not have been feeling it but you, and this post, are definitely inspirational. Thanks!
By taracreel on November 16, 2013 at 9:47 am
Great post. Inspiration often turns on the engine but the butt-in-chair gets the real work done.
By Vikk Simmons on November 16, 2013 at 9:48 am
My inspiration? Obviously the children, being both a mother and teacher. But as for my quirky and perhaps troubling inspiration… the hope that I can someday breathe life into these little characters and get them out of my head and into the hands of a child. “Be free, little guy. Go live your life!”
By MichelleLynn on November 16, 2013 at 9:55 am
Really enjoyed this! If not now, when – what a great line!
By Pat Haapaniemi on November 16, 2013 at 9:56 am
Not wanting your kids to see you quit — that one inspired me!
By Anne Bielby on November 16, 2013 at 10:03 am
Thanks for stepping outside of the inspiration box to tell how it’s really like for you. I’m with you…I’m not a quitter, still have hope, and I work better with deadlines-not that I have many, but it’s the truth of the matter! Inspiring post!
By mona on November 16, 2013 at 10:08 am
Ack! Long comment didn’t post–dang. Anyway, loved your post, Anne Marie! I hear you on that ticking clock!
By Laura Purdie Salas on November 16, 2013 at 10:18 am
Inspiration runs in bits and spurts for me. Good to know that I am not alone and that it is not an excuse to stop writing when I am feeling uninspired.
By MSackman on November 16, 2013 at 10:20 am
love it -“if not now, when?” great inspiration. Than you, Anne Marie
By helen dening on November 16, 2013 at 10:23 am
It is so true. I find that the inspiration most often comes when I put BIC instead of waiting on a temperamental muse. 🙂 Thank you for sharing with us today!
By cherylsec on November 16, 2013 at 10:24 am
I never really thought about why I’m much more focused at the last minute, so I really like your line, “Deadlines mean you don’t have the luxury of feeling inspired; you just have to do the work.” Even though that works for me, I know more BIC is in order!
By Susan Cabael on November 16, 2013 at 10:25 am
My inspiration sometimes comes doing something mundane and outside the box (or walls, as the case may be) — even if it’s a ten minute walk, looking around at this wonderful world we inhabit, invariably something will strike me as a gem and send me briskly toward home to slam it down on paper. There. I did it. Thanks and good luck everyone!
By Courtenay Schurman on November 16, 2013 at 10:26 am
Glad to discover you work and your inspiration ! 😉
Thanks !
By nicole snitselaar on November 16, 2013 at 10:27 am
Thanks for your very “real” logical insights! “Never give up” is my mantra!
By LovableLobo on November 16, 2013 at 10:28 am
That ticking clock . . .
By Linda Gammon on November 16, 2013 at 10:33 am
THANK YOU FOR THIS POST! Yes, I was yelling. 😉 I can so relate…
If not now – when sounds like the great line of Do or do not, there is not try. 🙂
And not letting you kids quit! Yes! Yes! YES! I have struggled, cried, fussed, threw a tantrum (it was a little one), but never quit!
Happy Writing!
By Tracey M. Cox on November 16, 2013 at 10:48 am
Good reminder to just work. Love it.
Cheers
Suzanne
By Suzanne kaufman on November 16, 2013 at 10:59 am
Thanks for letting us in on what works for you. I often find it difficult to find the time to write, be inspired & finish some of my stories. Your post and all the others this month are helping me refocus my passion to write.
By Susan Nicholas on November 16, 2013 at 11:05 am
“Butt in the chair”…yep, that’s the main one. 😀
By Pam Jones on November 16, 2013 at 11:10 am
Great post, Anne Marie! I guess both our Muses like warm spots to relax in… yours goes to Tahiti and mine can be found on the beach at Cancun sipping strawberry margaritas : )
My inspiration? Mother Nature and my cats, as they never grow old. I have never been great at deadlines, but realize that it’s something that I must contend with if I am ever going to progress in this crazy world of agents and publishing.
I love the line, “If not now, when” as it fits right in with a motto of Norman Vaughan’s that I try to live by which is, “Dream Big and Dare to Fail!”
Norman was the chief dog driver on the 1928 expedition to the South Pole with Admiral Bird. To honor Norman for his contributions Admiral Byrd named a mountain after him and on December 16, 1994, three days shy of his 89th birthday, Norman fulfilled a lifelong dream. He climbed Mount Vaughan, a 10,302′ Antarctic peak. Norman also took part in 13 Iditarod’s, running his first Iditarod at age 72. He completed 6 with his last finish being in 1990 at the age of 84. Can you imagine crossing 1,000 miles of Alaska by dog sled at 84?
