Illuminated
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Eventually, the light goes on. Last night it happened for me at four in the morning, as I lay on the downstairs couch listening to rain, watching the room flash bright with every lightning strike. I was (as I've been saying) trying to find my way back into a novel I had written, trying to run a new ribbon of color through the fabric I had woven. I trained my mind on details, not plot. Motifs, not action. I lay awake but not moving all night long, until a single image—a yellow flag iris—floated forward and remained.
Perhaps the hardest part of writing is the not-writing, the thinking through. Silence eludes us, solutions do, and all we can do is wait. Faith is required. And weather.
3 comments:
Beth, I am currently in the early stages of writing a play...I have found myself traveling to the "still" time..watching the night stars as I lay in bed, listening to night sounds that are unheard during the day....all to find my way into the lives of the two women who are entering my life through this play. "Details, Libby..details"...I find myself going to the details for this will move me to the source from where this play starts from and needs to go to.
The thinking through....so many hours we think be it for a novel, a piece of music, a play, a choreographed ice skating routine, a choreographed dance....the creative process requires of us so much still time...thinking time, letting go, bringing in and as you said...FAITH.
Enjoy your day Beth. Love, Libby
I wish you luck with your writing! I loved UNDERCOVER and can't wait for HOUSE OF DANCE! I'm sure you'll have a fabulous idea come your way soon!
Lib,
What could be more beautiful than you sitting down to write a play. Two women. The details. Faith. I can't wait to hear more.
And Tasha,
Well. Thank you. What a generous posting this is.
b
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