Actually I should be writing something. Not only one thing but I have promised several (mostly short) pieces. But I am having a hard time getting into the mood for writing. The closer the deadlines the less I want to jump in. Procrastination takes over…
Is the mood really an illusion? Often writers claim that they need to be inspired by their muse (or other artificial stimulants) to be able to create. Others claim that the art of writing is just a humbug and it’s all down to hard work. Pragmatists (or is it salesmen/consultants?) make strange claims such as: writing is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration. Not really sure where I stand on this.
Life would be nice if the mood was ever present. In particular if the mood was kind enough to show up at deadlines. But through experience I know that my mood seldom has the good manners to show up when needed most. So what is left is sad determination. Wish there was a way to create the mood. No – absinthe (Toulouse-Lautrec), opium (De Quincey) or LSD (Morrison) would not be a good idea. These may have worked for others but I somehow doubt that any paper I write would be improved through these means.
What gets you in the mood?