By saputnam on November 16, 2013 at 11:13 am
Got to show up and do the work. Butt in chair. Loved the post!
By Nancy Armo on November 16, 2013 at 11:34 am
This post was too inspiring! Trust me on that. I agree that hard work is the #1 item that comes with writing. Before muse (what is that anyway) and inspiration comes the work. Hard work! Great job. Well, I’d better get back to it! 🙂
P.S. Tick tock, tick tock!
By Robyn Campbell on November 16, 2013 at 11:36 am
Until now I thought a BIC was just a pen that leaked ink over my fingers. Now I find its an assistant to leaking ink over a piece of paper.
By Robb Michael G on November 16, 2013 at 11:38 am
I think its that I feel truly alive when I’m writing.and exhilarated when something special strikes. That gets my BIC. Great post Anne Marie xx
By MummyTheFunny (@EmiHowe) on November 16, 2013 at 11:43 am
Great post! Thanks so much for the extra inspiration this morning!
By Sophia Mallonée (@SophiaMallonee) on November 16, 2013 at 11:43 am
This is very inspiring for us to find the PiBoIdMo magic long after it is over.
By Catherine Johnson on November 16, 2013 at 11:43 am
Great post! You are an inspiration! Hard work is definitely a must if we want to write. Thanks for sharing!
By Theanna on November 16, 2013 at 11:47 am
Deadlines definitely “inspire” me to write too! I also like what you said about missing out on those hopeful moments at the mailbox and on the caller ID if you know you haven’t done anything to warrant a yes in awhile. So true.
By Shannon Anderson on November 16, 2013 at 11:48 am
Thanks for asking me to think about what it is, Anne Marie. I guess joy is what gets me in the chair. I couldn’t do it otherwise. It fills me up. And most of the time that’s inspiration enough!
By julie rowan zoch on November 16, 2013 at 11:53 am
Love this post. It really is important to do the work. But the work makes it worth it.
By Ashley Bankhead on November 16, 2013 at 11:56 am
I love your Rabbi Hillel quote, “If not now, when?” He may not have been thinking about PiBoIdMo either but it works for me, at least as a start. Thank you for sharing what “inspires you to sit down when your Muse is on Mars.” “Hope, kids, and kid readers” are high on my list too.
By Lori Dubbin on November 16, 2013 at 11:58 am
What inspires me to put BIC is my own legacy making…I hope others see in me that I love deeply, laugh heartily, and do my best writing now. Never giving up and more often than not, meeting the challenges or new directions that come my way as an adventure not a curse, eventually arriving with a worthy story in hand.
By Jewel Sample on November 16, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Anne Marie, thanks for the great post. I love to write so much it’s harder to get me out of my chair than into it. When I don’t have fresh inspiration, I know it’s time for working on my list of ideas or revising existing drafts.
By Nancy Churnin on November 16, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Thanks. I am not feeling very inspired these days, so this post definitely helped.
By lindaschueler on November 16, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Deadlines always make me work- and doing without the distracting thinking because its DUE produces the best solutions in my work. Someone sitting and conversing with me also gets me going.
By Dawnyelle on November 16, 2013 at 12:05 pm
Thanks Ann Marie! In need of some serious BIC!
By Heather Greene on November 16, 2013 at 12:10 pm
I like the image of the counter-clockwise clock, “Seilf Emit”. Your post actually is inspiring, and has given me much food for thought. Thanks, Anne Marie!
By Alicia Schwab on November 16, 2013 at 12:13 pm
HI Anne Marie, Thank you for the post. What inspires me is spending time with my 11 grandchildren. They say the darndest things 🙂
By Janie Reinart on November 16, 2013 at 12:22 pm
Loved this post ~ especially the part about not quitting because of your kids! I know this feeling well. 🙂
By Deb Dudley on November 16, 2013 at 12:24 pm
Deadlines, ticking clocks, and kids are all inspiration for me to do my “time in the chair.” I think the more time I spend in the chair, the more likely it is that inspiration will grace me with a visit!
By Carol Nelson on November 16, 2013 at 12:30 pm
BIC…I show up…If not now, when? Love these. Thanks, Ann Marie and all the other guest posters so far for your inspiration!
By Laura Lowman Murray on November 16, 2013 at 12:32 pm
Thanks for the encouragement – I was feeling exceptionally uninspired this morning :^ )
By Dana Schlingman on November 16, 2013 at 12:46 pm
Thank you for inspiring me to…get back to work!
