Missing the Spark

Reading about writing makes me want to write about what I've read. Today I read what an American writer wrote about the act of getting started. He shared eleven rules that help him articulate and produce drafts. One of them was, Don't go searching for a subject, let the subject find you. That's easy, I thought, then I can lean back now and wait for something to hit me. But then, maybe that's not what he meant. 

I mean, what if it hits you and you just dismiss it, because you didn't feel the buzz? The reason I'm saying that is because I haven't had any worthwhile idea in a very long time. I guess there were sparks, little moments of literal awareness, but obviously nothing strong enough to light the typing fire in me. And that despite the fact that I've been up and active most of the time. Urgh, maybe I have to sharpen my senses.

Another rule I found interesting was this: Write what you know. He explains it, but it was kind of complicated. I think what he means is that, even when writing fiction, you should draw ideas and inspiration only from what you already know well. I thought that made sense and connected it to another thing he said, which is: Go out and experience. I like that one. Go out and experience. Today. Right now.