I blogged about where I am at the halfway point here:
http://gailmakiwilson.blogspot.com/2013/11/piboidmo-paticipant.html
By gail maki wilson on November 16, 2013 at 12:51 pm
A ticking clock as a reminder of looming deadlines can certainly be encouraging to get the job done and words on the paper. And most importantly kids and grands are all so full of inspiration. Thank you for the inspiration that you shared with us. ~Suzy Leopold
By Suzy Leopold on November 16, 2013 at 12:54 pm
Waking up to a quote from Rabbi Hillel–thank you! I think the first of that quote is also an inspiration, and easily applies to us as writers: “If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?”
By LeslieG on November 16, 2013 at 12:56 pm
That was inspiring, Anne! What is putting my BIC right now is your #2, Deadlines!
By jheitman22 on November 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm
I write for the joy of it; I write to get an idea out of my head that has been haunting and/or singing to me! Thanks, Anne, for your honesty about the Muse & BIC!!!
By kathalsey on November 16, 2013 at 1:07 pm
Great post! I love those moments of inspiration, but what I love more is the BIC time when something great happens even in the absence of the muse.
By laurazarrin on November 16, 2013 at 1:08 pm
BIC… Got it! Thanks!!
By Deirdre Englehart on November 16, 2013 at 1:15 pm
I guess what inspires me to sit down and get to work when I don’t feel like it is knowing that I’ll feel better when I’m working and even better when I’m done.
By danacarey1 on November 16, 2013 at 1:21 pm
I felt inspired by your quirky comment to leave some things for your therapist…. genius!
By Juliana Lee on November 16, 2013 at 1:24 pm
My accountability partner is a HUGE motivator for me. When I give myself goals, and tell her about them, I automatically DON’T wanna report back that I haven’t done what I said I wanted to.And, of course, I love writing and coming up with ideas (most of the time, anyway LOL).
Thanks for this post!
By Joanne Sher on November 16, 2013 at 1:24 pm
Deadlines work best for me. IfI need to et anything one, I make up my own deadline date. It works or me. Thanks for sharing your tips.
By Sandie Sing on November 16, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Great post! My daughter loved VAMPIRE BALLERINA! My kids and my ego are great motivators for me. The idea that I have to do something worthwhile, and writing, while difficult, feels right.
By Pam Brunskill (@PamBrunskill) on November 16, 2013 at 1:30 pm
I was going very strong receiving ideas for Piboidmo; getting more than one idea every day the first week. I was up to 20 ideas by Nov 11, but then the inspiration just stopped – DEAD! I had a big project at my day job that took all my focus and left me with nothing but heartburn, a desire to retire and wondering if I really want to write for children or anyone for that matter. So Anne thank you for your post, it reminded me that, intellectually, I know that my muse has not left for Tahiti or Cancun. She is still here as she always is with a universe full of ideas. Enough ideas for me, for everyone in this group, and every writer until the end of time. As I take the time to write, even if it isn’t “inspired” writing, the veil between my muse and me will be lifted again as it has so many times before.
By Gaye Kick on November 16, 2013 at 1:33 pm
My IPad eliminates letters when typing. This is what it was suppose to say. “Deadlines work best for me. If I need to get anything done, I make up my own deadline date. It works for me. Thanks for sharing!”
By Sandie Sing on November 16, 2013 at 1:34 pm
Nice post, Anne Marie. Thanks for sharing!
By Sue Poduska on November 16, 2013 at 1:44 pm
My inspiration is my grandchildren: the things they do and say; and their boundless energy. Doing daily writing warm-up exercises, sometimes causes unexpected inspiration.
By Ellen Mott on November 16, 2013 at 1:54 pm
Butt in chair – that is what I need to say to myself every day!
By kpbock on November 16, 2013 at 1:55 pm
It gives me encouragement to know that I’m not alone in the “Inspiration Desert”. Thanks for reminding me that nothing, not even inspiration, takes the place of the hard work.
By Sherry Walz on November 16, 2013 at 2:16 pm
I just knew I didn’t need a Muse. Thanks, Anne Marie.
By teresa m.i. schaefer (@TMISchaefer) on November 16, 2013 at 2:27 pm
I work with a combination of inspiration and discipline. Writing while inspired is fun; writing (and rewriting) to make sure there are fruits of that inspiration is absolutely necessary. It helps that my husband writes poetry, too. But knowing that my own 18-year-old, herself a writer, is watching and that I’m setting an example for her to follow? REALLY big.
By Marianne Knowles on November 16, 2013 at 2:30 pm
I work with a combination of inspiration and discipline. Writing while inspired is fun; writing (and rewriting) to make sure there are fruits of that inspiration is absolutely necessary. It helps that my husband writes poetry, too. But knowing that my own 18-year-old, herself a writer, is watching and that I’m setting an example for her to follow? REALLY big.
By Marianne Knowles on November 16, 2013 at 2:30 pm
I love your inspirational list. All have a thread in my life. BIC begins everything for me. If I can just get to that point, the others have meaning when I hit the first computer key. Thanks for sharing your life.
By Melanie Vickers on November 16, 2013 at 2:31 pm
Wow! Thanks for the good, down-to-earth suggestions. I’m rewriting and revising a manuscript. Your “inspiration” helped.
By Dorothy Wiese on November 16, 2013 at 2:40 pm
I am just brimming with an idea right now. I loved reading this article by Anne Marie, and right at the end, when I read that one day she would like to write about things she does know, it just hit me. I have been trying to turn off my nurse brain to get a little more creative, but I just realised, I have to just go with it, and Shazzam. My best idea yet, which has a medical theme.
By Julie Grasso on November 16, 2013 at 2:47 pm
Anything goes
By katmaz2012 on November 16, 2013 at 2:54 pm
Thank you Anne Marie. Sometimes BIC is the only thing that works. . . .
By Debra Shumaker on November 16, 2013 at 3:18 pm
Today is my birthday. I am inspired by people appreciating me, by Nature around me, by music that soothes or lifts my soul, by writers who don’t give up. This post has inspired me, Anne Marie, because you get it that inspiration isn’t always there waiting to be easily grabbed onto, but it can be hiding for another time. Thank you. 🙂
By Lynn A. Davidson on November 16, 2013 at 3:22 pm
There are times… like the past week that I have had a hard time being inspired. I then found out, my reason was that I was pushing myself too hard to come up with ideas instead of letting them flow to me. Inspiration, I feel, comes from a state of mind. And so many things in life can lead you away from that. So today… I sat in my comfy chair… tea in hand and of course pencil and paper and before you knew it…. ideas started to flow. Relaxation is sometimes the key that opens that door to inspiration… 🙂
By Laurie Young on November 16, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Anne Marie — thank you for keeping it real. It is nice to know that successful writers have the same challenges as those of us who are just starting out. I will know not expect an ‘easy street’ as far as creativity goes, but will be prepared to do the hard work from here on in.
By Teresa Daffern on November 16, 2013 at 3:45 pm
Great stuff! Thanks!!
By Christine M. Irvin on November 16, 2013 at 3:45 pm
I’m inspired by my kids too. I keep them in mind as I’m thinking of things they would enjoy and trying to be a role model for working hard and not giving up! Thanks for your perspectives.
By amievc on November 16, 2013 at 3:53 pm
Wise words. And a nice reminder of why my butt needs to be in the chair.
By renajtraxel on November 16, 2013 at 4:02 pm
Thanks, Anne Marie! A wise, realistic reminder. The thing that gets me in my chair everyday is because I promised myself that I would, and I hate letting myself down!
By Tracy Molitors on November 16, 2013 at 4:07 pm
I, too, started writing when everything was done by mail, and I, too, now have teenagers. Reading your post gave me some hope today. Thanks!
By Cindy JOhnson on November 16, 2013 at 4:11 pm
I totally connected with the description of your life and inspiration, Anne Marie. There is a lot to be inspired by. Thanks for sharing your post.
By Wendy on November 16, 2013 at 4:20 pm
Thank you so much! This is great! It’s nice to know my muse isn’t the only one to take long vacations to places I want to go. When mine is gone I sometimes take a get away too. But mine consists of making some favorite craft, or going shopping at a book store or craft store. And watching my favorite inspiring movies.
Happy writing!
By LeeAnn Jensen on November 16, 2013 at 4:30 pm
“you just have to do the work.” Your quote on inspiration hits home.
Thank you for your post.
By Stella Jane Stauffer on November 16, 2013 at 4:30 pm
My inspiration? Wanting my words in the hands of young strangers some day (and grandchildren would be nice too).
By lmconnors on November 16, 2013 at 4:44 pm
This post has been a fabulous source of inspiration, though it isn’t about inspiration at all. Thank-you both.
By Joanne Roberts on November 16, 2013 at 4:44 pm
Thanks for your post. Spontaneous drawing and conversations with a three year old inventor about “flying machines”…always inspiring:)
By Alicia van Thiel on November 16, 2013 at 4:52 pm
My inspiration mostly comes from the calendar. Each morning it’s, “Hey. It’s a new day. I will write something today.” Done. I also started writing when US Mail was the way to go. I visualized and dreamed about that first acceptance letter. When it came it was a phone call – not a letter. Oh well. I don’t care if it’s a smoke signal, I’ll take it. I still continue to visualize that letter, though…..
By Genevieve Petrillo on November 16, 2013 at 5:07 pm
What inspires me is getting a call from my agent right smack dab in the middle of PiBoIdMo telling me an editor is laughing her head off in a cafe while reading one of my pb manuscripts and would I ‘consider revising a couple of places’ and resubmit? Well, heck YEAH! Now to that ‘sit down and work’ part you mentioned. Thanks, Anne!
By Stephanie Shaw on November 16, 2013 at 5:11 pm
I absolutely love this post! Thank you for your honesty 🙂
By Shanda McCloskey on November 16, 2013 at 5:17 pm
thanks for your post- the thing that got my BIC to write and submit my first picture book were words of encouragement from a stranger!
By dee win on November 16, 2013 at 5:25 pm
I was having a very hard time getting my butt in the chair, but a writer friend recently blogged about giving herself stars for writing and then rewards for accumulated stars. I guess (even as an adult) getting a star still inspires me because I set up a schedule and a star reward system and it’s getting my butt in the chair in a big way!!! So whatever it takes 🙂
What I do love about PiBoIdMo is seeing that I’m not the only writer who struggles with this and that I won’t always feel like writing. Like you, Anne Marie, there are things that motivate me. Hope and the ticking clock are two biggies.
By Penny Parker Klostermann on November 16, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Deadlines – sometimes my greatest encouragement to write 🙂 Thanks for the great post.
By writeknit on November 16, 2013 at 5:50 pm
All good ideas, all practical and useful, all important reminders. Love your idea of looking up the definition for ‘inspiration’. A treasure trove there alone.
By martymi6 on November 16, 2013 at 6:05 pm
You reiterated one of the most important lessons I learned when beginning to write–don’t wait for inspiration. And, as you said, here we’re talking about the Muse. All those other things are inspirational. Thanks.
By Mary McClellan on November 16, 2013 at 6:15 pm
Thanks Anne Marie! I love Vampirina Ballerina!
By schriscoe on November 16, 2013 at 6:35 pm
This gave me some much needed perspective. BIC – no matter what. Thanks Anne Marie!
By amymariesmith on November 16, 2013 at 6:44 pm
A deadline always works best for me, but if there is none, I struggle to keep going. There’s always ‘tomorrow.’ But then you go and bring up the ticking clock and “fewer days ahead” thing, and dangit, I have a lot of work to do, yet.
Also, I love “Vampirina Ballerina,” so clever.
Okay, back to work, now.
By Laurie L. Young on November 16, 2013 at 6:50 pm
‘Kid Readers’ are also a big inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing your ideas! 🙂
By Jill Siegel on November 16, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Thanks for this post. I love Vampirina Ballerina. I don’t do well with deadlines. It is not a motivating factor for me, but at least it helps me to produce something.
By Jackie Wellington on November 16, 2013 at 7:53 pm
Thanks for sharing.
By Eileen on November 16, 2013 at 8:12 pm
My inspiration for this week is your post. Must get BIC.
By Evie Hjartarson on November 16, 2013 at 8:34 pm
inspirational reminder, “not quitting”
By Tatiana Escallon on November 16, 2013 at 9:36 pm
Most of the time its just pure determination
By Mary Flynn on November 16, 2013 at 10:12 pm
inspiration is the breath that starts it all – those looming deadlines are what compels me to finish! Thanks for your inspiring post.
By Sue Heavenrich on November 16, 2013 at 10:34 pm
I love your reasons. My favorite: “If not now, when?” I’m off to write some more reasons of my own. Thanks, Anne Marie.
By Debbie Austin on November 16, 2013 at 10:35 pm
Great post reminding us to keep writing no matter what. If we don’t write, it will never get written.
By Rick Starkey on November 16, 2013 at 10:51 pm
Thanks for sharing!
By Barbara Messinger on November 16, 2013 at 11:05 pm
I’m so glad I came back to reread Anne Marie’s post because, although I was SURE I had left a comment, as I scrolled down, I did NOT see it. My bad.:(
Anne Marie, thank you for a great post…I can totally relate to the hope, deadlines and kids. I love doing things ahead of time…planning and having things ready well in advance. HOWEVER, I often do my best (meal prep, writing, etc.) when I am ‘under the gun’…I must give what I am doing my whole
attention and focus.:)
I loved hearing the back story about Vamperina Ballerina…and I am SUPER excited you will be participating in Will Write for Cookies! So thrilled about that, truly!
By viviankirkfield on November 16, 2013 at 11:10 pm
I love your reasons to write without procrastinating. One of the reasons I keep writing is I can’t bear the idea of my daughters’ seeing me give up.
By megwrites on November 16, 2013 at 11:13 pm
I agree wholeheartedly about hope. A rejection today does not mean a rejection tomorrow, and even if it does, hope keeps me going! Well, that and that I love the work regardless!
By Dana Atnip on November 16, 2013 at 11:14 pm
My BIC reasons would be ones you already mentioned, plus the knowledge that worthwhile pursuits usually require doing even if you don’t feel like it.
By underthemapleleaves on November 16, 2013 at 11:23 pm
My BIC comes from my children and others’. Thank you for sharing.
By klmcmorranmaus on November 16, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Wow do you know how inspiring it is to read this honest frank posting by a brilliant author like Anne Marie??? Walk into any Barnes and Nobles and Vamperina Ballerina is one of their most popular characters. Its so heart warming to hear from a successful author that they also sometimes don’t feel inspired. Thank you so much for the honesty and for sharing!!!!
By Fashionista Philly on November 17, 2013 at 12:30 am
Those are great reasons to write every day! Thanks, Anne Marie!
By Tina Cho on November 17, 2013 at 1:28 am
I second your reasons to write, Anne Marie. Another for me, life isn’t in balance if I don’t sit BIC.
By Lori Mozdzierz on November 17, 2013 at 6:47 am
Children are the ultimate inspiration. Just to see them smile is my reward.
Thank you for contributing.
By emazza1217 on November 17, 2013 at 7:35 am
Thanks Anne Marie for reminding us there’s no better way to reach our goals than to get our BIC and just get to it! Hard work and determination is a sure way to success I think ~ thanks for the inspiration!
By Karen Mae Zoccoli on November 17, 2013 at 8:46 am
Yesterday my Muse was quite cruel by showing up 30 minutes before company was arriving, when vacuuming needed to be done and cooking started. So, yes. Today I vow to not need her and her cruel sense of humor. BIC it is.
By marciecolleen on November 17, 2013 at 9:01 am
Thanks for your truthful advice about butt in chair hard work,!
By Stacy Gray on November 17, 2013 at 9:10 am
Thanks, AM! Agree with the deadlines and sometimes just setting a timer and saying, I have twenty minutes. Go.
By Kristin Gray on November 17, 2013 at 10:04 am
Never enough time, never enough ideas but you are so right in what you said. thanks for getting my BIC!
By Michele N Miller on November 17, 2013 at 10:12 am
thank you, great post!
By Anita on November 17, 2013 at 10:15 am
Thank goodness I’m not the only one who sometimes must be inspired by things other than some Muse whispering in my ear. Despite the ups and downs of this journey, I’m inspired because, deep-down, I believe in myself, I want to accomplish this long-held dream, and I want to affect others with my work. Thanks for the peek at your writing life!
By Sandy Perlic on November 17, 2013 at 11:11 am
Thank you! This was the perfect post for me to read during a particularly uninspired week. This coming week I’ll be focused on BIC. (BTW – What you’re NOT telling us about some of the “secret” inspirations for getting you BIC has just inspired an idea!)
By Melanie Ellsworth on November 17, 2013 at 2:18 pm
“If not now, when?” GREAT question! Thanks for the post.
By bucherwurm65 on November 17, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Thanks for sharing! I’d say most often, something a child says that enlightens me to how they see the world is often a source of inspiration. Fortunately, I have two young children and lots of their friends around all the time. Another book or writer might inspire me… or a true, cool, needs-to-be-told story of someone’s experience.
By Marcy P. on November 17, 2013 at 4:41 pm
That was a very honest, well-written post. Thank you.
By RaChelle Lisiecki on November 17, 2013 at 6:24 pm
Ah, a post after my own heart. Love how you don’t mind you children seeing you struggle but you won’t let them see you quit, that is another way of looking at it.
By Yvonne Mes on November 17, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Great post! 😀
By thiskidreviewsbooks on November 17, 2013 at 7:47 pm
Great post!
By erin on November 17, 2013 at 7:50 pm
Ann Marie thanks for sharing the great tips for getting my muse to keep working while BIC. I especially liked your tip number three.
By Therese Nagi on November 17, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Absolutely love your books!
By heather sisson on November 17, 2013 at 10:44 pm
I’m always surprised how often inspiration sneaks up on me when I’m working, butt-in-chair, trying to work through a problem!
By Cathy C. Hall on November 17, 2013 at 10:54 pm
What a great point you make. I don’t want my kids to see me quit either! What an inspiring post. Study motivates me. Sometimes I can’t get my brain revved up to write or revise, but if I type out the text of a PB I love, sometimes my muse returns from Tahiti (maybe she and your muse were having pina coladas?) and helps me out. 😀
By megmillerwrites on November 17, 2013 at 11:11 pm
I live by it and love your quote:
‘They can see me struggle, and they can see me change my direction, but I don’t want them to see me quit.’
By Ramona on November 18, 2013 at 12:10 am
Very nice post. Being an inspiration to your kids by not quitting is a great inspiration. Thank you for pointing to it. I am a bit too good under deadlines and must set my own due dates for completing projects so I don’t get too comfortable in the day to day creating. My main drive comes from the desire to create worlds that kids will love to escape into. To make a difference, even if it’s just one giggle at a time. 🙂
By wendymyersart on November 18, 2013 at 2:33 am
My BIC is the need to still be me and do what I love, even more so that my kids eat up all my free time. I need that time for me.
By Kelly Parker on November 18, 2013 at 10:09 am
Great post. I thought it was funny your teens think they are too old for picture books. My almost 18 year old snaps up any new picture book I bring into the house. Often before I get a chance to read it myself.
Your comment about not quitting really resonated with me. I’ve never quit something before reaching my goal. I don’t want my daughter and my former students to see me quit writing. 🙂
By Sharon K Mayhew on November 18, 2013 at 10:34 am
This is great. I have learned that I need to push myself to complete stories even when my mind wants to rush into a different idea. Otherwise, I will just have a ton of unfinished stories that no one can read…
By Jessica on November 18, 2013 at 10:52 am
The thing I’ve learned from PiBoIdMo (now my 2nd yr.) is that inspiration is directly connected to me just showing up. When I sit down with my notebook every morning before the day job and wait, an idea(s) comes. I’m always amazed. Also the mother of 4, I loved your comment about not letting the kids see you quit. I hadn’t really thought about that before. It inspired me to keep going. Thanks!
By Quinn Cole on November 18, 2013 at 11:25 am
What a great post. My kids have seen me work hard at this and that’s so important!
By Franziska Green (@franziskagreen) on November 18, 2013 at 1:02 pm
Deadlines are definitely motivating. Thanks for reminding me. Ann
By Ann Birnie on November 18, 2013 at 1:29 pm
Great post! Thanks for reminding us that while waiting for the sparkly muses to show up, we can using more practical techniques to get our butt in the chair! Deadlines always work for me! Love how you don’t want your kids to see you quit! Now that’s inspiration!
By sketched out on November 18, 2013 at 2:32 pm
I’m struggling with the inspiration-BIC thing too and REALLY appreciate your post for oh-so-many reasons, and a special thank you for actually just sharing that you weren’t feeling inspired or inspiring, because that is actually incredibly inspiring to hear.
The initial ‘jumping in’ to creative mode is what I struggle with, but it typically happens when I do the following (and I will admit, many days getting to step one doesn’t happen): 1. sit down and set a timer for 20 minutes; 2. make a small short term goal (ie. something I think would take 5 minutes to do); 3. turn on some audio to distract my left brain by listening to—nature sounds when writing/brainstorming & audio books when illustrating; 4. when the timer goes off if I’ve made my goal then I set another goal, if I still on the first goal, I give myself permission to spend another 20 on it.
It’s a very good sign I’ve gotten over the initial-resist-creativity-hump when that timer goes off and I say, “What? That was a fast 20 minutes…” then I know I’m in creative mode. I live for the days I get in that mode. I love being there, where all sense of time stops and I’m totally present to creating whatever it is I’m creating. : ) speaking of which…time to go.
Thanks for the great post today!
By Kirsten Carlson (@kirstencarlson) on November 18, 2013 at 4:59 pm
I need to do BIC!! Thank you!
By vijikc on November 18, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Thanks for this post reminding me to BIC.
By Deborah Bates Cavitt on November 18, 2013 at 8:05 pm
Pretty much the only way I ever accomplish anything is if I publicly state that I’m going to do something ie. post on twitter or on my blog. Then I feel like I can’t let down the handful of people who are actually paying attention. Sometimes, I have let them down, due to sickness or toddler tantrums or just plain sleep deprivation, but then once that passes I’m motivated to keep my word true in the long run!
By helenajuhasz on November 18, 2013 at 10:12 pm
My son is totally an inspiration to me! He’s also my biggest obstacle for writing. I think it makes me concentrate my efforts so it ends up with even bigger and better things happening!
By Dani Duck on November 19, 2013 at 2:22 am
That really was quite inspirational. Thanks.
By Tracie Laulusa on November 19, 2013 at 7:52 am
If not now, when? That is a great quote. Thanks for this post. You are right inspiration is just a part of it. Work is the only way one will accomplish their goal.
By Kathy Cornell Berman on November 19, 2013 at 10:17 am
Oei, the thicking clock
By Priya Gopal on November 20, 2013 at 9:02 pm
When I’m stuck or not in the mood, I type out a mentor text. Once my fingers are flying at the keyboard with someone else’s beautiful words, I’m greased and ready to write my own.
By Lauri Meyers on November 20, 2013 at 9:34 pm
Anne Marie,
From those motivators you mentioned (and I experience them all) my best motivator is having a deadline…I am by nature a last-minuter, and yes, I’ve discovered that my brain zooming toward a deadline like a run-away train toward an open canyon is very, well…inspiring. Ideas appear like the Lone Ranger in my mind and stop the trainwreck, and save the day.
Thanks for the post, and hi-ho Silver! Away!
— Damon Dean
By SevenAcreSky on November 21, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Thanks for sharing! I need to just work harder. 🙂 I do best under deadlines too, but the problem without a deal or an agent, is you are on your own. So you have to find a way to give yourself deadlines. Thanks for making my wheels turn.
By littledbl on November 22, 2013 at 9:31 am
When I’m inspired I could do a ten page in one sitting writing novels and then there’s nothing the next day. When that spark ignites, it’s all for the taking. Time is on your side.
By aliciaminor on November 23, 2013 at 7:45 am
I’ve heard something similar from an illustration instructor: “What are you waiting for?” In essence it’s fear of failure. Then I remember what my first drawing instructor used to say: “Nothing to lose, everything to gain.”
By Jennifer Ali on November 23, 2013 at 4:01 pm
Good post, Anne Marie! Kids are grown so my motivation is not letting me see me quit. That and the ticking clock saying less days ahead.
By Kathryn Ault Noble on November 24, 2013 at 5:35 pm
Thanks for reminding me that I can’t wait for inspiration before starting projects. It’s like waiting for the perfect writing space before sitting down to create. Inspiration and hard work get it done.
By Debbie Faith Mickelson on November 24, 2013 at 6:25 pm
Great criteria! Deadlines are hard, but they have there place for sure. Sometimes I work better under pressure, AND sometimes the deadlines drive me insane. What can you do!
By blanchebaxter on November 27, 2013 at 1:16 am
Going through our bookshelf or being at the library often helps to get me back to my desk. Just looking at the cover of your Vampirina Ballerina gave me an idea and was enough to get me back to work. Thank you!
By Tracey Jackson on November 29, 2013 at 3:24 pm
Great ideas…no procrastination allowed!
By angiekarcher on November 30, 2013 at 1:36 am
Just loved Vampirina Ballerina! What a wonderful post and thank you for sharing! As long as your creative mind is open, we can find inspiration in everything. Each day I can’t wait to see what my inspiration will be! I feel like I missed something if I don’t “get it” each day. I worked with special ed. students and they inspired me on a daily basis. I really miss the interaction with them but fortunately I kept my notebook close by at all times and can refer to it if in search for my daily inspiration. Thank you!
By Kelly Vavala on November 30, 2013 at 11:43 am
Oooh, thanks! I got two ideas just from reading this post. You. Are. Good.
By carolmunrojww on November 30, 2013 at 1:10 pm
Thank you for providing inspiration even when not meaning to.
My children haven’t seen me quit either! 🙂
By Tracey M. Cox on November 30, 2013 at 4:14 pm
When? Now!
By alwaysbedancing on November 30, 2013 at 7:11 pm
My favorites are ‘Hope’ and ‘Deadlines’!
By cnparch on December 1, 2013 at 10:57 pm
Writing with deadlines often brings on inspiration.
By Laurie J. Edwards on December 3, 2013 at 12:08 am
[…] connected with today’s Will Write for Cookies guest of honor when she was the Day #16 Guest Poster on Tara Lazar’s PiBoIdMo. Anne Marie talked about hopes and dreams and deadlines and kids…four topics I can really […]
By Anne Marie Pace – Will Write For Cookies | Picture Books Help Kids Soar on June 20, 2014 at 2:56 pm